Project Results

During the course of the EPCS-TE project, the consortium developed a number of results that can be used by National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs), universities and other interested organisations, who want to develop partnerships between NADOs and higher education institutions. These results are presented as follows:

 

Framework for the Partnership for Clean Sport in Tertiary Education

The Framework provides a strategic and evidence-informed model for collaboration between NADOs and universities, and is developed around three pillars: Education and Professional Development, Research and Knowledge Exchange, and Outreach, Prevention and Community Engagement. The Framework offers a flexible structure that can be adapted to different national contexts while aligning with the Council of Europe Recommendation Rec(2016)2, the WADA ISE, and UNESCO Resolution 10CP/14. The Framework is accessible here.

 

Guidelines for Implementing and Evaluating the Partnership for Clean Sport in Tertiary Education

These practical guidelines support NADOs and universities in establishing, implementing, and evaluating effective partnerships. They provide step-by-step recommendations covering needs assessment, formal agreements, curriculum integration, educator training, research collaboration, outreach activities, and impact evaluation. The Guidelines can be accessed here.

 

Guidelines for Promoting Synergies between NADOs and Tertiary Education Institutions

This resource focuses on the strategic, communicative, and relational dimensions of partnership development. It provides guidance on co-creation, stakeholder engagement, communication, visibility, sustainability, and the development of wider clean sport ecosystems involving universities, sport organisations, schools, and community stakeholders. The Guidelines can be accessed here.

Clean Sport Commitment Pledge

The EPCS-TE Clean Sport Commitment Pledge is a formal declaration supporting structured and sustainable collaboration between NADOs and tertiary education institutions. Open to endorsement by organisations across Europe and beyond, the Pledge promotes long-term commitment to clean sport education, research, and community engagement. The Pledge can be accessed here.

 

Case Study: The University of Trento and the Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympic Games

This case study illustrates how EPCS-TE enabled the University of Trento to develop a structured partnership with NADO Italia and other key stakeholders in the lead-up to the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. It demonstrates how universities can act as strategic partners in anti-doping education, public engagement, and Olympic legacy building, providing a transferable model for institutions across Europe. The Case Study is accessible here.

 

Systematic review on the effectiveness of anti-doping education for university students

As part of its commitment to evidence-informed practice, EPCS-TE contributed to the scientific literature through peer-reviewed publications. The project produced a systematic review on the effectiveness of anti-doping education for university students and supported the development of an international study examining NADO–university partnerships and anti-doping education needs across Europe. The published manuscript is openly accessible.

 

Policy Document Review and Practices Report

This report reviews the key international policy documents underpinning anti-doping education in higher education, including the Council of Europe Recommendation Rec(2016)2, the WADA International Standard for Education (ISE), and UNESCO Resolution 10CP/14. It also presents examples of existing NADO–university partnerships, providing an overview of current practices and lessons learned across different national contexts. The report is accessible here.

 

Needs Assessment Report

Based on responses from 1,473 university students and academic staff across Cyprus, Italy, Poland, and Portugal, this report explores attitudes, beliefs, and educational needs related to doping and anti-doping education. The findings highlight strong support for integrating clean sport education within higher education while emphasising the importance of tailoring content to different academic disciplines and professional pathways. The report is accessible here.