Multidisciplinary research is an essential tool for the continuous development of anti-doping activities. The aim of FINCIS’ anti-doping research is to gain new information and insight of the global state of anti-doping research, thus sparking further research in Finland.
The purpose of anti-doping research is to produce information that helps in understanding the values, attitudes and practices related to doping from the perspective of both athletes and society. Research-based information is used to ensure that the anti-doping measures applied in the sports community are functional and effective. Another goal is to provide all sports stakeholders with sufficient knowledge, the right attitude, trust and expertise needed to follow the principles of clean sports.
A key task is to promote anti-doping research in Finland, which FINCIS carries out, for example, through an annual research seminar and theses.
FINCIS’s role
FINCIS has been carrying out comprehensive evaluations of anti-doping activities related to monitoring and testing. Various stakeholder surveys are conducted to collect information, which is used for evaluating and developing FINCIS’ anti-doping activities. Surveys are directed, for example, to sports organisations and athletes and their stakeholders. In three months each year, a survey is conducted among athletes tested for doping. The purpose of this survey is to study athletes’ satisfaction with doping control and their attitudes towards doping and anti-doping activities. Athletes belonging to the testing pool receive a feedback survey every two years. FINCIS uses the results of these surveys to develop its testing pool management and athlete co-operation. In addition, FINCIS regularly evaluates sports organisations’ Fair Competition programmes (including anti-doping programmes) and their implementation.