PhysAgeNet Deliverable D4.3 Report on PhysAgeNet composition, development and sustainability, including status and strategy
Abstract
Network on evidence-based physical activity in old age (PhysAgeNet) The deliverable is a main outcome of the COST Action CA20104 - Network on evidence-based physical activity in old age (PhysAgeNet). The main aim and objective of the Action is to establish a sustainable network fostering evidence-based research and practice of physical activity in older adults and enhancing integration of innovative ICT solutions based on open data consolidated research information, in order to promote health and reduce the burden of inactivity in ageing populations. Working Group 4 (WG4) The objectives of the WG are 1. to develop the network in terms of full European coverage, age and gender balance, necessary disciplines, relevant stakeholder and external expert collaborations; 2. to make the network sustainable beyond the COST Action in terms of structure, management and finances; 3. to establish the results of the other Working Groups in appropriate and sustaining formats. The WG4 tasks can be structured in the following: T4.1 Establish internal communication (contact and mailing lists, reporting and planning schedules) of all network activities, continuous screening of all minutes / reports for ad-hoc and strategic dissemina- tion and exploitation. T4.2 Create and provide promotion material and dissemination channels, to be used by all network members on the occasion of their own conference visits, projects, teaching, including a yearly public newsletter T4.3 Explore requirements and opportunities for perpetuating the network partly or as a whole (e.g. collaboration and connection with universities, other networks or societies, business), including sus- tainability strategy and action planning, stakeholder analysis and balanced scorecard T4.4 Implement and further develop the measures to maximise impact (2.2, 3.2), including funding proposals (3.2) T4.5 Conduct a consensus process on the progress beyond initial topical status and needs update.
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CA20104 – Network on evidence-based physical activity in old age (PhysAgeNet) Deliverable D4.3 D4.3: Report on PhysAgeNet composition, development and sustainability, including status and strategy CBO 1, CBO 2 Contributors Working Group 4 Jonathan Gómez-Raja (Chief Scientific Officer/WG4 vice-leader), Signe Tomsone (Associate Professor/WG4 leader) CONTENTS 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 3 2. Network composition ........................................................................................................................................... 3 3. Development and Activities ................................................................................................................................. 5
4. Sustainability Strategy .......................................................................................................................................... 8 5. Alignment with COST Policy Parameters ........................................................................................................... 10 6. Strategic Impact and Future Plans ..................................................................................................................... 11
1. INTRODUCTION PhysAgeNet (COST Action CA20104) is a European network focused on promoting evidence-based physical activity in older adults. The network integrates interdisciplinary research and practice across Europe, aiming to enhance health outcomes and reduce inactivity-related burdens through innovative ICT solutions and open data frameworks. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current status, strategic development, and sustainability ambitions of the network. This document aims to assess the network’s composition, evolution, and alignment with COST policy parameters, while outlining the strategic measures taken to ensure its long-term sustainability beyond the funding period. By highlighting key achievements, structural developments, and future-oriented strategies, this report serves as a reference for stakeholders, policymakers, and collaborators interested in the impact and continuity of PhysAgeNet’s mission. 2. NETWORK COMPOSITION Over the four-year duration of the COST Action CA20104, PhysAgeNet has grown into a robust and interdisciplinary European network dedicated to promoting evidence-based physical activity in older adults. From its initial formation, the network expanded significantly in both size and scope, reaching 439 active members from 55 countries, with strong representation from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs) and Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs). The network's composition evolved strategically to reflect COST policy priorities. ITC participation was consistently above 50%, with targeted outreach successfully integrating countries like Ukraine and ongoing efforts in Georgia. YRIs became increasingly involved, not only as contributors but also in leadership roles, supported by a structured grant program that included ITC grants, virtual mobility, and short-term scientific missions. Gender balance was another key achievement, with female representation exceeding 50% in both working groups and leadership positions. This was facilitated by a tandem leadership model and continuous monitoring of diversity metrics. The network's structure matured through the development of four dedicated Working Groups (WG1–WG4), each delivering key outputs such as databases, open data frameworks, intervention guidelines, and sustainability strategies. Strategic partnerships, notably with EGRAPA, ensured continuity beyond the Action, including joint conferences and thematic series in high-impact journals like EURAPA. PhysAgeNet also embraced hybrid collaboration formats, enabling inclusive participation and efficient knowledge exchange. The adoption of virtual networking tools and templates supported a dynamic and resilient network culture. In summary, PhysAgeNet evolved from a promising initiative into a well-established, inclusive, and sustainable European research community, with lasting impact on scientific collaboration, policy alignment, and capacity building in the field of ageing and physical activity.
