FIE PARTNERS WITH UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE TO ADVANCE SPORTS SCIENCE
The FIE and the University of Hertfordshire have signed a Letter of Intent, promoting research in sports medicine, athlete health, and performance science.
The agreement between the FIE and the University of Hertfordshire was finalised during the FIE’s Hong Kong Sports Medicine Conference, which took place during the Senior World Fencing Championships in July. Professor Lindsay Bottoms, PhD, Co-Director of the university’s Centre for Research in Clinical and Behavioural Sciences, presented on joint replacements in veteran fencers during the Conference.
Lindsay also chaired the inaugural International Fencing Research Committee (IFRC) Conference in July, during which leading researchers, coaches, and practitioners from around the world explored the latest advances in fencing science and methodology. The Conference took place as part of BF Learning Month 2026, and the recordings from the live sessions can be viewed on our YouTube channel.
FIE President-Interim Abdelmoneim Elhusseiny said about the partnership:
“The initiative is a reflection of the FIE’s ongoing commitment to placing athlete health, safety, and performance at the centre of global fencing, as outlined in both our Strategic Plan 2025-2028 and especially in the FIE Medical Commission Strategic Plan for the same period.”
By joining forces with world-class institutions like the University of Hertfordshire, we are building a robust scientific foundation that will benefit fencers at every level.”
Lindsay added:
“This partnership signals our joint intention to translate applied sports science research into tangible benefits on the piste. It will accelerate innovation in athlete care and performance research for the benefit of current and future generations of fencers. We look forward to strengthening our ties with the FIE going forward.”