Science & Research

Investing in Science, Research, and Innovation to Advance Anti-Doping

Science and research plays a crucial role in the fight against doping and in protecting the rights of clean athletes. USADA advances the science of anti-doping in a variety of ways, including hosting an annual symposium on anti-doping science since 2002, contributing to and coordinating scientific research with a variety of partners, and surveying athletes regarding anti-doping policies.

Science Initiatives

Annual USADA Symposium on Anti-Doping Science

The USADA Symposium on Anti-Doping Science is a global gathering, aimed at bringing together subject matter experts and anti-doping leaders from around the world, often including guests from as many as 30 countries, to inform and shape meaningful anti-doping research programs for the future.

The Larry D. Bowers Award for Excellence in Anti-Doping Science

To recognize and award the achievements of scientists who have made an impact on anti-doping approaches and best practices, USADA launched the Annual Larry D. Bowers Award for Excellence in Anti-Doping Science in 2016.

Research Initiatives

USADA Funded Research

Detailed information about past USADA-funded research and its impact on anti-doping science.

Directed Research

Research efforts and resources are currently pooled and led by the Partnership for Clean Competition (PCC), a non-profit collaboration, which was founded in 2008 by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the National Football League, and Major League Baseball.

Athlete Perceptions Survey

Sent to elite athletes in the USADA testing pools, this 55-question survey was anonymously completed by 994 athletes across 76 sports in 2022. The survey asked for athlete perceptions on 10 key topics, including athlete well-being, deterrents to performance-enhancing drug use, and whistleblowing.