The International Testing Agency designates The University of Queensland as the second ITA Academic Centre

As an ITA Academic Centre, UQ will provide its students, staff, alumni and other eligible participants with access to ITA’s international training and certification programs in the field of anti-doping. These initiatives aim to prepare the next generation of doping control officers, blood collection officers, chaperones and clean sport educators, while offering broader learning opportunities for all those who wish to engage in clean sport and support ITA’s mission to deliver high quality anti-doping programs for international sport.

Beyond training, the partnership will promote joint academic research projects focused on improving anti-doping operations, the integration of anti-doping expertise into UQ curricula, and the exchange of knowledge through guest lectures delivered by ITA experts. Staff and research higher degree students may access ITA’s extensive data bases of information for the conduct of approved health-related research projects. UQ learners will further benefit from internship opportunities with the ITA, gaining first-hand experience in the operational, scientific and educational aspects of clean sport delivery.

This collaboration takes on particular significance as momentum builds towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, for which the ITA will independently manage the anti-doping program on behalf of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). By serving as the ITA Academic Centre in Oceania, UQ is positioned to contribute not only to the success of the Games but also to creating a lasting clean sport legacy across the country and region. At the heart of this effort are the athletes themselves, with the shared objective of ensuring they are better protected and supported by highly trained personnel. Given the already strong partnership that exists between the ITA and Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), the national anti-doping organisation responsible for safeguarding sport integrity in Australia, the three organisations will also explore opportunities for collaboration. This joint effort will ensure that the establishment of the UQ ITA Academic Centre strengthens global clean sport while further positioning Australia as a leader in sport integrity.

“Education and workforce training are essential for the preventive fight against doping,” said ITA Chair of the Foundation Board Dr Valérie Fourneyron. “Following the successful launch of the first ITA Academic Centre in Shanghai, we are delighted to now welcome The University of Queensland as our partner in Oceania. UQ brings an international reputation in sport education and research that will help advance the anti-doping work of the ITA enormously. Together we will strengthen the future of anti-doping education, training and applied research while laying the foundation for a strong clean sport legacy around the Brisbane 2032 Games.”

“The ITA and The University of Queensland share a vision that combines scientific expertise, operational excellence and a commitment to clean sport and athletes worldwide,” said ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen. “This collaboration will allow us to expand our already strong relationship with Australia through our partnership with Sport Integrity Australia and to foster access to high-quality education and training in Oceania. We are dedicated to joining forces on applied research initiatives that can have a direct impact on the delivery of anti-doping programs globally and in doing so we aim to leverage the network of existing and future ITA Academic Centres.”

“UQ was delighted to be approached by ITA to host the ITA Academic Centre for Australia and the Oceania region,” said UQ Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Deborah Terry AC.  “Recognising the natural alignment and compatibility of interests and capabilities, UQ had no hesitation in agreeing to this exciting partnership.

“The opportunity in anti-doping complements a range of other projects underway at the University to help promote safe and fair sport.

“These include a feasibility study in the Pacific that UQ is conducting as part of the  IOC’s Safe Sport Hub Initiative.  There are also projects on the improved diagnosis and management of concussion, and more equitable classification in Parasports.”

As a designated ITA Academic Centre, The University of Queensland joins the Shanghai University of Sport, which was designated the first ITA Academic Centre in 2022. Together, these institutions form the foundation of a growing global network of academic partners that will advance, together with the ITA, clean sport education, training and applied research across continents in pursuit of a clean and fair international sporting environment.