Foreword by Uğur Erdener,
Chair of the IOC Medical and Scientific
Commission

Dear Participants,

Placing the athletes at the heart of the Olympic Movement, one of the major priorities for the International Olympic Committee is protecting the health of the athletes, in and out of competition. In line with this mission, the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission focuses on research and education in sports medicine and provides services and guiding references for all sports organizations by collaborating with and channelling the best expertise in injury and illness prevention.

As I am myself from the medical profession, I know how important it is to be aware of the latest research and medical practices and to be able to use them to serve the athletes in the best way possible. It is of utmost importance that all stakeholders – sports organisations, health professionals, scientific researchers, coaches, and athletes – consider appropriate safety measures.

The objective of the 7th IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport will be to share the latest academic knowledge, research findings, and best practices to minimize risk factors and maximize the safe participation of the athletes.

I would like to thank the organisers and express my gratitude to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, whom I am proud and honoured to call my colleague and friend, for staging the world’s premier sports medicine event once again in Monaco, just a few months before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

More than ever, we have to join our efforts to ensure the best possible care for all the athletes and to guarantee safe participation in sports.

Looking forward to seeing you in Monaco in spring 2024.

Prof. Dr Uğur Erdener
Chair, IOC Medical and Scientific Commission