The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) took a significant step by presenting its Social Science Research (SSR) Strategy 2025-2029, a plan aimed at broadening the understanding of doping as a complex and profoundly human phenomenon. This new roadmap builds not only on the achievements of the previous strategy but also places athletes, the research community, and the systems that support the fight for clean sport at its core. Aware that behind every doping case are stories shaped by social, psychological, and cultural influences, WADA has decided to look beyond traditional controls to drive change at the root.
The development of this strategy was consolidated thanks to the involvement of nearly 60 academics, open debates at the SSR Symposium 2024, and the support of experts who helped refine its priorities. With this, WADA reaffirms its commitment not to limit itself to sanctioning, but to understanding the causes and providing preventive solutions. This new phase seeks not only to respond to persistent challenges—such as lack of funding or difficulties in disseminating research—but also to project a more collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable future in doping prevention.
A strategy with a human face
The Strategy 2025-2029 is built around two main pillars: People and Systems. The first priority is to protect athletes by understanding their contexts and risk factors, while strengthening the networks of researchers working for clean sport. Here, WADA aims to create mentorship opportunities, expand funding, and generate collaborative spaces that allow the scientific community to grow. It is an approach that recognizes that sporting integrity does not depend solely on rules and sanctions, but on supporting and understanding those who live sport from within.
In the Systems pillar, the goal is to generate useful and applicable knowledge, optimizing investment in research projects and promoting partnerships with international organizations. This vision ensures that evidence does not remain on paper but feeds into policies, educational programs, and concrete decisions. By connecting research with practice, WADA seeks to transform the foundations of the anti-doping system so that the values of clean sport are strengthened in a lasting way.
A boost from research
Alongside the strategy, WADA announced the funding of nine projects through its 2025 Grants Program, with an investment of USD 464,765. These initiatives, led by researchers from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania, reflect a global effort to generate evidence in diverse contexts. Each proposal was evaluated through a rigorous review process, both scientific and ethical, ensuring that resources are allocated to studies of high impact and relevance.
The value of this program lies not only in the funds provided but also in the opportunity to build a shared knowledge base. WADA already has a platform where anyone can explore completed research, searchable by region, theme, or author. In doing so, the organization demonstrates that transparency and open access are essential pillars to multiply the reach of science and strengthen trust in the anti-doping movement.