This table summarizes the evolution of member distribution metrics across three key reports for the COST Action CA20104 – PhysAgeNet: PR1 (2022), PR2 (2023), and the Final Achievement Report (2025). Metric PR1 (2022) PR2 (2023) Final Report (2025) WG Membership 287 from 43 countries 330 members from 45 countries 439 members from 55 countries ITC Representation 53%-56% >50% >50% Missing ITC Countries Bulgaria, Hungary, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia Malta, Hungary, Georgia None. New ITC Additions Ukraine added Ukraine added Ukraine added; outreach in Georgia YRI WG Members 47% >50% >50% YRI in Leadership Roles 38% Active in vice leadership and coordination Active in vice leadership and coordination Gender Balance (WG Members) 54% Female / 46% Male >50% Female >50% Female Leadership Gender Balance 62% Female / 38% Male Balanced through tandem leadership Balanced through tandem leadership Grant Support GP1: 3 ITC (3.575€), 15 VM(16.237,24€), 0 STSM. 1 VNS 4.000€) Total: 23.812,34€ GP2: 6 ITC (6.900€), 21 VM (19.665,22€), 3 STSM (6.630,57€). 1 VM (4.000€) Total: 37.195,27€ GP3: 6 ITC (7.875€), 31 VM (26.118,32€), 9 STSM (16.665€), 1 VM (4.000€) Total: 54.658,32€ 2 GP4: 2 ITC (3.406€), 4 YRI (3.628€), 21 VM (30.750€), 9 STSM (26.098€), 1 DCG (1.424€), 1 VNS (2.000€) Total: 68.056€ Working Groups WG1–WG4 active WG1: 151, WG2: 151, WG3: 213, WG4: 97 WG1: 198 WG2: 199 WG3: 279 WG4: 146 Strategic Partnerships Not specified EGRAPA collaboration initiated EGRAPA collaboration and EURAPA thematic series
3. DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES The PhysAgeNet network has undergone significant development since its inception, evolving into a dynamic and interdisciplinary European collaboration focused on promoting evidence-based physical activity in older adults. Initially formed with a core group of researchers, the network expanded to include 439 members from 55 countries, with strong representation from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs) and Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs). To ensure structured progress, the network was organized into four Working Groups (WG1–WG4), each tasked with specific objectives: • WG1 focused on compiling databases and developing tools based on evidence-based medicine (EBM) standards. • WG2 addressed biomarkers and environmental factors, creating open data frameworks and a prototype repository. • WG3 developed guidelines for recruitment and intervention design, using formal consensus processes. • WG4 led efforts in sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination. Throughout the Action, PhysAgeNet conducted a wide range of activities: • Scientific Outputs: 17 peer-reviewed publications, including systematic reviews, protocols, and consensus papers (see report on publications). • Grants and Mobility: More than 100 grants were awarded across four grant periods, supporting ITC researchers, virtual mobility, and short-term scientific missions (see report to COST). • Hybrid Collaboration: The network pioneered hybrid meeting formats, supported by templates and virtual networking tools. • Dissemination: Activities included webinars, academic presentations, training schools, and an animated video introducing PhysAgeNet. • Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with EGRAPA ensured long-term sustainability, including joint conferences and thematic series in EURAPA. • Stakeholder Engagement: A stakeholder analysis matrix was developed, and outreach efforts targeted practitioners, policymakers, and academic institutions (see deliverable 4.2). The network’s development was marked by inclusivity, innovation, and strategic planning, resulting in a sustainable platform that continues to influence research, policy, and practice in ageing and physical activity. Main Activities Reported in PhysAgeNet COST Action (CA20104)
