The meeting will bring together international specialists in physical activity and health under the theme “HEPA Horizons. Training Your Health Through Physical Activity: The Essentials for Efficient Implementation”. The congress will focus on the challenge of transforming available scientific knowledge into effective, applicable, and sustainable actions across different settings and population groups.
The conference will highlight the extensive benefits of regular physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior, as well as the growing presence of physical activity promotion policies in public agendas. However, persistent difficulties in translating research findings into practice and scaling up effective interventions are acknowledged.
HEPA Europe 2027 aims to strengthen collaboration between research, public policy, and professional practice, fostering knowledge and experience exchange across sectors and countries. The event will also integrate perspectives on planetary health and individual empowerment to advance more effective, equitable, and sustainable physical activity promotion.
The INEFC, a member of HEPA Europe since 2011, will lead the organization of the congress alongside the Universitat de Lleida and the Fundació Universitat de Lleida (FundUdL). The institution was chosen as host due to its experience in national and international initiatives, collaborating with public administrations, health institutions, and academic bodies.
INEFC research groups focus on areas such as exercise physiology, physical activity prescription, promoting physical activity in work environments, and gender perspective. The INEFC Lleida bid aims to reduce barriers between involved sectors and promote interdisciplinary knowledge.
The conference will take place at La Llotja – Palau de Congressos de Lleida, a venue with a capacity of approximately 1500 people, which will host the various scientific sessions and activities.
The bid from INEFC Lleida was supported by around 40 institutions, including the Departament d’Esports de la Generalitat de Catalunya. Professor Sebastià Mas-Alòs will chair the Local Organizing Committee, co-chaired by Estela Farías-Torbidoni.
The official congress website is now operational at hepa2027inefc.com, which will centralize information on registrations, scientific program, and speakers. Abstract submission and the preliminary program are expected in spring 2027.
