The National Research Program "Sports" clearly defines the goal of developing excellence in research in health and sports science, strengthening the connection between research and sports, developing a data-based scientific and analytical base for sports, creating new knowledge and approaches, as well as strengthening the capabilities of material sciences and medicine to promote sustainability and efficiency in sports.

The program sets out tasks that cover various research directions – innovative and technological solutions, health and functioning monitoring, as well as training approaches to improve the achievements of different groups of athletes, as well as evaluate the impact of sports on the national economy.

These tasks require a complex and interdisciplinary solution. The project is implemented by the interdisciplinary team of researchers from five Latvian universities and, according to the tasks of the programme, project activities are planned in specific work packages (WP) with several sub-tasks.

Outcomes

• 29 original scientific articles in journals or conference proceedings included in the WoS/SCOPUS databases
• 3 other anonymously peer-reviewed scientific articles in international journals and collections, excluding conference materials
• 29 conference materials – abstracts up to 1 page
• 2 research results (publications and data) made available in research data repositories in line with the FAIR principles – they can be found, accessible, interoperable and reusable
• 10 new technologies or products have been developed, including methods, prototypes. 2 patent applications have been created
• 3 reports on policy recommendations and policy impacts, promoting policy change based on acquired foreground, advising industry policy makers and preparing recommendations and guidelines
• 2 reports on methodologies developed and used in the research programme have been made public
• 4 proposals and datasets for the planning and implementation of sport policy
• 2 measures (conferences) have been implemented for the involvement of sectoral specialists – information and capacity building
• 16 PhD students, PhD applicants and young scientists involved in the programme's activities
• 12 Master's or promotion works on the subject of the project have been defended in accordance with specified procedures