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CLASSIFICATION RESEARCH

2025 IPC Classification Research Grant


As part of the ongoing commitment to advancing Classification, the IPC has launched the 2025 IPC Classification Research Grant, which is envisaged to run from 2025 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.

Key details

  • First call for applications is OPEN NOW with a review on a rolling basis between July and end of September 2025.
  • Second call for applications to be announced in the second half of 2026.
  • Project duration: 12 to 36 months, with a deadline of October 2028

Funding budget bands

a. from EUR 125,001 to EUR 250,000;
b. from EUR 90,001 to EUR 125,000;
c. from EUR 65,001 to EUR 90,000; and
d. up to EUR 65,000.

Application information

  • For full details related to applications, eligibility and criteria, please see the following document: 2025 IPC Classification Research Grant Scheme (.pdf)
  • Applications must be submitted through the online form, available here: IPC Classification Research Grant application form
  • Applications can be submitted by:
    • International Federations (IFs)
    • International Organisations of Sports for the Disabled (IOSDs);
    • 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 will give preference to applications coming from IFs. Applications from universities or other research institutions should include endorsement in a written format from the relevant IF(s).

An open webinar is organised for 22 July 2025 which will serve as an opportunity to present an overview of the Grant process and for prospective applications to ask any questions. To register your attendance, please use the following form: IPC Classification Research Grant webinar registration form

Document(s) to support your application

Please download the following budget template before starting your submission: 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.