ABOUT ICSE
More Than a Conference
The International Conference on Sports and Education (ICSE) is an annual international conference bringing together researchers, educators, practitioners, students, universities, sport professionals and organisations working at the intersection of sport and education.
ICSE provides a space to present research, exchange practical approaches and discuss current developments across education, sport and innovation. By connecting academic knowledge with professional practice, the conference supports international networking, knowledge exchange and new opportunities for research, projects and collaboration.
Sport can contribute to learning and personal development through values such as fairness, teamwork, equality, discipline, inclusion, perseverance and respect. It can also support wellbeing, active citizenship and the development of social and interpersonal skills.
ICSE examines these contributions critically and practically, exploring how sport can complement educational models, reach different communities and respond to changing social and technological contexts.
ICSE Through the Years
Since its first edition, ICSE has developed as an international meeting point for people working across sport, education, research and practice.
Each edition has introduced new perspectives while maintaining Education Through Sport as a central area of interest:
- CPMES (ICSE) 2021 explored sport as a tool for personal and social development.
- ICSE 2022 examined the integration of sport into formal education and emerging pedagogical approaches.
- ICSE 2023 introduced the Sport Tourism Symposium, connecting sport with regional development, culture and tourism.
- ICSE 2024 broadened the discussion to digital innovation, career pathways in sport and youth engagement.
- ICSE 2025 strengthened international participation through research presentations, expert contributions
- ICSE 2026 focuses on AI & Innovation in Sport, Education Through Sport, Sport Tourism and Sport for Inclusion.
Across its editions, ICSE has connected researchers, educators, policymakers, sport organisations, NGOs, universities, public authorities, project professionals and social enterprises. These encounters help participants discover new research, practical methods, organisations and potential partners across countries and disciplines.
Step Into the Story
Leadership
ICSE is led by its founders, Dr. Maria Grazia Pirina, President of NGO NEST Berlin, and Dr. Roberto Solinas, Founder and President of Mine Vaganti NGO.
Maria Grazia Pirina is a European Project Manager, communication professional and international trainer with extensive experience in developing and coordinating European and nationally funded initiatives. Her work includes international partnership development, communication, higher-education mobility, vocational training, volunteering and cultural event management.
Roberto Solinas is a European Project Manager and SALTO-accredited trainer with extensive experience in Education Through Sport, social entrepreneurship, intercultural dialogue, social inclusion and international cooperation. Through Mine Vaganti NGO, he coordinates projects, research activities and international networks in the sport and education fields.
Together, they guide the development of ICSE as an international conference that connects research with practice and creates opportunities for exchange among researchers, educators, practitioners, students and institutions.
Projects & Research Collaborations
ICSE encourages connections between academic research, practical experience and international project development.
The conference brings together researchers, educators, sport professionals, NGOs, universities, public institutions and project organisations to share findings, methodologies and lessons from their work. These exchanges can provide a starting point for new research partnerships, educational initiatives and European or international collaborations.
Previous editions have addressed sport and social development, innovative education, sport tourism, digital tools, inclusion, youth engagement and professional development. By presenting research alongside practical projects and approaches, ICSE supports a clearer understanding of how ideas can be applied within educational, sporting and community contexts.
Researchers and practitioners can participate through presentations and posters and explore certification, Abstract Book and publication-related opportunities. Any publication or Special Issue opportunity remains subject to the relevant submission, review and selection requirements.
Event Sponsors & Support
ICSE 2026 is supported by academic, institutional, research, nonprofit and professional partners that contribute to the development and visibility of the conference.
We welcome cooperation with universities, research centres, sport organisations, public institutions, civil society organisations, professional networks and responsible sponsors whose work is relevant to sport, education, research and innovation.
Support may include institutional collaboration, communication and dissemination, academic contributions, participant outreach or assistance with conference activities.
Discover the confirmed ICSE 2026 sponsors and supporting organisations below.