European Aquatics and National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia sign four-year Memorandum of Understanding over sports science research

European Aquatics and the National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC) have signed a four-year Memorandum of Understanding related to sports science and technological research as it applies to swimming and aquatics.

High on the immediate agenda will be joint work on developing the “Apnea project” within artistic swimming, which concentrates on breathing irregularities that can occur when athletes compete with their head below the level of their hips.

Since May 2025 junior artistic swimmers are penalised for exceeding an apnea time limit of 25 seconds.

The agreement between European Aquatics and the INEFC – which was built in 1991 within the Olympic Ring complex constructed for the 1992 Barcelona Games – will enable cooperation on a wide range of projects.

As well as collaborating on research, the two institutions will work together on:

Technical innovation – exploring and developing innovative technologies, products, or services that can enhance athletic performance, sports equipment, or related areas, with the goal of mutual benefit

Development of joint projects – undertaking joint projects aimed at practical applications of sports science research, potentially resulting in marketable products or services

Knowledge transfer and training – promoting the transfer of knowledge between the EA and INEFC, including collaborative training programmes and opportunities for staff exchanges to enhance expertise on both sides

Education – facilitating the development of curricula for coaches, officials, athletes, and national federation managers

Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics

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