1. Grant Activities • Total grant mentions: 100+ • ITC Grants: 17 • Virtual Mobility Grants: 88 • Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs): 21 2. Dissemination • Publications: GP1: 0, GP2: 5, GP3: 5, GP4: 7 (Total = 17) • Dissemination Events: From 2022-2025, lat least once a year, one huge networking event per year was conducted. The first two years, the format was a general meeting. In the final two years, joint conferences were conducted. More details can be accessed below: Location and year of PhysAgeNetConference Country and number of participants onsite Country and number of participants online Piran (2022) - Meeting Total: 33 participants Albania: 1; Austria: 1; Azerbaijan: 1; Cyprus: 1; Germany: 8; Greece: 1; Spain: 1; Finland: 1; France: 1; Ireland: 1; Israel: 2; Italy: 1; Latvia: 1 North Macedonia: 1; The Netherlands: 1; Serbia: 3; Slovenia: 3; Slovakia: 1; Türkiye: 3 Total: 85 participants Austria: 2; Azerbaijan: 1; Belgium: 2; Switzerland: 3; Croatia: 1; Cyprus: 1; Czech Republic: 3; Germany: 4; Greece: 2; Denmark: 2; Estonia: 1; Spain: 6; Finland: 1; France: 1; Ireland: 2; Iceland: 1; Italy: 1; Lithuania: 2; Latvia: 1; North Macedonia: 1; The Netherlands: 1; Norway: 3; Poland: 2; Portugal: 3Serbia: 1; Romania: 1; Slovenia: 2; Slovakia: 1; Türkiye: 10; United Kingdom: 3; Unknown: 20 Riga (2023) - Meeting Total: 66 participants Albania: 1; Austria: 1; Azerbaijan: 1; Bosnia Herzegovina: 1; Belgium: 1; Cyprus: 2; Czech Republic: 3; Germany: 11; Spain: 3; France: 1; Croatia: 1; Ireland: 1; Israel: 2; Iceland: 1; Italy: 2; Lithuania: 1; Latvia: 2; Montenegro: 1; North Macedonia: 1; The Netherlands: 1; Poland: 2; Portugal: 1; Serbia: 2; Slovakia: 1; Türkiye: 19; Ukraine: 1 United Kingdom: 2 Total: 44 participants Albania: 1; Austria: 2; Belgium: 4; Brazil: 1; Switzerland: 2; Germany: 4; Denmark: 2; Spain: 3; Finland: 2; Greece: 2; Iran: 1; Italy: 1 Lithuania: 1; The Netherlands: 1; Norway: 2; Portugal: 2; Serbia: 1; Türkiye: 5; Unknown: 7 Kaunas (2024) - Conference Total: 105 participants Albania: 1; Austria: 1; Azerbaijan: 1; Belgium: 3; Switzerland: 4; China: 1; Cyprus: 2; Czech Republic: 2; Germany: 11; Greece: 2; Spain: 4; Finland: 1; France: 3; Croatia: 1; Hungary: 1; Israel: 1; Iceland: 1; Italy: 1; Lithuania: 2; Latvia: 3; Montenegro: 1; North Macedonia: 1; Malta: 1; The Netherlands: 1; Norway: 1; Poland: 7; Portugal: 2; Sweden: 1; Slovenia: 3; Türkiye: 16; Ukraine: 3; United Kingdom: 3; Unknown: 19 Total: 54 participants Bulgaria: 1; Brazil: 1; Cyprus: 2; Czech Republic: 2; Germany: 1; Greece: 1; Denmark: 1; Finland: 1; France: 1; Georgia: 1; Israel: 1; Italy: 2; Latvia: 1; North Macedonia: 1; The Netherlands: 1; Poland: 2; Portugal: 2; Saudi Arabia: 1; Slovakia: 1; Türkiye: 9; United Kingdom: 1; Unknown: 20 Trabzon (2025) - Conference Total: 87 participants Azerbaijan: 1; Bosnia & Herzegovina: 1; Belgium: 3; Switzerland: 4; Czech Republic: 4; Germany: 13; Greece: 1; Spain: 3; France: 3; Croatia: 1; Hungary: 2; Ireland: 1; Iran: 1 Italy: 1; Kosovo: 1; Lithuania: 1; Latvia: 1; Montenegro: 2; The Netherlands: 2; Norway: 1; Total: 42 participants Switzerland: 1; China: 2; Cyprus: 1; Czech Republic: 1; Germany: 3; Denmark: 1; Finland: 1; Israel: 2; Lithuania: 1; Latvia: 1; The Netherlands: 1; Poland: 3; Slovakia: 1; Türkiye: 9; Unknown: 14
Poland: 2; Portugal: 2; Saudi Arabia: 1; Türkiye: 31; Ukraine: 2; United Kingdom: 2 3. Scientific and Strategic Outputs • Proposals and Projects resulting from Action networking: 8+ • Other Outputs and Achievements: 12+, including stakeholder matrices, training tools, and thematic publications This wide range of coordinated activities were implemented to advance the network’s objectives in promoting evidence-based physical activity in older adults. These activities evolved and expanded across the three reporting phases: • Progress Report 1 (PR1) • Network Formation: Initial setup of the Management Committee and Working Groups (WG1– WG4). • Inclusiveness Strategy: Integration of ITC countries, with Ukraine added and outreach to others initiated. • Leadership Structure: Tandem leadership model introduced to ensure diversity and shared responsibility. • Communication Tools: Development of internal tools, mailing lists, and promotional materials. • Grant Activities: Launch of ITC and virtual mobility grants, supporting early-career researchers. • Initial Deliverables: Database creation (D1.1), stakeholder analysis, and dissemination planning. • Progress Report 2 (PR2) • Network Expansion: Membership grew to 330 participants from 45 countries. • Scientific Outputs: Submission and publication of multiple systematic reviews and protocols. • Hybrid Collaboration: Implementation of hybrid meeting formats