Welcome to the FEPSAC Congress 2026
Define tomorrow - Unite your expertise - Amplify your impact
Welcome Letters
Message from the President of FEPSAC
Dear colleagues,
Welcome to the 2026 FEPSAC Congress in Timișoara, Romania — a city of culture, creativity, and energy, perfectly suited to host the next great meeting of the European sport and exercise psychology community.
It is a great pleasure to announce our next congress in Romania a Country that played an important role for the development of sport and exercise psychology in Europe. A place where the eastern and western soul of our common passion give birth to an important father of sport psychology; as Mihail Epuran.
The FEPSAC Congress 2026 will once again bring together researchers, practitioners, educators, and students who share a common passion for understanding and enhancing human performance and well-being through psychological science.
Building on the success of our previous congresses, this event will continue to serve as a vibrant forum for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and inspiration. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the latest developments in areas such as motivation, resilience, mental health, performance optimization, and the psychological aspects of sport, exercise, and physical activity (and much more)
Timișoara’s unique blend of tradition and innovation will provide a memorable backdrop for scientific discussions and professional networking. Beyond the sessions and symposia, the congress will offer moments of connection, creativity, and cultural discovery — the true spirit of our FEPSAC family.
I warmly invite you to take part in this exciting journey.
Together, let’s continue advancing sport and exercise psychology across Europe and beyond.
Maurizio Bertollo
Message from the Rector of the West University of Timisoara
Dear colleagues, distinguished guests, and participants,
It is a great honor for the West University of Timișoara (UVT) to host, in 2026, the European Conference on Sport Psychology – the most significant event of its kind in Europe, bringing together nearly one thousand experts, researchers, and practitioners from all over the world.
The fact that this conference returns to Eastern Europe after more than four decades is not only a recognition of the academic potential of our region but also a confirmation of the strategic role UVT plays within the European higher education landscape. As a proud member of the UNITA European University Alliance, our university is an active participant in advancing innovation, interdisciplinary research, and academic mobility, strengthening the bond between science and community.
The West University of Timișoara is the largest comprehensive university in Western Romania, encompassing diverse fields – from sciences and arts to physical education, psychology, and social sciences – within an integrated framework of knowledge. In this spirit, UVT defines itself not only as an institution of higher learning but also as a driving force for cultural, scientific, and social development, serving as a catalyst for the local and regional community.
Through its educational, cultural, and sports initiatives, our university promotes a balanced and healthy lifestyle. A flagship example is the Liberty Marathon, an annual event organized by UVT, which has become the largest university-organized marathon in Romania, part of the international competitive circuit – an initiative that celebrates movement, community, and the spirit of freedom.
In 2026, Timișoara will become the international capital of sport psychology, and UVT will be the place where ideas, research, and passion for performance meet. I warmly invite you to discover not only a remarkable academic event but also a vibrant, multicultural, and innovative city where science and sport complement each other perfectly.
Welcome to Timișoara!
Welcome to the West University of Timișoara!
Prof. Marilen Gabriel Pirtea, PhD
Rector of the West University of Timișoara
Message from the Chair of FEPSAC 2026
Dear FEPSAC Members, Colleagues, and Friends of the Sport Psychology Community,
It is my great honor to welcome you to the 18th FEPSAC European Congress of Sport and Exercise Psychology, which will take place in Timișoara, Romania, in 2026. This will be the first time that our congress is hosted in Romania, and together with my colleagues at the West University of Timișoara (UVT), we are deeply committed to making it a memorable and inspiring event.
Timișoara, known as the European Capital of Culture 2023 and a vibrant academic and cultural hub, offers a unique setting where history, diversity, and innovation meet. As one of Romania’s leading universities, UVT will provide an excellent academic environment and strong institutional support for the congress.
Our vision for FEPSAC 2026 is to bring together researchers, practitioners, and students from across Europe and beyond, to explore the latest scientific advances, applied practices, and emerging challenges in our field. We are preparing a rich program with keynote lectures, symposia, workshops, and innovative formats designed to engage and inspire.
We warmly invite you to join us in Timișoara for a congress that we hope will foster knowledge, collaboration, and friendships that will last long after 2026.
With warm regards,
Alexandru Boncu
Chair, Local Organizing Committee
FEPSAC 2026
