The International Organization of Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is pleased and honored to announce the establishment of the Dr. Monoem Haddad Scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic years. These scholarships will support IOHSK undergraduate and graduate student members through conference presentation support, travel assistance, and general academic scholarships.

Psychology has long reminded us that growth does not happen through achievement alone. The well-known Harlow monkey experiments, although controversial and ethically troubling, showed how deeply living beings need comfort, connection, care, and emotional security. The lesson is powerful: performance cannot be separated from belonging. This idea can also be applied to professional and academic organizations. A meaningful organization should not value its members only by publications, presentations, external awards, titles, or visible achievements. While academic accomplishments are important, they should never be the only measure of a member’s worth.

The International Organization of Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) proudly congratulates two of its undergraduate members from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) for their outstanding academic achievements during the University's 80th Commencement Exercises.  

Nicole S. Ocoy, who graduated with the degree Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd) and was awarded the distinction of Magna Cum Laude, a testament to her unwavering dedication, academic excellence, and commitment to learning throughout her collegiate journey.

Also earning academic distinction is Fhonnalyn S. Eyong, who completed her degree in Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences (BSESS) and graduated with the honor of Cum Laude. Her achievement reflects years of perseverance, hard work, and passion for excellence in the field of sports and exercise sciences.

Exercise physiology is entering a new era. Rapid advances in science, wearable technology, artificial intelligence, and digital health are transforming how we study human performance, prevent chronic disease, and apply research in real-world settings.

At the same time, climate change, environmental challenges, research reproducibility, and differences in international research practices are creating important questions for the future of the discipline. Join us for a special roundtable discussion at the 9th IOHSK International Conference:

“Exercise Physiology Research: Emerging Directions, Translation, and Scientific Challenges.”

The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Belaid Akil Abdelkader as the newly appointed Vice President of IOHSK Middle East and Central Asia. Professor Abdelkader is a Higher Education Full Professor at the University of Khemis Miliana, Algeria.

The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is pleased to announce a special book signing event featuring Dr. Timothy Baghurst, Professor and Director of FSU COACH: Interdisciplinary Center for Athletic Coaching at Florida State University. Dr. Baghurst is also an invited speaker for IOHSK’s 2026 Internationally Distinguished Scholar Lecture Series at the 9th IOHSK International Conference.

IOHSK is planning a dedicated date, time, and venue for Dr. Baghurst’s book signing event during the conference. The event will feature his book, Reflections on the Coaching Life Volume Two: 90 Daily Thoughts to Help Coaches and Sports Professionals Improve Their Craft.

On behalf of the International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK), we would like to sincerely recognize and acknowledge the following members for their outstanding contributions to the promotion and success of the 9th IOHSK International Conference, to be held at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea, on July 22–24, 2026.

Among the 2025 International Student-Athlete Scholarship Award recipients, Elliot Juwon Lee has been admitted to Cornell University, and Yuuki Hoichi Jacobson has been admitted to the University of California, Santa Cruz.In addition, Miroslava Camila Carboni, a recipient of the 2026 IOHSK International High School Scholarship, has been admitted to Arizona State University with a university scholarship.

The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Dr. Thomas L. McKenzie Faculty Research Grants. This prestigious grant program is funded by Dr. Thomas L. McKenzie, an internationally distinguished scholar and Lifetime Honorary President of IOHSK, in support of research and professional development among IOHSK members….. Dr. Ruben L. Tagare, Jr., Dr. Hosung So, Dr. Jomar B. Esto, Assistant Professor Cheeze R. Janito, Assistant Professor Vinus P. Java (University of Southern Mindanao, Philippines)

The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is proud and delighted to announce the recipients of the 2026 Dr. Thomas L. McKenzie International Scholarships. The Dr. Thomas L. McKenzie Scholarships are among IOHSK’s most distinguished student awards, established to honor the extraordinary legacy and lasting contributions of Dr. Thomas L. McKenzie, an internationally respected scholar and leader in physical education, physical activity promotion, and public health.

The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is proud to announce the two recipients of the 2026 Lucy T. Shoham Memorial Scholarships, generously funded by Mrs. Randi E. McKenzie, Emerita Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at San Diego State University, and Dr. Thomas L. McKenzie, Professor Emeritus at San Diego State University and Lifetime Honorary President of IOHSK. One of this year’s recipients, Elena-Bianca Boca of Romania, shared a deeply personal reflection on her academic journey, artistic accomplishments, and the inspiration behind her continued pursuit of excellence.

The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is pleased to announce that the College of Sport Sciences at Chung-Ang University, co-host of the 9th IOHSK International Conference, was awarded the International Academic Conference Hosting Expense Support Program Grant on April 14, 2026, by Chung-Ang University. This institutional support reflects Chung-Ang University’s continued commitment to advancing international academic exchange and collaborative research.

The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is proud to celebrate an outstanding academic and research achievement by Dr. Thomas L. McKenzie, who has been recognized by Research.com. Dr. McKenzie, IOHSK’s Lifetime Honorary President and Fellow (No. 2), has generously supported hundreds of students and faculty members around the world since 2020 through academic mentorship, professional guidance, scholarships, and grants.

The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is pleased to announce its 18th Fellow, Dr. EungSoo Oh, Professor at Dong-A University in Busan, South Korea. Dr. Oh has been a founding member of IOHSK since 2020 and has actively presented and published his research through IOHSK events and conferences since that time. He has also made significant contributions to advancing IOHSK’s mission by promoting membership, scholarly presentations, and publications over the years.

IOHSK Announces Its 17th Fellow: Dr. Germina-Alina Cosma!
The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is pleased to announce Dr. Germina-Alina Cosma, Professor at the University of Craiova, Romania, as the 17th IOHSK Fellow (FIOHSK).

Student researchers and faculty members from the College of Human Kinetics at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in the Philippines recently paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos, Representative of the 3rd District of Cotabato Province, to share their upcoming participation in an international research conference and to express their commitment to representing the province on the global stage.

IOHSK Ambassador Eron Hoxha Inspires Student Leaders at the University of Prishtina, Kosovo. Mr. Eron Hoxha, a student in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at the University of Prishtina in Kosovo, recently held an informative meeting with the Student Council of the Faculty, where he shared his experiences as an Ambassador of the International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK).

Future Leaders in Health & Sport: 2026 IOHSK Scholarship Recipients Announced

The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 IOHSK Scholarship for high school students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and meaningful involvement in health- and sport-related activities. This scholarship is designed to support and encourage high school students worldwide who have a strong interest in the fields of health, physical activity, sport, and related professions.

The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ferman Konukman as Vice President of IOHSK for the Middle East and Central Asia, for two years (March 2026 - February 2028). Dr. Konukman is a faculty member in the Department of Sport Coaching, College of Sport Sciences, Qatar University (Doha, Qatar). He earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Health & Physical Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). He also holds an M.Ed. in Health & Human Performance (emphasis in Physical Education and Sport Studies) from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and an M.S. in Health Promotion from Virginia Tech. Dr. Konukman completed his undergraduate degree in Physical Education and Sports at Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Turkey.

The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is pleased to share great news with our members.

Mr. Owasif Aurnob—an outstanding, long-time member of IOHSK—has been hired as a Physical Instructor at the University of Chittagong, where he completed his undergraduate studies. Since joining IOHSK in 2020, Mr. Aurnob has served with dedication as an intern and Assistant Director, and he currently serves on the IOHSK Board as the Archivist. In his new role, he will help promote physical fitness, sport performance, and student well-being across the university community.