Meeting in Cyprus
We recently concluded another highly productive and successful meeting for the BIIPA project in Cyprus. The discussions were insightful and reinforced our progress, as we confirmed that we have not only met but surpassed several of our original targets. This includes the development of additional course materials, innovative training resources, and the completion of core objectives well ahead of schedule. As we move into the next phase of the project, the focus for all partners will be on organising their multiplier events, which are essential for sharing the project's outcomes with a wider audience. These events will help disseminate the knowledge and tools developed through BIIPA to professionals, educators, and stakeholders across various sectors.
In addition to the multiplier events, the partners will be actively promoting the free Lifelong Learning module, which is a central feature of the BIIPA project. This online course is designed to enhance understanding of the key issues surrounding physical activity and body image. By making the course freely accessible to anyone, regardless of their educational background, the project ensures inclusivity and broad participation. This flexibility allows individuals from diverse walks of life to engage with the content, fostering a deeper understanding of how physical activity relates to body image, and promoting healthier and more inclusive practices in these areas.
One of the strengths of this free online training course is that it is suitable for individuals of all educational levels. Whether someone has prior knowledge of the subject or is approaching it for the first time, the course content is structured to be accessible and engaging for everyone. This kind of open educational resource provides an invaluable opportunity for lifelong learners, educators, professionals, and anyone with an interest in the topic to expand their knowledge without the barriers of cost or educational prerequisites.
Moreover, this free course has the potential to inspire individuals to pursue further education in this field. By providing a solid foundation on physical activity and body image, the Lifelong Learning module may spark a deeper interest in the topic, encouraging participants to apply for formal university courses related to public health, physical education, or psychology. In this way, the course serves as both a gateway to higher education and a stepping stone for those looking to build a career in this area.
This initiative also successfully incorporates the Quadruple Helix model, which involves collaboration between academia, industry, government, and civil society. Through the open-access Lifelong Learning module, the project bridges the gap between academic research and practical application, engaging a wide range of stakeholders. It encourages cross-sector collaboration and ensures that the knowledge generated through the project benefits not only students and professionals but also the broader public. By doing so, the BIIPA project strengthens the connection between education, societal needs, and innovation, setting a strong example of how the Quadruple Helix can be effectively implemented.
Appearance Matters Conference 10
We are excited to announce that the Body Image and Inclusive Physical Activity (BIIPA) project was successfully presented at the Appearance Matters 10 Conference through a poster presentation. The event, held in July 2024 in Bristol, UK, brought together international experts, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to exploring the issues surrounding body image, appearance, and their impact on mental and physical health.
The Appearance Matters Conference is a key event that attracts an audience from diverse fields, including psychology, health education, public health, and sports science. The event draws participation from academics, policymakers, educators, and professionals working in fields related to body image, appearance-related concerns, and their role in overall well-being. This year's conference provided a valuable platform to reach professionals who share an interest in fostering positive body image and inclusive practices within education and physical activity.
The poster presentation highlighted the importance of BIIPA's innovative training curriculum, designed to enhance the skills of professionals working in physical education (PE) and sports coaching. The dissemination event connected us with a wide range of professionals, expanding the reach of our project. We received enthusiastic feedback from the audience, who recognised the need for improved training in body image and inclusive physical activity. The event allowed us to engage with physical education teachers, sports coaches, researchers, and public health advocates, amplifying the impact of our work.
We look forward to continuing to build on these connections and sharing further developments as the BIIPA project progresses.
Vi ser fram emot att fortsätta bygga på dessa kontakter och dela med oss av ytterligare utvecklingar i takt med att BIIPA-projektet fortskrider.
BIIPA is part of an international course
The South African Comprehensive Cleft Care Workshop (CCCW) is set to include a specialized psychosocial session utilizing training materials developed by BIIPA. This session aims to enhance the competencies of emerging and intermediate healthcare providers, focusing on body image and the impact of visible differences on individuals. The curriculum is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to manage the unique challenges faced by individuals with cleft conditions.
The Meeting in Portugal
The project exceeded the initial development of the curriculum; the team planned to deliver 15 ECTS credits. Instead, the partner organizations went further and delivered 20 ECTS credits, distributed across 14 dynamic courses:
The prevalence of body image issues
Definitions of physical activity (PA), WHO recommendations, and prevalence of PA
Barriers to physical activity (PA)
Self-determination theory
Transgender
Visible differences
Gender and (in)equality in physical activity environments
European inequalities
People with larger bodies
Diversity and inclusion in physical activity
Positive body image
Mindful and intuitive physical activity
Body image and physical activity: Strategies and interventions
Relationships between physical activity and body image: Literature review
This expansion is not just about numbers; it’s about flexible and tailored education. Universities can now create their own 15 or 7.5 ECTS courses, meeting various learning needs and promoting seamless integration with different university systems.
Second Meeting in Germany
It was of utmost importance for the partner organizations to thoroughly review the developed curriculum to ensure that it met the necessary goals and requirements. Due to the complexity of designing a curriculum of this scale, this was a three-day meeting to ensure that the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for the students' personal and professional development were aligned.
The meeting resulted in the partner organizations agreeing that they had developed too much material; it exceeded a 15-credit course. It was agreed that the partner organizations would complete a template for each "course/section" they were involved in developing. This will result in greater flexibility for curriculum development, as each university can combine and adapt the course content.
The meeting proved to be highly productive and fostered a collaborative atmosphere. As discussions progressed, team members found common solutions that united them and strengthened their collaboration and unity.
First meeting in Sweden
The two-day meeting aimed at initiating the curriculum development process was a great success and contributed significantly to the collaboration between partner organizations. The meeting included a workshop that focused on harmonizing the design of the curriculum through an intercultural lens. By the end of the meeting, the consortium had not only established clear guidelines for the development of the curriculum but had also introduced a robust internal framework for quality assessment of the created curricula.
