IOHSK Explores International Collaboration with Poznań University of Physical Education in Poland
POZNAŃ, POLAND — August 19, 2026
The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is pleased to announce a significant step toward developing a new international academic partnership with Poznań University of Physical Education (AWF Poznań) in Poznań, Poland. The prospective collaboration is intended to promote international cooperation in research, academic exchanges, scholarly activities, conferences, professional development, and cross-cultural educational experiences.
On August 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:40 p.m., Dr. Hosung So, President and CEO of IOHSK, visited Poznań University of Physical Education and participated in an official meeting held at the Rector’s Office of Prof. dr hab. Jacek Zieliński, Rector of the University.
Dr. So met with Prof. Krzysztof Kusy, Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Development, along with Dr. Adam Kantanista, Vice-Dean for Education in the Faculty of Sport Sciences, Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Lifelong Sports, and Vice-President of IOHSK Europe, and Dr. Joanna Borowiec, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Lifelong Sports. Prof. Kusy currently serves as AWF Poznań’s Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Development, with responsibilities closely aligned with the international and institutional opportunities discussed during the meeting.
The meeting, which was arranged earlier in August, focused on identifying opportunities for meaningful and sustainable cooperation between AWF Poznań and IOHSK. Discussions included possibilities for collaborative research projects, faculty and student exchanges, visiting scholar opportunities, academic and professional events, international conferences, institutional visits, joint educational initiatives, and connections with professors and universities represented throughout the global IOHSK network.
The participants identified numerous areas in which collaboration could provide mutual academic and professional benefits. Particular emphasis was placed on creating opportunities that connect scholars, students, researchers, and institutions across countries while advancing research, education, physical activity, health, sport sciences, and kinesiology.
About Poznań University of Physical Education
Poznań University of Physical Education has a distinguished history in Polish and European higher education. Its academic roots date to 1919, when a Department of School Hygiene and Theory of Physical Education was established at the newly created Poznań University. It became the first academic center in Poland dedicated to educating physical education specialists. The department was initially led by Professor Eugeniusz Piasecki, a physician and influential scholar regarded as one of the pioneers of physical education and sport sciences in Poland and later selected as the patron of the University.
Today, AWF Poznań describes itself as the oldest sport university in Poland and the third oldest in Europe. Approximately 2,500 students study at the University, preparing for professions including physical education, coaching, physiotherapy, sport management, rehabilitation, dietetics, personal training, and dance.
The University's academic structure includes the Faculty of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sport Sciences in Gorzów Wielkopolski, and Doctoral School, supporting education and research across a broad range of disciplines related to human movement, health, sport, physical activity, rehabilitation, and performance.
AWF Poznań's strong tradition of scholarship, education, sport science, and applied research makes the University an excellent prospective partner for IOHSK. Collaboration may provide opportunities for IOHSK members and affiliated universities to participate in joint research, academic exchanges, visiting-professor programs, institutional visits, professional development, student experiences, conferences, and international cultural exchanges.
Poznań: A Historic Center of Polish Culture and Education
The partnership also offers an exceptional cultural dimension. Poznań is located in the historic region of Greater Poland (Wielkopolska), widely regarded as the birthplace of the Polish state. Poznań itself played an important role in the beginnings of Polish statehood and was one of the principal centers associated with Poland's earliest rulers. Cathedral Island, or Ostrów Tumski, represents the historic heart of the city and remains closely connected with the beginnings of both Poznań and the Polish state.
As a major contemporary center of higher education, culture, commerce, technology, and international engagement, Poznań provides an ideal environment in which academic collaboration can be combined with cultural learning and international experiences.
For IOHSK members, future cooperation with AWF Poznań could therefore extend beyond traditional academic activities. Participants may have opportunities to experience Polish higher education, engage with local faculty and students, learn from the University's research and sport-science environment, and explore the history and culture of one of Poland's most important cities.
Moving Toward a Formal Partnership
The August 17 meeting concluded with a shared interest in moving forward with preparations for a formal institutional agreement based on the areas of cooperation discussed during the meeting. Further communication between IOHSK and Poznań University of Physical Education is expected to explore the appropriate framework for future collaborative activities.
IOHSK is pleased to introduce Poznań University of Physical Education in Poznań, Poland, to its members, scholars, professionals, and affiliated institutions across 109 countries and encourages the international IOHSK community to learn more about the University and potential opportunities for future engagement.
Official Website of Poznań University of Physical Education:
https://awf.poznan.pl/en/
Universities, departments, research centers, and IOHSK members interested in participating in a broader international academic consortium or establishing institutional collaboration and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) are encouraged to contact IOHSK at office@iohsk.net. IOHSK welcomes opportunities to facilitate connections that advance international research, education, professional development, faculty and student exchanges, and long-term institutional partnerships.
IOHSK is excited about the possibilities created by this developing relationship and looks forward to working with Poznań University of Physical Education to advance shared academic and international goals on behalf of nearly 37,000 IOHSK members representing 109 countries worldwide.
International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK)
Advancing Global Collaboration in Health, Sports, Kinesiology, Research, and Education.
“Finally, IOHSK sincerely appreciates the Rector Prof. dr hab. Jacek Zieliński’s approval and support for this meeting. Special thanks are extended to Prof. Krzysztof Kusy, Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Development, for his excellent preparation and coordination of the meeting, as well as for providing a comprehensive introduction and orientation that contributed greatly to its success. In addition, IOHSK extends its sincere gratitude to all faculty and staff members whose efforts and preparation helped make the meeting meaningful, engaging, and successful.”
