UL researchers play key role in establishment of International Sport Science Standards

UL PESS researchers play key role in establishment of International Sport Science Standards. Professor Tom Comyns from UL’s Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences PESS

Two University of Limerick researchers from PESS have played a key role in establishing new international standards for sport science

Professor Tom Comyns and Professor Brian Carson from UL‘s Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences (PESS) are part of the team to lead a landmark global initiative to establish International Sport Science Standards, with Professor Comyns co-leading the project.

Launched in May 2024 by the International Confederation of Sport and Exercise Science Practice (ICSESP), the project brought together world-leading expertise through a dedicated steering committee and an international working group representing 16 countries.


Professor Comyns, who is also the Chair of the Irish Sport and Exercise Science Association (ISESA), together with Nathan Reeves (Griffith University, Brisbane) from the ICSESP chaired the steering committee and working group. The project used a rigorous evidence-based approach to shape these standards in a manner that reflects best practice in sport science across diverse regions and professional contexts.

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Commenting on the significance of the impact UL’s Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences and the Irish Sport and Exercise Sciences Association has had on this international project, Professor Comyns said, “The publication of the International Sport Science Professional Standards is the culmination of an extensive global collaborative process involving sport science experts from across the globe. It marks a truly significant step forward for the discipline of sport science internationally and will help shape the profession, including from a professional learning and accreditation perspective.

“I am delighted to have had the opportunity to represent UL and the sport and exercise science community in Ireland as Chair of the ISESA in co-leading and co-chairing this innovative worldwide project for the International Confederation of Sport and Exercise Science Practice.”

Professor Brian Carson, PESS and Co-Chair of the Exercise is Medicine National Centre Ireland, was a member of the project working group that reviewed and refined the standards through the various iterative phases.

He said, “Working in the field of sport sciences for over 20 years, it has been incredible to see the growth and development of the profession in this time. The generation and publication of these international standards marks a significant milestone for the field, and will greatly enhance the standards, credibility, and reputation of practising sports scientists around the globe.

“It was a privilege to work as part of such an outstanding multidisciplinary team of practitioners and academics to develop these standards. I hope to see and be part of the implementation of these standards to further develop practitioners and ultimately benefit athletes, clients and end users long into the future.”