Introducing Prof. Dr. Beatriz Ferreira – ICSSPE’s New Vice-President

The International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE) is pleased to spotlight one of its newly elected Vice-President, Prof. Dr. Beatriz Ferreira. Having long been an active contributor to ICSSPE — from her work on the Development Committee to her service on the Executive Board — Prof. Ferreira brings deep expertise, international perspective, and a strong commitment to advancing the organisation’s mission.

 

“I am thankful to all the members who voted for me, trusted me, and believed in my work to serve
ICSSPE over the next four years.” she said. “Being Vice-President represents recognition, resilience, and the possibility of bringing together the dream of so many members to continue advancing ICSSPE’s vision, mission, and values.”

 

Prof. Ferreira’s academic career bridges physical education and anthropology, combining teaching, research, and outreach across leading universities in Brazil and abroad, including the University of São Paulo, UNICAMP, and KU Leuven. Beyond academia, she has collaborated with international organisations and initiatives such as IAPESGW, CELAFISCS (Agita São Paulo), the Intertribal Committee on Indigenous Memory and Science, and the Norbert Elias Foundation, contributing to projects on gender, inclusion, culture, and society in sport.

 

As Vice-President, she aims to strengthen collaboration with ICSSPE’s leadership and members, expand partnerships with global organisations such as the UN, IOC, UNESCO, and promote regional initiatives that connect local action to ICSSPE’s global vision. She also emphasises the importance of the Biennial Working Programme to provide clear strategies, as well as the ethical and inclusive use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in sport and physical education.

 

Looking ahead, Prof. Ferreira sees ICSSPE’s 70th anniversary in 2028 as an opportunity to celebrate resilience, diversity, and collective commitment, while amplifying the organisation’s global impact through local and international events.

 

Above all, she highlights connection as her source of inspiration: “What inspires me most is the opportunity to connect with people from different cultures, disciplines, and regions who share the belief that sport and physical activity can improve lives.”

 

Her vision for ICSSPE’s future can be summed up in three words: “Knowledge, inclusion, and innovation for active societies.”

 

Read the full interview with Prof. Ferreira in the attachment below to learn more about her journey, priorities, and inspiration as she takes on this important role.