Istanbul Gedik University Among the Scientific and Academic Partners of the 3rd IAHPEDS World Congress

The 3rd IAHPEDS World Congress, organized biennially by the International Association for Health, Physical Education, Dance and Sport (IAHPEDS), was held on 24–28 June 2026 at the Turkish Olympic House (Olympic House Istanbul), hosted by the Turkish National Olympic Committee (NOC Türkiye).

Supported by the Turkish National Olympic Committee (NOC Türkiye), the Turkish National Paralympic Committee (NPC Türkiye), Marmara University, Istanbul Gedik University, and Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, the congress brought together academics, researchers, practitioners, and students from around the world under the theme “Overcoming Barriers Through Sport for All, Health, Physical Education, and Dance.”

As one of the scientific partners of the congress, Istanbul Gedik University made significant academic contributions, particularly through its Faculty of Sport Sciences. Prof. Dr. Salih Pınar, Dean of the Faculty of Sport Sciences, together with the faculty members, played an active role in both the organizational process and the scientific program of the congress. Through scientific exchange and collaboration with international scholars, they successfully represented the University on the global academic stage.

Throughout the five-day congress, the latest scientific developments in sport, health, physical education, and dance were shared with the international academic community. Numerous scientific sessions focused on promoting inclusive sport, strengthening international academic collaboration, and highlighting the role of sport in social development.

The congress covered a wide range of contemporary topics, including developmental movement education in early childhood, global physical education policies, student experiences, elite sport systems and talent development, the Olympic Movement and sport management, psychological aspects of sport, and the integration of artificial intelligence into physical education.

The congress welcomed more than 200 scientists from 15 countries, along with 80 undergraduate and graduate students, coaches, and athletes. The scientific program featured 15 invited keynote speakers, while a total of 172 scientific presentations were delivered, including 55 in-person presentations in English, 50 in-person presentations in Turkish, 63 online presentations, and 4 poster presentations. In addition, four international workshops were organized.

Beyond its scientific program, participants also had the opportunity to experience Istanbul’s rich cultural and social heritage. The Gala Dinner, held at the İBB Florya Social Facilities, provided an excellent setting for academics and participants from different countries to strengthen international friendships and expand their professional networks in a social environment.

Another highlight of the social program was the Bosphorus Cruise aboard the Valide Sultan Ferry, provided by the Municipality of Üsküdar. The cruise offered participants an

unforgettable opportunity to enjoy the unique historical and natural beauty of the Bosphorus while fostering intercultural interaction and international academic networking.

By actively contributing to an event that promoted international scientific cooperation, the Faculty of Sport Sciences of Istanbul Gedik University once again demonstrated its strong academic vision in the field of sport sciences. Through its scientific contributions and organizational support, the Faculty successfully represented both the University and Türkiye on the international stage.