University of Queensland Named APAC’s First ITA Academic Centre for Anti-Doping Education

The University of Queensland (UQ) has been selected as Australia and Oceania’s first International Testing Agency (ITA) Academic Centre, highlighting the region’s capability to deliver anti-doping education, research and workforce training.

UQ becomes only the second institution globally to hold this status, formalising its role in supporting Olympic and Paralympic anti-doping programs.

The ITA, a UNESCO-recognised independent body responsible for leading anti-doping operations at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will partner with UQ to deliver specialised training for doping control officers, blood collection officers, chaperones and clean sport educators.

University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor, Deborah Terry AC, said the partnership reflects the University’s leadership in sports science and integrity.

“Recognising the natural alignment and compatibility of interests and capabilities, UQ had no hesitation in agreeing to this exciting partnership.” 

The collaboration will also expand academic integration, including joint research initiatives, guest lectures from ITA experts, and enhanced curriculum pathways that embed anti-doping principles across sport education programs.

Research students will gain access to ITA datasets to support approved health and integrity-focused projects.

ITA Foundation board chair, Dr Valérie Fourneyron, said developing education and training capacity is critical to global clean sport efforts.

“UQ brings an international reputation in sport education and research that will help advance the anti-doping work of the ITA enormously.” 

Ranked first in Australia and second in the world for sports-related studies over the past five years, University of Queensland is positioned to play a regional leadership role in advancing safe, fair and ethical sport participation.

The new Academic Centre will work alongside Australia’s existing anti-doping ecosystem, including Sport Integrity Australia.

Professor Terry said the initiative complements broader university programs focused on sport integrity, including IOC-supported work to develop safe sport hubs across Pacific communities.

The appointment reinforces Australia’s strategic role in strengthening anti-doping systems across the Asia-Pacific region and highlights the growing emphasis on education as a key factor of global sport integrity structure.

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