The World Anti-Doping Agency -WADA- has called on Governments around the world to provide additional financial contributions to reinforce scientific research in the fight against doping. According to the organization, such support is essential to ensure a level playing field for athletes.

In May 2025, the Ministry of Sports and Youth of Qatar confirmed an extraordinary contribution of USD 1.5 million, in addition to its annual payment of more than USD 200,000. Following this announcement, the WADA Finance and Administration Committee recommended in July that other Governments be invited to follow Qatar’s example in order to expand research efforts and offset potential risks arising from delayed or withheld annual dues.

Bańka aims for significant progress

The president of WADA, Witold Bańka, stated: “WADA invites all Governments to consider an additional contribution for scientific research that will help us make more significant strides in strengthening the global anti-doping system. We have the opportunity to show that we are moving forward together to safeguard sport by increasing resources, innovation and impact, which will also allow us to hold perpetrators accountable.”

Since 2001, WADA has invested more than USD 90 million in over 650 research projects, focusing on areas such as improving detection methods, studying the doping potential of certain drugs, identifying contaminants, developing technologies like dried blood spot analysis and gene doping detection, and the use of artificial intelligence.

A movement with global reach

More than 30 Governments from six continents have made additional contributions that have strengthened international cooperation for doping-free sport. These resources have been directed at consolidating research as a central tool in the fight against prohibited practices.

In a communication to Governments, Bańka underlined: “With our research projects we aim to ensure that the outcomes are translated into implementable improvements for the global anti-doping system. They are also essential in supporting the results management process by providing the scientific evidence needed to substantiate and defend anti-doping rule violations.”

The president added that the funding program has fostered the expansion of the international scientific network. “I am proud to say that, over the years, we have significantly expanded our global research network to include renowned scientists from fields such as artificial intelligence, genetics, endocrinology, muscle physiology and more,” emphasized Bańka.