Francis Ries is a Professor in Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the University of Seville, where he has been contributing to teacher education and research for two decades. With an initial professional background as a Physical Education teacher for approximately ten years in both school and international contexts, his career reflects a sustained commitment to bridging practice, research, and policy in Physical Education.
He currently serves as Director of the Ambassador Committee of CEREPS, where he plays a strategic role in connecting major European and international organisations in Physical Education, sport, and health.
Through this position, he actively promotes collaboration, knowledge exchange, and alignment of research and policy agendas across institutions, contributing to reducing fragmentation within the field.
In addition, he has been appointed Rector’s Delegate for Asia and Australia at the University of Seville, leading the university’s internationalisation strategy in the Asia–Pacific region. His work focuses on establishing strategic partnerships, fostering academic mobility, and promoting research collaboration with universities and organisations across ASEAN countries and Australia, reinforcing science diplomacy and global engagement.
His academic profile is characterised by over 20 years of experience as a Physical Education teacher educator, with extensive involvement in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. His teaching is grounded in innovative pedagogical approaches, including active learning methodologies, challenge-based learning, and competency-based education, with a strong emphasis on the social and educational value of Physical Education.
Professor Ries’ research focuses on the intersections between physical activity and mental health, particularly among young people and university populations. His work also advances key conceptual and applied areas such as Active Schools, meaningful physical education, and physical literacy, contributing to contemporary debates on Quality Physical Education and its role in promoting lifelong engagement in physical activity.
He leads the SPAMP Lab (Sport and Physical Activity from a Multidisciplinary Perspective), fostering interdisciplinary research with both local and international collaborators. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in international journals and edited volumes, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in Physical Education, sport pedagogy, and health-related physical activity. He is a regular keynote speaker and invited presenter at international conferences, where he disseminates his work and engages with academic, professional, and policy communities across Europe and beyond.
He has been actively involved in numerous European-funded projects (e.g., Erasmus+), and serves regularly as an evaluator for European programmes such as Erasmus+ Sport and Horizon Europe, demonstrating his expertise in research quality, innovation, and policy alignment. His international engagement is further reflected in collaborations across Europe, Asia, and beyond, as well as his contributions to academic publications, conferences, and policy-oriented initiatives.
Through his combined roles in academia, internationalisation, and European networks, Francis Ries contributes to advancing a coherent, impactful, and globally connected vision of Physical Education as a key driver of health, education, and social development.
