The National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy was excited to host the Inaugural Applied Research Symposium on Monday, March 2, 2026 as a pre-Summit session at the NAHPL National Summit. This focused gathering was intended to bring together educators, practioners, researchers, and thought leaders committed to bridging the gap between research and practice. The symposium spotlighted applied research that informs and enhances the teaching, learning, and implementation of health and physical literacy across diverse populations and settings.

• Ben Kern (Keynote): “From policy to practice: Applied research approaches for advancing health and physical literacy”
• Debbie Rhea: “Physical and health literacy: How to use evidence-based research to support your cause”
• Robert Doan: “Thought process of novice/expert referees- Research with sports officials”
• Damon Andrew (Keynote): “The importance of adopting a multidisciplinary approach in health and physical literacy: Lessons learned from a curious scholar”
• Christopher Wirth: “From research to practice: Initiatives and opportunities with JOHPL and NAHPL”