In 1956, Fritz Duras organised a scientific congress on the occasion of the Summer Olympics, which attracted 350 participants from all continents.

They decided to found a world association of sports science and commissioned Duras to prepare it.

Well-known sport officials and scientists subsequently served as presidents, such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Philip Noel-Baker, the former world-class athlete Sir Roger Bannister and the Director of the Federal Institute of Sports Science, Germany, Dr August Kirsch.

Patrick Stolpmann has been the managing director since 2023 ICSSPE conducts its activities in the domains of Science, Education and Policy.

The organisation contributes to education of professionals in sport science, physical education and physical activity and supports governmental authorities and non-governmental sport organisations in the development of effective and sustainable policies.