The Puijo Story

The International Puijo Symposium – Celebrating Over 50 Years of Scientific Collaboration in Exercise Medicine

Since 1976, the International Puijo Symposium has served as a meeting point for leading scientists, clinicians, and health professionals from around the world — uniting under a shared goal: advancing research and practice in exercise medicine, health promotion, and clinical care.

In 2027, we will celebrate the 24th Puijo Symposium, marking over five decades of this unique scientific tradition. This milestone is not only a testament to the continuity of collaboration but also a tribute to the evolution of ideas, disciplines, and discoveries that have shaped the field.

Held in Kuopio, Finland — surrounded by lakes, forests, and the magic of the Finnish midsummer — Puijo Symposium has always been more than a scientific meeting. It is a community, a tradition, and an experience that blends rigorous science with the warmth of human connection.

Evolving Themes Over the Decades

Looking back, the history of the Puijo Symposium reflects the development of exercise medicine itself.
Each meeting has focused on the cutting-edge questions of its time, from muscle metabolism and cardiovascular health to translational science and clinical applications.

Some highlights from our journey:

  • 1976: Physical Performance and Muscle Metabolism – setting the scientific tone for decades to come.

  • 1981: Exercise Medicine – The New Frontier in Medical Specialization – recognizing a new medical discipline.

  • 1989: Physical Activity and Hypertension – linking movement with cardiovascular health.

  • 1998: Physical Activity in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity and Metabolic Co-morbidities – ahead of its time in metabolic research.

  • 2003: Physical Activity and Health – Gender Differences Across the Lifespan – emphasizing inclusion and precision in science.

  • 2009: Exercise and Metabolic Syndrome – bridging prevention and clinical care.

  • 2014: Physical Exercise in Clinical Medicine – Critical Appraisal of Scientific Evidence – strengthening evidence-based practice.

  • 2022: Translating Research Evidence to Everyday Practice – embodying the modern challenge of implementation.

A Platform for Science and Collaboration

The Puijo Symposium has grown into an internationally recognized platform that fosters:

  • Interdisciplinary dialogue between medicine, physiology, public health, and behavioral science.

  • Collaboration between emerging and established researchers.

  • Translation of research into meaningful impact for clinical practice and population health.

Throughout the years, the Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine (KuLTu) and its partners have built lasting bridges across borders and disciplines — a hallmark of the symposium’s enduring success.

Honoring the Journey

In the coming year, we will take time to look back and celebrate the Puijo Symposium’s rich history — sharing here some highlights, memories, and milestones from past decades.
We will feature themes, experts, and stories that have shaped this remarkable journey and the international community that continues to grow around it.

Looking Toward 2027

As we prepare for the 24th International Puijo Symposium in 2027, we also celebrate more than 50 years of legacy — a story of science, collaboration, and shared commitment to better health through movement.

We warmly invite you to join us in Kuopio to celebrate this journey and to look forward to the future of exercise medicine together!