and virtual networking support. • Training and Dissemination: Webinars, training schools, and animated video outreach. • Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with EGRAPA initiated; joint events planned. • Monitoring and Evaluation: Monthly tracking of WG membership and deliverable progress. • Final Achievement Report • Network Expansion: Membership grew to 439 participants from 55 countries. • Completion of Deliverables: All planned outputs delivered, including guidelines, frameworks, and strategic reports. • Sustainability Planning: Long-term collaboration with EGRAPA and thematic series in EURAPA. • Living Reviews: Two ongoing reviews to ensure continued scientific relevance. • Stakeholder Engagement: Expanded outreach and stakeholder matrix development.
• Impact Documentation: Evidence of institutional collaborations, hybrid working adoption, and policy alignment. • Funding and Projects: Multiple funded proposals and projects resulting directly from Action networking. 4. SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY The sustainability of PhysAgeNet (COST Action CA20104) has been carefully designed to ensure the network’s longterm impact and continuity beyond the initial COST funding period. This strategy is built on six interconnected pillars: institutional partnerships, scientific legacy, stakeholder engagement, EU-level support, capacity building, and digital dissemination infrastructure. 1. Strategic Partnerships and Institutional Anchoring PhysAgeNet has secured a long-term collaboration with EGRAPA (European Group for Research on Aging and Physical Activity), which will: • Host joint conferences (e.g., Kaunas 2024, Trabzon 2025) • Integrate PhysAgeNet themes into its journal EURAPA • Offer future grants and membership opportunities to PhysAgeNet participants • Support thematic series on emerging topics such as AI in physical activity interventions This partnership ensures academic continuity and provides a platform for ongoing dissemination and collaboration. 2. Horizon Results Booster (HRB) Integration PhysAgeNet participated in HRB Module A – Portfolio Dissemination and Exploitation Strategy, forming a Project Group (PG) with DE-PASS and PROGRAMMING. The HRB service provided: • A portfolio of 10 key research and innovation results, including tools, methodologies, and frameworks • A SWOT analysis highlighting strengths such as standardisation, technological integration, and multidisciplinary collaboration • A stakeholder mapping identifying priority audiences: researchers, healthcare professionals, policy experts, and older adults • Recommendations for applying to HRB2 in Q4 2024 to support joint dissemination activities like webinars, policy briefs, and public-facing reports Key PhysAgeNet results included: • A description tool for PA interventions (TRL 2) • A curriculum for training young scientists (TRL 6)
• Guidelines for recruitment and sampling (TRL 6) • A demonstrator repository for technology-assisted PA interventions (TRL 3) 3. Living Scientific Outputs and Open Data PhysAgeNet initiated living reviews, including one protocol approved by the Cochrane Library. These reviews are designed to be continuously updated, ensuring ongoing relevance and engagement with the research community. The network also developed an open data repository prototype, enabling future secondary analyses and crossproject collaboration. 4. Stakeholder Engagement and Dissemination Networks PhysAgeNet created a Stakeholder Analysis Matrix and a Science Communication Plan to guide outreach. The HRB report identified over 25 dissemination partners, including: • SHARE-ERIC • EIT Health • AGE Platform Europe • HelpAge International • European Geriatric Medicine Society Dissemination channels include: • Demos and explainer videos • Social media campaigns (LinkedIn, X, Instagram) • Events, workshops, and webinars 5. Capacity Building and Grant Legacy Over 100 grants were awarded during the Action, including: • ITC grants • Virtual mobility grants • Short-term scientific missions (STSMs) These grants supported early-career researchers and fostered long-term collaborations. Several funded projects and proposals emerged directly from PhysAgeNet networking, including Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe applications.