Dr Francisco Esparza Ros, Professor at the Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, has been elected President of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK), an organisation with more than 36,000 members in 85 countries that leads advances in this discipline worldwide. 

Kinanthropometry, a scientific branch that analyses body measurements and proportions in the context of health, nutrition and sports performance, has a world reference centre at UCAM thanks to its International Chair, a pioneer in this field. ‘It is a luxury and a source of pride to travel the world with this unique chair, created by the founder of the UCAM, José Luis Mendoza’, stresses Dr Esparza, who has been a fundamental part of its development and consolidation. 

Career and relevance 

Dr Esparza's links with ISAK began in 2010, when he joined its executive committee in order to contribute to the expansion and modernisation of the Society. In 2014, his dedication led him to hold a major ISAK world conference at UCAM and he subsequently held the position of Secretary General, a role in which he strengthened scientific production and the integration of technology in measurement methodologies. Today, as President, he aims to further consolidate ISAK's global impact, with initiatives focused on supporting developing countries through grants and research projects. 

‘This is a recognition of not only my work, but also of the international projection that UCAM has achieved in this field,’ says Professor Francisco Esparza, who also highlights the close collaboration between the university and the association. ISAK's official headquarters are located on the Los Jerónimos campus, which makes UCAM a point of reference for the more than 36,000 professionals accredited by the Society. 

Leadership backed by achievements 

Under the direction of Dr Esparza, the scientific production of the Chair he leads has reached significant milestones, with more than 40 publications per year in high impact journals in the last 6 years. In addition, the UCAM International Chair of kinanthropometry attracts researchers from all over the world, who seek to collaborate on innovative projects that address everything from sports performance to improving health in vulnerable populations. 

The ISAK, established in 1986, is recognised for setting international standards in anthropometric measurement. In the last year, the association has run more than 3,700 courses worldwide, promoting excellence in the application of this discipline in areas as diverse as education, medicine and engineering. 

Challenges and the road ahead 

Francisco Esparza will take up his post at a key moment for the Society as it seeks to expand its influence in regions with limited resources. Projects include the translation of its reference manual into several languages, currently available in 7 languages, and the awarding of research grants and project grants worth nearly 100,000 euros, aimed at promoting innovation in developing countries. 

‘The challenge is enormous, but the responsibility of leading thousands of professionals around the world is also a unique opportunity to generate a lasting impact’, says Dr Esparza, with the conviction that kinanthropometry will continue to be a cornerstone for scientific and social progress. 

With this appointment, UCAM reinforces its commitment to research and international projection, consolidating its position as a benchmark in emerging scientific disciplines and in the training of global leaders.