Heat, altitude, and resilience: CISM Symposium tackles the future of Military Performance
ABU DHABI (UAE) – The second day of the CISM International Symposium 2025, held on 21 October at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi, continued to bring together experts, researchers, and military representatives from around the world to discuss the latest scientific advances in military sports and physical readiness.
The day opened under the chairmanship of Prof. Lieutenant Colonel Annette Schmidt and Lieutenant Commander Florentia Sfakianou, with a keynote speech by Prof. Yannis Pitsiladis from the Hong Kong Baptist University, titled “Heat, Altitude, and Hostility: Preparing the Future Soldier for Extreme Environments.”
Professor Pitsiladis, one of the world’s leading authorities on environmental physiology and human performance, addressed the increasing challenges faced by soldiers operating in harsh and unpredictable climates. His presentation offered new perspectives on adaptation of new wearable technology and the integration of scientific research into military training protocols.
The second keynote of the day was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Jason Lee from the National University of Singapore, who presented “Heat Warriors: Military Performance in Extreme Temperatures.”
Professor Lee’s lecture provided key insights into thermoregulation, hydration, and resilience under heat stress, highlighting how modern military forces must adapt physiologically and technologically to maintain performance and safety in demanding environments.
Throughout the sessions, more than ten researchers from various countries including Brazil, Spain, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates presented studies addressing climate change challenges in sport performance, the use of wearable technologies in training, and new methodologies to prevent injuries and optimize military readiness.
Topics included infrared thermography for recovery monitoring, endurance development in different climatic zones, and innovative approaches to balance readiness with injury prevention.
As discussions unfolded, the Symposium reaffirmed its role as a global platform for scientific exchange within the armed forces community, where research meets operational needs to enhance physical readiness and resilience.
The final day of the Symposium will take place today, 22 October, and will conclude three days of fruitful dialogue and collaboration among experts, academics, and military professionals from more than thirty countries.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department and UAE Delegation to CISM)
