The values and principles statement defines the common base for all ENPHE members. It makes explicit what principles and values collaboration within the network is based on. It forms an important part of ENPHE’s vision and mission statements.
About ENPHE
The leading Knowledge Forum in Physiotherapy Higher Education in Europe. Home for Educators, Students and Professionals.
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summary
The European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education (ENPHE) is a voice, a forum and a connector for physiotherapy higher education stakeholders. Our mission is to align educational programmes and drive forward new developments, in Europe.
ENPHE was founded by Hogeschool Utrecht (Netherlands), University of Iceland (Iceland), University of Applied Sciences in Zagreb (Croatia), Escola Superior de Saúde do Alcoitão (Portugal), Instituto Politécnico do Porto (Portugal) and Escola de Santa Maria Saúde (Portugal). It initially functioned as nonformal and regional network of higher education institutions. The first office of ENPHE was established in Belgium, and in 2009 move to the Netherlands.
In 2021, ENPHE became an official and formal nonprofit organisation, based in Portugal. Currently comprises of 156 institutions from 31 different countries.
values and principles
“We believe that ENPHE must be oriented towards the future being driven by innovativeness and active collaboration. Our network is open to new ideas and approaches, and we treat our members equally. Our work is based on trust and transparency related to objectives, processes and the use of resources.”
Our Vision
The vision statement provides an inspiring idea of physiotherapy in Higher Education in Europe. It says what ENPHE would like to achieve or accomplish in the mid-term or longterm future. It describes a future status but no activity. It is inspiring and emotional but realistic.
ENPHE is the leading Knowledge Forum related to Physiotherapy Higher Education in Europe that anticipates trends and forces in the changing society that shape professional practice and education.
ENPHE provides a Home for Educators, Students and Professionals where they can openly engage and collaborate, and where they can find support to align and improve educational developments in the field.
Our Mission
The mission statement declares ENPHE’s purpose and why it exists. The mission statement describes the added value which it brings to the sector.
ENPHE exists so that …
· Physiotherapy higher education has a voice that speaks out and lobbies for aligned educational development in physiotherapy. ENPHE is a VOICE.
· Physiotherapy higher education stakeholders have a forum to engage and drive forward new developments. ENPHE is a FORUM.
· Different approaches in physiotherapy higher education become visible and are connected so that they have best impact for future professionals. ENPHE is a CONNECTOR.
Key Strategies
The key strategies pursued support to achieve the mission. Each strategy or group of strategies should have an obvious connection to one (or more) aspects of the mission. Specific programmes, targeted audiences, significant projects, membership strategies, revenue development etc. are not involved but will become part of the strategic plan. In order to achieve its mission, ENPHE will:
- Become proactive in the social discourse around education in physiotherapy and health. It will represent the views and ideas of its members.
- Engage and involve its members through interactive fora and working groups. It will make knowledge publicly accessible for all its members.
- Facilitate learning, innovation and co-creation for improved educational structures and approaches.
Actively involve students of physiotherapy to support learning and personal development. - Engage and collaborate with other educational and professional stakeholders. It will foster inter-professional learning and interprofessional collaboration.
