Prof Hans de Ridder, director of the School of Human Movement Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), was recently acknowledged with the President’s award at the biannual International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) conference on 7 August in London, England.
This award is in recognition of his unwavering commitment to contributing to a field that blends science, health and sport, while impacting lives positively. Prof De Ridder is among the only two individuals honored with this distinction in the history of ISAK.
“This recognition holds profound significance both personally and professionally,” he says. “Personally, it is a validation of decades of dedication, hard work and passion for the fields of kinanthropometry and sport sciences. It represents a milestone in a lifelong commitment to advancing the understanding of human physical variation and its implications in sports, health and well-being”
ISAK has been a significant part of Prof De Ridder’s life since he joined the organisation in 1998. Having been elected to the ISAK Council in 2000, he was appointed secretary-general in 2002 and held that position until 2008. Demonstrating his continuous drive of ensuring the science of kinanthropometry continues to evolve, Prof De Ridder was elected as president of the ISAK in 2008 – a position he served in until 2014. He was also honoured with a lifetime membership from the ISAK, and he continued to function in the ISAK Council until this year, marking 24 years of dedicated involvement in the organisation’s leadership.
“My passion for understanding the complexities of the human body and its relationship to physical performance and health inspired my dedication to kinanthropometry. Early in my career, I realised that precise measurements of body composition and structure are crucial for optimising athletic performance, enhancing health outcomes, and promoting inclusive sports,” he adds.
Prof de Ridder says this distinguished award will undoubtedly have a positive impact on his future work and research within the field of kinanthropometry. “The recognition enhances the credibility and visibility of my work, strengthening my resolve to mentor the next generation of researchers and practitioners – ensuring that the field continues to grow and adapt to new challenges.”
Among other accomplishments, Prof De Ridder serves as the current president for the BRICS Council of Exercise and Sports Science (BRICSCESS), and is the founding secretary-general of BRICSCESS. He was the first-ever level 4 ISAK instructor in Africa, and one of 12 in the world. Level 4 is the highest international qualification which can be awarded to an anthropometrist.
Prof De Ridder is also the co-author of an international book titled International Standards for Anthropometric Assessment. The book was used as a reference manual for teaching and research in anthropometry and kinanthropometry and was citied more than 3 000 times.
“This recognition from the ISAK is an honour that acknowledges not just individual achievements, but also the collective contributions of all mentors, colleagues and students who have been part of this journey.”
More about the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK)
The ISAK fosters a vibrant field of scientific endeavour by building and maintaining an international network of colleagues who reflect the global community beyond geography, politics and the boundaries of individual fields.
It was established as an organisation of individuals whose scientific and professional interests are related to kinanthropometry, and it has developed international standards for anthropometric assessment.
Prof Hans de Ridder.
