Dr. sc. admin. Ilvis Ābeļkalns is an associate professor, researcher, and academic staff member at the University of Latvia (UL), where he holds several important roles in the fields of education and sport sciences. He is the Head of the Teacher Education Department and also leads the bachelor’s study programme “Sports, Technologies and Public Health.”

Ilvis Ābeļkalns is an active researcher in the fields of pedagogy and sport sciences, with a particular focus on dual career issues of elite athletes—that is, how athletes can effectively combine sports training with academic studies. His publications include scientific articles on dual career support systems as well as research on motivation and athletes’ experiences in combining education and sport.

As an academic leader, he frequently serves as a reviewer of doctoral dissertations and as a supervisor of scientific research, providing methodological guidance to students and early-career researchers.

In addition to his academic and research work, Ābeļkalns is involved in the University Sports Center (for example, in its athletics division) and participates in international professional organizations, such as serving as a board member of the European Athletes as Students (EAS) association, where he contributes to the development of dual career support policies at the international level.

Overall, Dr. Ilvis Ābeļkalns is a significant figure in the fields of sport pedagogy, dual career research, and sports education management in Latvia, with solid academic, research, and organizational experience.

Key research areas:

·         Dual career

·         Dual career support models and management

·         The role of mentoring in athletes’ dual careers

·         Educational environment and organization of the study process

·         Physical activity and healthy lifestyle