Editorial

This supplement is published ahead of the 12th conference of HEPA Europe, the WHO Regional Office for Europe network for the promotion of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity.

The HEPA Europe 2023 conference will focus on ‘Implementing Health-Enhancing Physical Activity research: from science to policy and practice.’ The objective of the conference is to engage and connect scientists, policymakers, professionals and other stakeholders to enhance and facilitate the implementation of the knowledge in the field of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity. Bringing together leading experts, young researchers, policymakers, professionals and other stakeholders, the HEPA Europe conference provides a unique forum to stay up-to-date with scientific, practice and policy developments in Europe and beyond.

Establishing connections and collaborations among the scientific community, policymakers, and practitioners is vital for effectively promoting health-enhancing physical activity. By bridging the gap between science and policy, policymakers can make well-informed decisions and implement evidence-based strategies to encourage physical activity across diverse settings like schools, workplaces, and communities. However, the mere existence of evidence-based policies is insufficient. Equally important is bridging the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that these policies are translated into concrete actions. This necessitates collaboration and engagement with practitioners such as healthcare professionals, physical education teachers, and community leaders. These practitioners possess invaluable insights into the practical challenges and barriers that hinder the adoption of physical activity behaviours. Involving them in the policy-making process and implementation allows policymakers to gain a deeper understanding of contextual nuances and develop strategies that are feasible, culturally sensitive, and tailored to the specific needs of diverse populations. By integrating scientific evidence into policy decisions and involving practitioners in the implementation process, comprehensive and effective strategies can be created to combat physical inactivity. Through collaborative efforts, we can strive towards a healthier society, reducing the burden of disease and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals and communities. The abstracts presented in this supplement exemplify the diversity and richness of the research, policies and practices dedicated to promoting health-enhancing physical activity.

Jan Seghers, head of the Organizing Committee

Filip Boen and Jannique van Uffelen, on behalf of the Scientific Committee and Kremlin Wickramasinghe, Regional Advisor Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, WHO Regional Office for Europe