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CLASSIFICATION RESEARCH

2026 IPC Classification Research Grant - Second Call


As part of the ongoing commitment to advancing Classification, the IPC launched a second call of the IPC Classification Research Grant, which is envisaged to run from 2026 to 2028.

This grant aims to support the development and improvement of best practice and evidence-based Classification systems in Para sports through the delivery of multidisciplinary research projects.

The second call for applications is conducted in two phases: a Project Summary (Phase 1), and a Full Project Submission (Phase 2). To apply for the grant, an online application form must be completed and supplemented with additional documents within the identified timeframe. Only shortlisted applications will be invited to complete Phase 2.

Key details

  • Phase 1 (Project Summary): Now closed (21 April until 31 May 2026).
  • Phase 1 application outcome: Anticipated by end of June 2026.
  • Phase 2 (Full Project Submission): 1 July to end of August 2026 (by invitation only).
  • Phase 2 application outcome: Anticipated by end of September 2026.
  • Project duration: 12 to 24 months, with a final delivery deadline of October 2028.

Funding budget bands

a. Band A: up to EUR 150,000;
b. Band B: up to EUR 100,000;
c. Band C: up to EUR 50,000; and
d. Band D: up to EUR 30,000.

Application information

  • For full details related to applications, eligibility and criteria, please see the following document: 2026 IPC SfM Classification Research Grant (.pdf)
     
  • Applications can be submitted by:
    • International Federations (IFs)
    • International Organisations of Sports for the Disabled (IOSDs);
    • National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) or Regional Organisations (ROs);
    • Recognised International Federations (RIFs); and 
    • Universities or other research institutions (ideally through the IFs)*  

* Independent applications from universities or other research institutions may be considered in exceptional cases; the IPC prefers for the applications to be submitted by the IPC member organisations. Applications from universities or other research institutions are encouraged to be accompanied by an endorsement in a written format from the relevant IF(s). Ideally, the endorsement letter should provide an overview followed by specific details on how the expected findings of the project will be implemented or considered for the classification in such particular Para sport/s and such letter will only be request for project applications that move to Phase 2.

Webinar

An open webinar took place on 29 April 2026 11:00 AM CEST (Bonn time), which provided an opportunity for the IPC to present an overview of the Grant process and for prospective applicants to ask questions.

To watch a recording of the webinar, please use the following link: IPC Classification Research Grant webinar recording - 29 April 2026

A PDF containing the slides presented during the webinar are also provided here: IPC Classification Research Grant webinar slides (.pdf)

Document(s) to support your application

Please download the following templates before starting your submission:

Phase 1: Phase 1 project summary idea template (.pdf)

Phase 2: Phase 2 proposal template (.pdf)

Phase 2: IPC Classification Research Grant budget template (.xlsx)

For any questions, please contact the IPC Classification team at: classificationresearch@paralympic.org.

Classification research


The 2025 IPC Classification Code defines Classification Research as “any systematic scientific evaluation, analysis, or investigation, which aims to enhance or understand a Para sport Classification system or systems”.

The Code further details the responsibilities of International Federations in relation to developing Classification systems and implementing Best Practice Classification systems.

Each Para sport has its own Classification system. While the majority share key features, there is considerable variability in a range of fundamental areas.

These include: the choice to cater for one or more Eligible Impairments, the basis for determining Minimum Impairment Criteria, the measurement methods for assessing the Minimum Impairment Criteria, and Sport Class allocation.

To support the development of Classification systems, facilitate the Classification research and its translation into practice, professors Sean Tweedy, and Yves Vanlandewijck wrote a scientific paper on the Background and Scientific Rationale for Classification in Paralympic Sport, which the IPC adopted as the position statement. This paper primarily captured the position in relation to Classification of Athletes with Physical Impairments. 

Subsequently, in 2018 and 2021, two position statements were published to reflect the Classification systems and research in relation to Athletes with Vision Impairment and Intellectual Impairment:  

  • Mann, D.L., Ravensbergen, H.J.C. International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Joint Position Stand on the Sport-Specific Classification of Athletes with Vision Impairment. Sports Med 48, 2011–2023 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-0949-6
     
  • Van Biesen, D., Burns, J., Mactavish, J., Van de Vliet, P., & Vanlandewijck, Y. (2021). Conceptual model of sport-specific classification for para-athletes with intellectual impairment. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(sup1), 19–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1881280

Classification is at the foundation of Para sport. It ensures athletes compete on a level playing field by minimising the impact of impairments on the outcome oof competition. Effective and fair classification systems are essential to achieving the IPC’s mission: to lead the Paralympic Movement, oversee the delivery of the Paralympic Games, and support IPC Members to enable Para athletes to achieve sporting excellence. 

Special journal issue on Classification research

As part of its ongoing investment in Classification research, the IPC supported the publication of a special issue in the Journal of Sport Science in 2021, focused on "Evidence-based Classification in Paralympic sports". 

This special issue showcased the work being done by scientists around the world to improve Classification in Para sports. It contains 20 scientific articles across all three impairment types (physical, vision, intellectual) and a range of Para sports.

All articles are available and can be accessed on the Taylor and Francis website. 

IPC press release: IPC supports Journal of Sport Science evidence-based classification issue 

Classification Research and Development Centres 


In the period between 2013-2020, the IPC has engaged three universities to assist the co-ordination of the Classification research agenda, each centre being dedicated to one Eligible Impairment group:

  • Athletes with Physical Impairment - School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Australia (Sean Tweedy)  
  • Athletes with Intellectual Impairment - Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium (Yves Vanlandewijck)  
  • Athletes with Vision Impairment - Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Free University Amsterdam, Netherlands (David Mann)  

Aside from leading sport specific Classification research projects, these centres facilitated exchange of knowledge and dialogue with Classification research groups to align concepts and applications across sports.  

They also assisted Para sports and the IPC in delivering Classifier training and provide advice on the further development of Classification in the Paralympic Movement.  

Should you have any questions, please contact classification@paralympic.org.