Special Interest Groups

AIESEP Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are vibrant communities formed by our members who share a passion for specific research areas. These groups play a pivotal role in enriching AIESEP’s landscape by fostering deep engagement in various research topics. SIGs offer a dynamic platform for members to deepen their research expertise, support emerging researchers, and actively participate in AIESEP’s diverse events and publications.

These groups are hubs for knowledge exchange, offering a range of activities such as event organization, discussion forums, research training workshops, symposia, and pre-conference sessions. They also contribute significantly to AIESEP’s news and updates. The size, membership, and duration of each SIG can vary, with a minimum lifespan of three years, ensuring a sustained and impactful presence. Each SIG is led by dedicated convenors who spearhead activities and guide the community, ensuring vibrant and productive interactions among members.

AIESEP

Current AIESEP SIGs

Social Justice SIG

The Social Justice Special Interest Group (SJ-SIG) is committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity within the fields of Health, Physical Education, and Sport Pedagogy. This SIG provides a platform for educators, researchers, and practitioners to explore socially just forms of practice, addressing inequalities rooted in social, political, and material conditions. By fostering dialogue and critical research, the SJ-SIG aims to challenge oppressive discourses and advocate for marginalized groups, ensuring that educational opportunities in physical education and sport pedagogy are accessible and beneficial for all learners.

Early Years SIG:

This Special Interest Group focuses on research and practices related to physical education and sport in the early years of childhood (ages 0-8 years). It aims to enhance understanding and development of physical education programs for young children, encouraging active and healthy lifestyles from an early age.

Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) SIG:

This group centres around the Teaching Games for Understanding model in physical education. It promotes research and practical applications of TGfU, emphasizing a student-centered approach to teaching games and sports. The SIG encourages innovative teaching methods and strategies to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of games in educational settings.

Early Careers SIG:

This Special Interest Group is designed for early career researchers and practitioners in the field of Health, Physical Education, and Sport Pedagogy. It provides a supportive network for individuals who are in the initial stages of their careers, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities in the academic and professional world. The Early Career SIG fosters collaboration, mentorship, and professional development through workshops, webinars, and networking opportunities, enabling its members to build strong foundations for their future work.

Technology SIG:

The AIESEP Digital Technologies for Teaching, Learning, and Health Promotion Special Interest Group (Tech SIG) brings together researchers, educators, coaches, and health-promotion professionals to critically explore how digital tools—from AI and online platforms to wearables and telehealth—reshape health and physical education, sport pedagogy, and physical-activity promotion. Through pre-conference gatherings, themed symposia, webinars, and collaborative projects, the SIG disseminates high-quality research, fosters inclusive dialogue, and sparks international, interdisciplinary partnerships. Members also craft evidence-based guidelines, policy briefs, and best-practice resources while offering mentoring, peer support, and awards that recognise exemplary scholarship—all aimed at expanding equitable, high-quality movement and health experiences worldwide.

Creating a New Special Interest Group (SIG) at AIESEP

Are you passionate about a specific area in sport pedagogy, physical education or physical activity research? AIESEP invites you to channel your enthusiasm and expertise by establishing a new Special Interest Group (SIG). Creating a SIG offers a unique opportunity to lead and cultivate a specialized community within AIESEP. To initiate this journey, we encourage you to complete and submit the form linked below according to the guidelines.