About the Albanian Sport Science Association (ASSA)
The Albanian Sport Science Association (ASSA) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 2012 and headquartered in Tirana, Albania. ASSA brings together researchers, academics, educators, health professionals, practitioners, students, and young people who share a common vision of advancing sport, physical activity, education, health, scientific research, innovation, and sustainable community development.
Founded on the belief that sport and physical activity are powerful drivers of positive social change, ASSA works to improve health, well-being, education, and quality of life through evidence-based research, innovation, capacity building, and international cooperation. The Association promotes lifelong learning, active citizenship, inclusion, and equal opportunities while contributing to national and international efforts that support healthier, more active, and more resilient communities.
Our Vision
To become a leading centre of excellence in sport science, physical activity, education, health, and innovation in Albania and the wider European region by generating high-quality scientific knowledge, fostering international collaboration, and developing innovative solutions that improve people’s lives and contribute to sustainable development.
Our Mission
ASSA is committed to promoting excellence in sport science and community development through research, education, innovation, and partnerships. Our mission is to:
- Conduct high-quality scientific research that supports evidence-informed decision making.
- Promote physical activity, sport, health, and well-being across all age groups.
- Design and implement national and international projects in education, research, youth, health, and community development.
- Strengthen professional competencies through education, training, certification, and lifelong learning.
- Empower young people through leadership, volunteering, active citizenship, entrepreneurship, and social innovation.
- Foster inclusive, equitable, and sustainable communities where everyone has opportunities to participate and thrive.
- Build strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, public authorities, civil society organizations, schools, healthcare institutions, sports organizations, and international networks.
- Contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sport, education, research, and innovation.
What We Do
ASSA develops and supports initiatives in a wide range of fields, including:
- Sport science and performance
- Physical activity and public health
- Physical education and lifelong learning
- Youth development and empowerment
- Capacity building and professional development
- Scientific research and innovation
- National and international research projects
- Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and other European programmes
- Conferences, seminars, workshops, scientific congresses and training courses
- Scientific publications and knowledge transfer
- Digital innovation and educational technologies
- Community engagement and social inclusion through sport
- Consultancy, monitoring and policy development
- Environmental sustainability and healthy communities
Through these activities, ASSA connects science with practice, supporting individuals, institutions, and communities with innovative, evidence-based solutions.
International Cooperation
International collaboration is central to ASSA’s work. The Association actively cooperates with universities, research centres, governmental institutions, schools, sports organisations, healthcare providers, non-governmental organisations, and international networks to exchange knowledge, develop innovative projects, and promote best practices.
ASSA participates in European and international programmes that strengthen research, education, youth development, health promotion, social inclusion, and innovation, contributing to sustainable impact both nationally and internationally.
Research Excellence and Ethics
Scientific integrity is one of ASSA’s core principles. The Association conducts research in accordance with internationally recognised standards of research ethics, academic integrity, transparency, and responsible research practices.
All research activities are guided by internal regulations on scientific research, ethical review procedures, data protection, informed consent, and responsible publication practices. ASSA’s independent Ethics Council oversees ethical compliance and promotes integrity across all research and innovation activities.
Our Values
Our work is guided by values that define who we are and how we operate:
- Scientific Excellence
- Integrity and Ethical Responsibility
- Innovation and Creativity
- Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunities
- Collaboration and Partnership
- Lifelong Learning
- Transparency and Accountability
- Respect for Human Rights
- Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
- Community Engagement and Social Impact
These values shape every project, partnership, and activity undertaken by ASSA and reflect our commitment to creating positive and lasting change through science, education, and sport.
Our Commitment
At ASSA, we believe that science creates knowledge, education builds capacity, sport inspires people, and innovation transforms communities.
By combining research excellence, professional expertise, international cooperation, and community engagement, we strive to create lasting impact and contribute to healthier, more active, more inclusive, and more sustainable societies.