Ivo van Hilvoorde

Dr. Ivo van Hilvoorde holds the position of Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with affiliations to the Learning and Performance, IBBA, and AMS - Sports departments. He also serves as Lector (Adjunct Professor) at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences in Zwolle, leading the Lectoraat Bewegen School en Sport since 2009.

His research focuses on sports pedagogy, physical education, and the sociocultural dimensions of sport. Key areas include physical literacy, digital transformation in sports, ethics in sport, and the historical and philosophical underpinnings of movement education. He explores topics such as national identity through sports, elite athlete development, and the role of technology in enhancing learning and performance.

His recent work examines community sports program effectiveness, historical educational ideals, and ethical challenges in modern sport. Notably, he critiques traditional sport systems and advocates for inclusive, holistic approaches to physical education. His 2025 paper on 'Personhood Formation' traces Dutch pedagogical traditions, while his 2024 analysis of Pierre de Coubertin’s legacy highlights ethical dilemmas in competitive sport.

Van Hilvoorde teaches Sport Philosophy and History of Science, integrating historical, ethical, and technological perspectives. He collaborates internationally on projects addressing sport policy, digital innovation, and youth development. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education and health.

He has supervised two PhD theses and actively engages in policy discussions on sport governance, athlete welfare, and the future of physical education in digitalized societies.