WADA's new social science research strategy

The aim is to further align the strategy with anti-doping efforts and strengthen the strategy's role in supporting clean sport through evidence-based approaches.

Chiến lược nghiên cứu khoa học xã hội mới của WADA - Ảnh 1. — WitoldBanka Chairman and CEO Olivier Niggli travel to Seoul and Busan to prepare for the World Conference on Anti-Doping in Sport.

WADA has recognized in a statement that doping is a complex behavioural problem shaped by many social, psychological, cultural, economic and systemic factors. In response, the agency has raised the strategic importance of social science research, expanded its research programme and formed global partnerships to increase relevant knowledge that can inform anti-doping policies and practices.

Development of the new strategy began with input from nearly 60 researchers during discussions held at WADA’s 2024 Social Science Research Symposium. The strategy was further developed under the guidance of WADA’s Social Science Research Expert Advisory Group and overseen by the agency’s Education Committee. Both groups endorsed the strategy before it was formally approved by the WADA Executive Committee in March.

The Canadian-based agency’s first social science research strategy marks a shift from a passive funder to an active leader in anti-doping-related social science research. During its five-year term, WADA achieved 92% of its strategic objectives. Key results include a significant increase in social science research projects conducted outside Europe, the establishment of a doping working group, the creation of a publicly accessible research database, and the launch of a social science research collaboration platform. These developments reflect the growing importance of social science research for both policy and practice.

However, WADA acknowledges ongoing challenges. These include limited funding, a lack of large-scale or global social science research projects, difficulties in effectively communicating research results, and barriers to broader participation in research activities. To address these issues and build on past successes, the new Social Science Research Strategy outlines six strategic priorities grouped under two overarching themes: “People” and “Systems”.

Under the theme of “People,” the agency aims to protect athletes by identifying risk factors and promoting evidence-based prevention strategies. It also plans to strengthen the research community through mentoring, networking and expert collaboration, and expand research capacity by increasing funding opportunities and developing partnerships between organizations.

On the theme of “Systems”, the focus will be on producing and sharing knowledge for impact, investing in social sciences through optimizing funding programmes and implementing high-impact research, and leveraging resources through collaboration with international organisations and external funders.

Going forward, WADA will implement these priorities through targeted resource allocation, expanding its research network, and strengthening its communications and outreach strategies. The Social Science Research Strategy 2025-2029, aims to play a central role in shaping the future of the global anti-doping system by promoting evidence-based decision-making, protecting athletes, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration in protecting clean sport.

In the first weeks of September, the organization has been present in a number of events and countries to continue to reinforce its message of fair play. President Witold Bańka and Director General Olivier Niggli met with their Korean counterparts to discuss preparations for the global anti-doping event, which will be held at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center from 1 to 5 December. The summit will bring together more than 1,000 delegates to discuss clean sport.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/chien-luoc-nghien-cuu-khoa-hoc-xa-hoi-moi-cua-wada-20250915144826963.htm