IPC opens nominations for Scientific Award

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has opened nominations for the 2021 IPC Scientific Award in its continuing effort to honour the work of researchers in the Paralympic Movement.

The Award will be presented at the 2021 VISTA Conference taking place virtually, over six days in partnership with six leading Universities between 18 November and 16 December 2021. The Award winner will also deliver a keynote address at the VISTA Conference.

First awarded in 2005, the biennial Scientific Award recognises an academic researcher for his or her work and contribution in the field of sports for persons with an impairment. More information and details on how to submit nominations before the 23 July 2021 12:00 GMT deadline can be found at www.vista2021.com.

Dr. Debra Alexander, IPC Governing Board Member, Chair of the IPC Science and Research Working Group and VISTA 2021 Scientific Committee Chair, said: “We feel truly blessed to, during these challenging times, not only celebrate the 10^th anniversary of IPC’s scientific gathering but also the achievements of Para sport researchers who continue to pursue excellence and inspire through their work ethic, passion, dedication and contribution to Para sport research and the Paralympic movement.   

“Over and above acknowledging and rewarding the work of our researchers, the award encourages and promotes further study and contribution to the body of scientific knowledge and expertise in Para sport”.

The award was presented to Professor Yves Vanlandewijck at the VISTA 2019 conference held at the Institute of Sport Science in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Yves is a professor in Rehabilitation Sciences at the Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, at Leuven University, Belgium and at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH) Stockholm, Sweden.

He is one of the pioneers of and a leading lecturer in the International Master program in Adapted Physical Activity. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, is a reviewer for numerous peer-reviewed scientific journals and has promoted more than 10 PhD projects in the field of physical activities and sports for people with impairments. Professor Vanlandewijck joined the IPC Sport Science Committee in 1995, and between 2004 and 2018 chaired this committee.

At VISTA 2017 the award went to Loughborough University professor Vicky Goosey-Tolfrey while at VISTA 2015 it was presented to Professor Jennifer Mactavish, Dean of the Yeats School of Graduate Studies at Ryerson University.

More information on previous award winners can be found on the IPC website. 

IPC members, IPC Governing Board members, Sport Technical Committees, IPC Standing Committees and Councils can all submit nominations ahead of the deadline which is on 23 July 2021 at 12:00 GMT.