The 2013 conference, which will take place at the Gustav-Stresemann Institute on May 1-4, will be attended by some of the world's leading experts on technology and equipment in Paralympic sport to discuss in-depth issues that made global headlines during the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The issue of technology in sport shot to the fore at London 2012 when South African star Oscar Pistorius (pictured top, right) launched a verbal tirade on Alan Fonteles Cardoso Oliveira (pictured top, left) when the Brazilian beat him to gold in the T44 200 metres final, claiming it was the length of his rivals prosthetic legs that had taken him to victory.

It will be just one of several issues discussed at the conference as experts look at products from grassroots developments to high-tech applications and whether they enhance performance or are even necessary for performance.

Other topics on the agenda include cycling propulsion, athlete healthcare, education and awareness, classification, technology developments in snow sports, social legacies, media, marketing and sponsorship, with the keynote speakers to be announced shortly.

"The IPC is excited for academics, experts and athletes to come together to discuss the crucial role of equipment and technology at both the grassroots and elite levels of sport, as well as Paralympic classification and athlete health and safety," said the IPC medical and scientific director Peter Van de Vliet.

"VISTA 2013 will allow the perfect environment for this exchange of information among leaders in the field from around the world."

At VISTA 2013, the IPC will also present the Paralympic Scientific Award in recognition of the work of one individual for his or her contribution to research in the field of sports for people with an impairment.

To be eligible for this award, candidates must have contributed through significant scientific publications related to the study of sport for people with an impairment in any discipline, have received national or international recognition of their work and placed an emphasis on the practical application of research with a direct or indirect benefit to the Paralympic Movement.

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