The FIFA/CIES International University Network Award 2026 has been presented
An international jury presented the FIFA/CIES International University Network Award 2026 at a meeting held on Thursday 29th January.
After evaluating a record eighteen group projects, the jury decided to award the FIFA/CIES International University Network Award 2026 to the project ‘Active Senior AI: A Case Study of the Town of Piastów with Adaptation Potential for Municipal and Local Government Units in Poland’, submitted by three students from Kozminski University (Poland): Katarzyna Ogórek, Marek Konieczny and Wojciech Nowak.
This is the second consecutive year that a project from Kozminski University has won the Award.
The aim of the winning project is to develop a model that not only promotes the physical and social engagement of older people, but also their inclusion in the world of technology and digital innovation. One of the key elements of the concept is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to personalise physical activity, monitor health status and support the mental and emotional well-being of those involved. The result is a comprehensive model, based on three pillars, which can be successfully implemented both in Piastów and in other local communities across Poland.
According to the jury members, the project meets all the criteria established for the Award, including the interest of the subject, its originality, its relevance at the national level, the clarity of its objectives, a rigorous and appropriate methodological approach, the quality of the research and analysis of the information collected, as well as an innovative and concrete approach to solutions and recommendations.
It was not easy for the jury members to choose from among the many high-quality projects submitted by the universities of the FIFA/CIES International University Network. In addition to the winning project, they particularly appreciated the following works:
Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Rodrigo Dias, Juan Talice, Julieta Tarana Van Morlegan, Fernando Virué
The mixed Goal Project - Rompiendo barreras: fútbol mixto reducido
Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Adel Emam, Aya Nagy, Mahmoud Shehata, Nahla Mahmoud, Seif Aly
Sports Path - Egypt’s first dedicated Sports Career Centre
Birzeit University, Ramallah, Palestine
Khitam Mohammad, Ihab Abu Jazar, Ruba Abdelhaq
A Rehabilitation Sports Model for the Integration of Amputees into Sports Clubs: An Applied Study on the Gaza Strip
Congratulations to the three winners - Katarzyna, Marek and Wojciech - and to Kozminski University.
