29 June – 3 July 2026
Summer school
29 June – 3 July 2026
Physiology of
Top Performance
Global Exercise Physiology Summer Academy
With a Grant Writing Masterclass – Turn Your Research Idea into Funding
We are delighted to welcome you to the 2026 Summer School in Exercise Physiology – whether you are returning from a previous edition or joining us for the first time. Building on the success of earlier years, the Summer School once again brings together the same internationally renowned faculty: Dr. Scott K. Powers, Dr. Li Li Ji, Dr. David Hood, and Dr. Zsolt Radak.
This year’s program entitled Physiology of Top Performance focuses on the physiology of elite athletes and evidence-based interventions that enhance performance. The lectures will cover circulation-related mechanisms of performance (Dr. Powers), the exercise-enhancing effects of nutritional interventions (Dr. Ji), metabolic limitations and mitochondrial network adaptations (Dr. Hood), and the role of exercise-induced metabolites in adaptation and performance (Dr. Radak).
In addition to high-level lectures, participants will have the opportunity to present their research through poster sessions and take part in dedicated workshops on grant writing and scientific paper preparation. Join us for an inspiring summer of learning, professional exchange, and cutting-edge exercise physiology – we look forward to welcoming you.
Featured experts
Event highlights
- Interactive workshops: Hands-on sessions led by expert lecturers.
- Lectures and seminars: Latest research findings and developments in exercise physiology.
- Poster presentations: Opportunity to present your own posters in relevant fields.
NETWORKING AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Meet professionals and fellow participants:
- Welcome Dinner (29 June): Hosted at the University (free of charge).
- Buda city tour (30 June): Guided walk on the historic Buda side (free of charge).
- Pest city tour (1 July ): Guided walk in downtown Pest (free of charge), with an optional Danube boat cruise in the evening (self-funded).
- Optional Széchenyi Thermal Spa visit (2 July): (self-funded).
- Closing & certificate ceremony (3 July): Afternoon certificate award and light catering at the University.
The Summer School takes place in Budapest at the Hungarian University of Sports Science and can be attended in person or online.
Featured experts
SCOTT K. POWERS
Renowned for his extensive research in exercise physiology, particularly in oxidative stress and muscle function. Author of the book: Exercise Physiology, Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance by McGraw Hill publisher. Check out his biography here.
LI LI JI
Professor Li Li Ji is a leading expert in muscle physiology, specializing in biochemical and molecular exercise physiology, nutrition, and aging. His work focuses on the balance of free radicals and antioxidants and their impact on health. Check out his biography here.
DAVID HOOD
Professor at York University and Director of the Muscle Health Research Centre. His research delves into mitochondrial adaptations and the role of exercise in muscle health. He is one of the most well-known scientists in mitochondrial-related research. Check out his biography here.
ZSOLT RADAK
Professor and Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation at HUSS, and professor at Waseda University. He is known for his research on oxidative stress, hormesis, DNA-methylation-associated aging, and the molecular mechanisms of systemic exercise-induced adaptation. Check out his biography here.
Conference timetable
The daily sessions and topics are outlined below.
The program begins on Monday, 29 June 2026, with a campus tour and academic sessions, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the University for in-person participants. Workshops, lectures, and seminars take place throughout the week, concluding with the certificate ceremony on Friday, 3 July 2026.
SEMINARS OF THE DAY
| Mitochondrial adaptations in skeletal muscle: implications for exercise performance, health, aging, and disease I. | David Hood |
| How nutrition and phytochemicals can enhance exercise performance I. | Li Li Ji |
| Performance-related manipulation of microbiome | Zsolt Radak |
| The role that VO2 max plays in endurance performance I. | Scott Powers |
SEMINARS OF THE DAY
| Mitochondrial adaptations in skeletal muscle: implications for exercise performance, health, aging, and disease II. | David Hood |
| The role that VO2 max plays in endurance performance II. | Scott Powers |
| How nutrition and phytochemicals can enhance exercise performance II. | Li Li Ji |
| Trainability | Zsolt Radak |
SEMINARS OF THE DAY
| Mitochondrial adaptations in skeletal muscle: implications for exercise performance, health, aging, and disease III. | David Hood |
| The role that VO2 max plays in endurance performance III. | Scott Powers |
| How nutrition and phytochemicals can enhance exercise performance III. | Li Li Ji |
| Physiology of resistance training | Zsolt Radak |
SEMINARS OF THE DAY
| Mitochondrial adaptations in skeletal muscle: implications for exercise performance, health, aging, and disease IV. | David Hood |
| The role that VO2 max plays in endurance performance IV. | Scott Powers |
| How nutrition and phytochemicals can enhance exercise performance IV. | Li Li Ji |
| Regeneration and rehabilitation in top sport | Zsolt Radak |
SEMINARS OF THE DAY
| Poster section | |
| How to write a publication? | Li Li Ji – Zsolt Radak |
| How to write a scientific grant? | Scott Powers – David Hood |
Social program details, including exact times for city tours, optional boat cruise, and spa visit, will be communicated directly to registered participants.
Participation fee
* Students and PhD students are kindly requested to provide proof of their student status (e.g. a valid student ID or a support letter from their faculty). Please upload this document in the registration form.
What is included in the fee?
Accommodation
RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN BUDAPEST
Hotel Charles is close to the university. To book a room there, click HERE: www.charleshotel.hu
OTHER HOTELS CLOSE TO THE CONFERENCE
Registration form 2026
Contact
If you have any questions, you can write us an email at summerschool@tf.hu.