Milestones and Partnerships
Governing Organs
Board of Directors
Steven Onkelinx
President
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Experienced physiotherapy lecturer with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and a strong background in cardiac rehabilitation. Currently teaching and developing curricula at Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven. Passionate about advancing physiotherapy education through international collaboration, notably within the European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education (ENPHE), where I serve as Board President. </span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Known for being diplomatic, open-minded, and committed to evidence-based practice. </span>Enthusiastic about outdoor activities.</p>
Pedro Chana Valero
Tresurer
<div>Pedro Chana Valero is a physiotherapist, lecturer, and researcher at Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Madrid, Spain, with a PhD in Physiotherapy from Universidad Complutense de Madrid. With over 15 years of experience in clinical practice and higher education, he has combined teaching, research, and innovation to advance physiotherapy education. He currently coordinates postgraduate studies and leads the SOUL Fab Lab at the School of Nursing and Physiotherapy “San Juan de Dios,” promoting digital fabrication, AI integration, and innovation in health sciences.</div>
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<div>An active member of ENPHE since 2015, Pedro has contributed to workshops, seminars, and working groups—most recently on <em>Emergent Topics in Physiotherapy</em>. He is passionate about connecting students and faculty across Europe, fostering collaboration, and reimagining physiotherapy education in response to societal and technological change. </div>
António Alves Lopes
Vice-President
<p>TBA</p>
Andrea Ribeiro
Secretary
<p>I am a coordinator Professor ISAVE, and a lecturer in Cardiorrespiratory and musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in undergraduated programs. I am a physiotherapist since 1999, and a researcher since 2001. I like to spend my time with my family, especially with my 1-year-old twins, and friends. Additionally, reading and participating to social environments with friends are my best activities which keeps me alive. My name is Andrea Ribeiro and I hold the position of coordinator Professor at ISAVE, Amares, Portugal. I am a lecturer in cardiorrespiratory and musculoskletal field. During my PhD program I have worked in shoulder biomechanics and this continues to be one of my research interests, amongst with the cardiorrespiratory, public health and environmental Physiotherapy. I am a clinical practice supervisor / Adviser of undergraduate and post-graduated physiotherapy students. I have 20+ years of clinical practice experience, which I am<br />now developing at my clinic. I love to spend time with my family, and specially try to be the best mum, to my 3 boys.<br />I love travelling, and stering at the sea!</p>
Piotr Czyżewski
Secretary
<div>I'm a physiotherapist, a lecturer, and the vice-dean for teaching at the Faculty of Rehabilitation at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. I also coordinate the physiotherapy team at a wound care clinic.</div>
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<div>My teaching and research interests include physiotherapy for surgery, vascular diseases, and diabetic foot.</div>
General Assembly Board
Katrijn D'Herdt
President
<p class="p1"><span class="Apple-converted-space">I am internationalisation coordinator and policy officer for education at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium), Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy.<br />My background is in language teaching (secondary and adult education) and teacher education (as a lecturer and programme coordinator). <br /><br />My main interest is international and intercultural learning in higher education and I am involved in several higher education networks and international projects. Apart from that, I am a licensed group fitness instructor and a co-author of ‘Taalweb’ (course book Dutch for secondary education). I love exploring new places, good food and fresh air.</span></p>
João Venâncio
Officer
<p class="p1">TBA</p>
Laura Zlibinaite
Secretary
<p>Laura Žlibinaitė is a lecturer at Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution, Faculty of Medicine, Rehabilitation Department (Lithuania). She is a physiotherapist and researcher with academic interests in innovative rehabilitation approaches, particularly the integration of interactive technologies, exercise-based interventions, and natural therapeutic applications aimed at improving functional outcomes and quality of life. Her clinical background is in the geriatric field, and she maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based physiotherapy practice.</p>
<p>Laura is a member of the Lithuanian Physiotherapists’ Association and is involved in national and Erasmus+ projects related to physiotherapy practice and education. She contributes to the academic community by mentoring students and early-career researchers, supervising bachelor theses, and supporting students in developing their scientific work. She is also engaged in organizing academic and professional events that promote collaboration, innovation, and research culture. Outside her professional life, Laura enjoys travelling, nature walks, reading, and playing volleyball.</p>
Supervisory Board
Daniela Simões
President
<p class="p1">My name is Daniela Simões. I am a lecturer, former Physiotherapy Department Coordinator, and currently member of the Board of Directors at Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria – Porto, Portugal. My teaching fields are evidence-based practice, scientific research, statistics and public health. My ambition is to empower physiotherapy students with good scientific and public health basic knowledge.</p>
<p class="p1">I am actively involved in ENPHE since 2016. I have been a Country Coordinator and a Working Group member before becoming a Supervisory Board Member.<br />I love spending time with my family and friends, I am an avid reader, a cinema and TV series enthusiast, a slow traveler and a food lover.</p>
Hanna Laine
Officer
<p class="p1">TBA</p>
Ron Clijsen
Officer
<p class="p1">TBA</p>
Officers
ENPHE Bylaws
In this document you can find the general bylaws of our association. In the section "Resources for Members", you can find complementary internal governance guidelines
Annual Report 2023
After presentation of the activities and financial plans to the ENPHE members during the General Assembly, no objections were manifested, and the report was therefore approved.