Global Physical Activity Observatories Workshop

Please join us for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Global Physical Activity Observatories Workshop Oct. 21-22, 2026, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. each day at the Levis Faculty Center. The workshop will bring together leaders from the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!), Global Observatory for Physical Education (GoPE!), and all those interested in physical activity surveillance, research, and policy to discuss the next generation of global physical activity monitoring tools.

In 2025, GoPA! released its third edition of country cards, a global system to monitor progress in physical activity. The cards capture progress, gaps, and opportunities across 186 countries and territories for physical activity promotion and to build healthier, more active societies. GoPE! also launched its first edition of country cards focused on school-based physical activity systems for 159 countries.

The two-day workshop provides an opportunity for students, researchers, and community leaders to learn more and get involved with GoPA! and GoPE!, strengthen the implementation of country cards worldwide, and shape the next generation of global monitoring tools.

AGENDA

October 21

11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Surveillance of physical activity globally: the role of the Global Observatory for Physical Activity

• Prof. Michael Pratt, University of California, San Diego, GoPA! Co-Chair
• Moderator: Prof. Andi Schwingel, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

12-1 p.m. | Monitoring physical activity among adults globally

• Prof. Ian Brooks, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Prof. Sjaan Gomersall, University of Queensland, Australia
• Moderator: Dr. Brandi Barnes, Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

October 22 

11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Surveillance of physical education globally: the role of the Global Observatory for Physical Education

• Prof. João Martins, Universidade do Porto, Portugal, GoPE! Co-Chair 
• Moderator: Prof. James Sallis, University of California, San Diego

12-1 p.m. | Monitoring physical education globally

• Dr. Rafael Tassitano, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, GoPE! Steering Committee Member
• Dr. Kevin Richards, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, GoPE! US Country Contact
• Moderator: Prof. Shelby Keye, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

This event is sponsored by the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!), Global Observatory of Physical Education (GoPE!), and Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute (IHSI) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Pedro Hallal, an Illinois professor of health and kinesiology and affiliate of IHSI, serves as co-chair of GoPA!.