IPC SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCES: VISTA

The VISTA Conference is the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) premier scientific gathering, advancing the IPC’s mission by providing a global platform for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange in Para sport.

First held in 1993, VISTA was created to address the limited body of scientific research on elite sport for athletes with an impairment. Since then, it has grown into a leading forum for sharing cutting edge research, insights and practical expertise in support of the Paralympic Movement. By uniting experts in sport science, classification, medicine, coaching, athlete support and sport administration, VISTA fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration across all areas of Para sport.

Programme Highlights

The VISTA Conference programme includes:

Keynote lectures by world-leading scholars and practitioners
Invited symposia on emerging topics and innovations in Para sport
Peer-reviewed oral and poster presentations
Presentation of the IPC Scientific Award
Networking sessions

Together, these elements support evidence-informed practice to enhance athlete well-being, performance and inclusion in sport for persons with disabilities.

Global Legacy

Since its debut, VISTA has been hosted in countries around the world, including:

Germany (1999, 2006, 2011, 2013)
Sweden (2003)
Spain (2015)
Canada (2017)
The Netherlands (2019)

The 2021 edition was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the 2023 edition was postponed until 2025.

VISTA 2025: Cairo, Egypt

7 to 10 December 2025
Hosted in partnership with the Egyptian Paralympic Committee
Theme: ‘Developing Para Sport: Inclusion, Transformation, Health, and Performance’
For more information please visit Vista 2025 website.

Call for Abstracts

The IPC invites abstract submission from researchers and experts across Para sport. Abstracts may be submitted for oral or poster presentation, reviewed by the VISTA Scientific Committee Working Group.

The conference will feature themed symposia and free communications across areas including:

Classification
Ethics and integrity
Socio-cultural legacy and development
Sport medicine, health and well-being
Sport performance
Technology and equipment

Abstract submission details vary by edition. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official conference site.

IPC Scientific Award

The IPC Scientific Award, first presented at VISTA 2005, honours outstanding research and development contributions to sport for persons with disabilities.

The IPC Scientific Award will recognise individuals who:

Made significant contributions to Para sport research or development
Received national or international recognition
Emphasise practical application benefit in Para sport and the Paralympic Movement.

The IPC will present the highly prestigious IPC Scientific Award during the IPC VISTA Conference.

The recipient will be announced at VISTA and invited to deliver a keynote address.