The Vereniging voor Bewegingswetenschappen Nederland (VvBN) will host its annual symposium on Friday, 17 April 2026, in Utrecht at the Accommodatiecentrum Domstad. The 2026 theme, “Trainen voor Presteren” (Training for Performance), focuses on the science and practice of effective training, performance enhancement, and sustainable movement behaviour.

The event aims to connect researchers, practitioners, and professionals from various branches of movement sciences through a more interactive format than in previous years. Alongside keynote lectures, the program features debates, poster presentations, a PhD pitch session, and networking activities with a lighthearted “bingo” element during breaks.

Program Highlights

• Opening: Welcome by Dr. Melvyn Roerdink and Dr. Florieke Eggermont, presenting the strategic direction of the VvBN.

• Keynotes:

  • Prof. Dr. Thomas Hoogeboom (UMC Utrecht): Not All Exercise Is Created Equal – Rethinking therapeutic quality in patient care.

  • Prof. Dr. Floor Hettinga: Smarter and more motivated training for performance and fitness.

  • Prof. Dr. Koen Lemmink (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen): Training for Performance.

  • Dr. Hidde Bekhuis (Radboud University): The role of social networks and enjoyment in maintaining physical activity.

• Afternoon Sessions:

  • Thematic debates with special interest groups (Sport, Work, Rehabilitation, and Health & Activity).

  • Dr. Jan Karregat (Radboud University): Beyond weight loss – the role of strength training in muscle preservation.

  • PhD thesis pitch presentations and the announcement of the 2025 dissertation and audience awards.

  • Lis Hoeijmakers (Maastricht University): PROMISE-P Prehabilitation in Pancreatic Surgery.

  • Dr. Bart van Trigt: Elbow load in baseball pitchers.

  • Hackathon student winners’ presentation.

• Networking and Closing: The day concludes with a social award ceremony and a networking reception.

Practical Details

• Date: 17 April 2026

• Location: Accommodatiecentrum Domstad, Utrecht, the Netherlands

• Registration Fees: €55–€175 (depending on membership/student status); online participation €25

• Audience: VvBN members, researchers, students, coaches, physiotherapists, and other movement science professionals.

In essence, the VvBN Symposium 2026 provides a comprehensive and engaging platform to explore how scientific insights about training and behaviour can enhance performance, recovery, and participation across the spectrum of sport, health, and rehabilitation.

https://www.vvbnsymposium.nl/172475/aanmelden