WiSEAN Conference aims to improve the health and performance of women and girls in sport and exercise

The University of Portsmouth will host the 6th Women in Sport and Exercise Academic Network (WiSEAN) conference later this year.

The conference, in association the Active Pregnancy Foundation, will explore the theme ‘Moving Women: Shaping Victories’ focusing on empowering women and girls in sport and exercise.

The two-day event (26 and 27 June) will bring together academics, researchers and practitioners from various disciplines such as psychology, physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, coaching and performance, sociology, cultural studies, and leadership and management.

The aim is to:

·      Celebrate the advancements in research that enhance the overall well-being of women athletes.

·      Discuss inequalities in sport between males and females and highlight work that is going on to address this imbalance.

·      Challenge existing attitudes and boundaries that persist for women in the sports industry and inspire change.

·      Provide a dynamic platform for networking and enhance confidence through shared knowledge and experience.

Conference organiser Dr Jenny Burbage, Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics in the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science at the University of Portsmouth, said: “I am delighted that the University of Portsmouth will be hosting this prestigious conference on behalf of WiSEAN. It will be amazing to build networks and exchange ideas among researchers, students, physicians, psychologists, sports scientists, athletic trainers, coaches, and others committed to the health, wellbeing, and sports performance of female athletes.

“Female-focused sport and exercise conferences in the United States of America and Australia have really gained traction over the past few years, so I’m hoping that this will do the same for the UK.”

Dr Marlize De Vivo, CEO of the Active Pregnancy Foundation, said: “We are thrilled about our collaboration with the University of Portsmouth for the upcoming 6th WiSEAN conference. Together, we aim to illuminate the latest research while also celebrating the advancement of knowledge in the field of women's health and performance. These evidence-based insights play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of women and girls' engagement in sports and exercise throughout their life course, contributing not only to their physical and mental well-being but also enriching the broader societal narrative.”

To submit an abstract for the conference, please contact: WiSEANConference24@port.ac.uk by 22 March. Visit the conference website for all the details.