Emilio Fernández Peña analyzes the challenges of future university sports at SAF's 40th anniversary

IRE-UAB and SAF maintain a close relationship to share a vision of sports that joins service management with academic research.

The Rectorate's assembly hall hosted the round table "Physical activity and sport in the university of the future: challenges, opportunities, and social impact," a key event commemorating forty years of the Physical Activity Service (SAF). Emilio Fernández Peña, director of CEO-UAB and researcher at IRE-UAB, took part in a debate reflecting on the strategic role of sports within the university system and the key changes planned for the coming years. During the session, it was highlighted how sports practice contributes to achieving active, healthy, and socially involved communities.

The debate, which included the participation of SAF director and IRE member Agustí Serra i Curtichs, addressed issues such as the opportunity represented by the recently approved medical prescription for physical activity by the Generalitat. Additionally, the experts discussed the future inclusion of university sports in the upcoming Sports Law. Another key point of discussion was the scientific evidence linking physical activity to improved academic performance among students.

This reflection on the future comes at a time of consolidation for SAF, which celebrates 40 years as a benchmark with 10,000 members and sustainable facilities covering 30,000 square metres. The service, a pioneer in programs like Tutoresport for elite athletes, will conclude its anniversary events in May with the presentation of a study on the impact of sports on campus. The anniversary reaffirms the University's commitment to a model where sports management and research work together to face current social challenges.