This award is set to be presented at the 2021 VISTA Conference, scheduled to take place virtually over six days between November 18 and December 16, in partnership with six universities.

Whoever wins the award will also deliver a keynote address at the VISTA Conference.

Nominations must be submitted by July 23 on the event website.

The biennial award, first introduced in 2005, recognises an academic researcher for their work in the field of sports for those with impairments.

"We feel truly blessed to, during these challenging times, not only celebrate the 10th anniversary of IPC's scientific gathering but also the achievements of Para-sport researchers who continue to pursue excellence and inspire through their work ethic, passion, dedication and contribution to Para-sport research and the Paralympic Movement," said Debra Alexander, IPC Governing Board member, chair of the IPC Science and Research working group and VISTA 2021 Scientific Committee chair.

"Over and above acknowledging and rewarding the work of our researchers, the award encourages and promotes further study and contribution to the body of scientific knowledge and expertise in Para-sport."

In 2019, Yves Vanlandewijck was presented with the award at the conference held at the Institute of Sport Science in Amsterdam.

He is a professor in rehabilitation sciences at the Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences at Leuven University in Belgium and at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences in Stockholm.

Vanlandewijck has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and has promoted more than 10 PhD projects in the field of physical activities and sports for people with impairments.

He joined the IPC Sport Science Committee in 1995 and between 2004 and 2018, chaired the Committee.