Wouter Cools

Dr. Wouter Cools serves as Assistant Professor at the Multidisciplinary Institute for Teacher Education (MILO) within Vrije Universiteit Brussel and concurrently holds a Lecturer position in Physical Education & Recreational Sports Education at Artevelde University College Ghent. His academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to physical education research and practice.

His educational background includes a Doctorate in Physical Education and Movement Sciences (2010), Master's (2003), and Bachelor's (2001) degrees from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, plus an Educational Bachelor in Physical Education from Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen (1999).

• PhD: Flemish preschool children's fundamental movement skill performance (2010)
• Master: ICT in Physical Education in Flemish higher education (2003)
• Bachelor: Physical Education (2001)
• Educational Bachelor: Playful learning in skiing (1999)

Dr. Cools' research focuses on critical intersections of physical education, movement science, and innovative pedagogy. His work examines Primary and Secondary School Physical Education, Pedagogical Content Knowledge development, Teacher Education methodologies, Fundamental Movement Skill acquisition, and Technology Integration including active Virtual Reality applications. He investigates how physical activity enhances cross-subject learning while addressing gender equity, inclusive practices for LGBTIQ+ students, and social-emotional development through sports.

His recent publications reveal strong thematic trends toward inclusive physical education frameworks, gender diversity in sports governance, and innovative pedagogical approaches combining technology with traditional physical activities. The research demonstrates increasing focus on social inclusion, international policy comparison, and practical implementation of educational frameworks across diverse cultural contexts.

As an active researcher, Dr. Cools contributes to multiple European projects including Erasmus+ initiatives focused on STEM sports education, virtual reality applications in schools (VIBES), and Sport without Stereotypes. He serves on governing boards including BVLO (Association for Physical Education) as vice-chairman and EUPEA (European Association for Physical Education) as regional representative.

His work extends to advising doctoral candidates and supervising 41 research projects, with particular emphasis on preschool children's motor development, physical activity opportunities in school and home environments, and technology-enhanced physical education. He collaborates with the Brussels Research Institute for Teacher Education and the Movement and Nutrition for Health and Performance research group at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.