On November 25, 2024, the International Academic Forum on School Sport and Physical Education Promotion of Health and Wellbeing was held in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. The event also marked the official launch of the “International Joint Research and Knowledge Exchange Centre for University Physical Education and Sports Training (CUPEST),” a strategic collaboration between the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Hunan Normal University (HNNU).

CUPEST is poised to become a global hub for research, innovation, and knowledge exchange in sports and physical education. It aims to support academic and professional growth, focusing on enhancing educational methods, exploring the health benefits of physical education, developing new technologies in the field and informing policy. With its emphasis on co-development, open communication, and transformative change, CUPEST seeks to make a lasting impact on physical education teachers, sports coaches, and the broader sports industry.

The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Long Shengjun, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Education of the General Administration of Sport of China; Graham Baldwin, Vice Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire; and Liu Zhonghua, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and President of Hunan Normal University.

The forum featured keynote speeches from 18 experts, scholars, and industry leaders from over 10 countries. Professor David Grecic, Director of Research and Innovation at the School of Health, Social Work and Physical Education, University of Central Lancashire, and Chair of the CUPEST Organisational Committee, delivered a keynote titled “CUPEST Transnational Ethos and Activity.” He outlined CUPEST’s dedication to advancing physical education knowledge and fostering collaboration between academia and industry, with a special focus on improving mobility for staff and students.

Efstathios Christodoulides, UNESCO Chair on Governance and Social Responsibility in Sport at UCLan Cyprus, presented “Creative Partnerships in Europe: Supporting Physical Education and Sports – Exploring Global Potentials.” His presentation highlighted innovative processes and synergies supported by the European Union to enhance quality physical education and sport, emphasising sport’s role in promoting social integration and healthy lifestyles and supporting cooperation between academia, sports organisations, public authorities, and industry.

The forum concluded with a speech by Professor Zheng Lan, Dean of Hunan Normal University. She noted that the event facilitated in-depth and extensive exchanges on topics such as international talent training, industry-university-research collaboration, and health promotion mechanisms. She expressed optimism about the future of such collaborative ventures, which foster connections among research institutions and scholars from diverse academic backgrounds.

This landmark collaboration between UCLan and HNNU represents a convergence of academia, industry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. CUPEST is set to shape the future of physical education and sports training, benefitting a wide range of stakeholders and advancing global efforts in health and wellbeing.