The project brings together international experts to study the factors that influence physical activity and to improve health-promotion policies
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Lusófona University integrates the INDEEP Project, funded by the highly competitive Marie Curie Doctoral Networks programme, a milestone that, according to lecturers Marlene Silva and António Palmeira, represents “the Champions League of European funding”. The project brings together partners from several European countries and aims to study, in an unprecedented and standardised manner, the multiple determinants of physical activity among young people, including genetic, environmental and political factors.
Throughout the study, 300 families will be assessed using a harmonised methodology that will allow results to be compared across different contexts. Marlene Silva and António Palmeira emphasise that such standardisation is essential to overcome the lack of consistency between previous studies and to create a toolbox that supports future research and more effective public policies.
The INDEEP Project also includes the training of 10 international doctoral candidates, who will circulate through several leading universities, contributing to a new generation of highly skilled researchers. Data collection is expected to begin next year, after ethical and operational procedures have been completed.
According to the lecturers, INDEEP will leave a robust scientific infrastructure capable of reinforcing investment in prevention and improving policies promoting physical activity, which are essential for public health throughout the life course.
Credits
Production
Filipa Cavém
Image
Beatriz Sobrado e Silva and Rui Simões
Editing
Marco Migueis
Text
Filipa Cavém
