VISTA 2025
IPC scientific conference
WELCOME TO VISTA 2025
VISTA 2025 was held virtually from 18-29 May 2026, bringing together sport scientists, medical experts, researchers, classifiers and other stakeholders across the Paralympic Movement. Hosted by the University of Pittsburgh, the Conference provided a global platform for the exchange of research, knowledge, and practice in Para sport.
The VISTA Conference is the IPC's leading international forum dedicated to advancing evidence-based practice across the Paralympic Movement, spanning sport science, classification, medicine, technology, performance coaching and athlete support.
Themes covered at VISTA 2025 included:
- Classification
- Engineering and technology
- Performance
- Socio-culture research
THE ORGANISERS
VISTA 2025 was hosted by the University of Pittsburgh on behalf of the International Paralympic Committee. The Conference was chaired by Dr. Rory A. Cooper.
VISTA 2025 PROGRAMME
The programme brought together a wide range of scientific and applied content, including invited talks, oral presentations, and thematic panel discussions across key areas of Para sport science.
PANEL DISCUSSIONS AND RECORDED PRESENTATIONS
VISTA 2025 featured invited presentations, pre-recorded oral talks, and expert panel discussions highlighting research, innovation, and key challenges across the Paralympic Movement.
CLASSIFICATION
Moderator: Yves Vanlandewijck
Panelists: Emma Beckman, Jonas Drogseth Christensen, Erica Gavel-Pinos, David Howe, Mike McNamee
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Moderator: Rory Cooper
Panelists: Marina Davtyan, Ian Rice, Eileen Blaauw
PERFORMANCE
Moderator: Vicky Goosey-Tolfrey
Panelists: Alysa Seely, Erica Gavel-Pinos, Joe Baker, Tom O'Brien
SOCIO-CULTURAL RESEARCH
Moderator: David Howe
Panelists: Amanda Lowery, Staci Mannella, Andrea Bundon
VISTA 2025 IPC SCIENTIFIC AWARD
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is proud to announce Professor Brendan Burkett as the recipient of the 2025 IPC Scientific Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to scientific research and innovation in Para sport.
Professor Burkett has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing the Paralympic Movement through research, athlete support, coaching, and leadership. His work has helped shape the fields of biomechanics, sport technology, classification science, and high-performance sport, delivering practical benefits to Para athletes and teams worldwide.
He competed and medaled at four Paralympic Games between 1988 and 2000, serving as team captain and flag bearer, before continuing his involvement in the Paralympic Movement as a head coach, sport scientist, and academic leader.
Through his roles with the University of the Sunshine Coast, Swimming Australia, Paralympics Australia and the International Paralympic Committee, Burkett has helped bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring scientific knowledge delivers meaningful benefits for Para athletes worldwide.
In recognition of his sustained scientific excellence, leadership, and commitment to improving opportunities for Para athletes worldwide, the IPC is honoured to present Professor Brendan Burkett with the 2025 IPC Scientific Award.
