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Presentation

On 22 February, the Social Chess Research Conference was held as a kick-off event for "2025: Year of Social Chess".

The event brought together researchers, educators, practitioners and chess enthusiasts to explore "how chess contributes to improving the quality of life, fostering social development, inclusion, empowerment and rehabilitation". A total of nine (9) speakers: two from Asia (India), one from America (Venezuela) and six from Europe (1 Germany, 2 Spain, 1 Italy, 1 Hungary and 1 Poland).

This unique conference served as a platform to highlight innovative applications of chess, from research breakthroughs to real-world stories of empowerment and hope.

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Programme structure

Dana Reizniece, FIDE Vice-President: Welcome address

Andre Vögtlin, President of the FIDE Social Commission: Opening remarks

Chess research presentations

Prof. Filip Kobiela (Poland): Chess as a challenge to the traditional definition of sport’.

Dr. Giovanni Sala (Italy): Chess and Mathematics in Primary School.

Juan Antonio Montero Aleu (Spain): Cognitive training of the mind through chess: ECAM and Gymchess.

Prof. Dr. Sabine Vollstaedt-Klein (Germany): Why chess is good for the brain and can be useful against addiction. Presentation of the International Society of Applied Chess (ISAC).

Prof. Dr. Peter Hersics (Hungary): Learnings from the EEG neurofeedback system.

Launching chess research projects

Rodrigo Barbeito (Spain): Social and Therapeutic Chess: A New Look from the Social Sciences.

Ranu Gupta and Lokesh Natoo (India): Research on how chess impacts lives?

Ajay Pal Singh (India): Integrating wellbeing tools with chess: A scientific approach for social impact

Dr. Uvencio Blanco Hernández (Venezuela): Green Boards for Peace: bridges between chess and education to raise awareness on biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

Working sessions

Chess for freedom

Chess for protection

Infinite Chess - Autism

Chess4Longevity - Seniors

Chess4Hope - Underserved Communities

Chess4Recovery - Addiction/Cancer

Report of the parallel sessions

Closing remarks and future opportunities for collaboration

This conference offered an inspiring combination of keynote presentations, interactive discussions and thought-provoking panels, connecting a diverse community of people dedicated to harnessing chess as a tool for social transformation.

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From the organisation of the conference

Andre Vögtlin (Switzerland), President of the FIDE Social Commission, has structured a working team to carry forward the "Year of Social Chess". To this end, it started its activities with the staging of the Social Chess Research Conference, an event coordinated by Swiss researcher Prabitha Urwyler.

Dr. Prabitha Urwyler is a distinguished professional who currently holds the position of Scientific Officer and Director of Bilateral Cooperation Programmes at Innosuisse, the Swiss Innovation Agency. With a unique combination of over 13 years' experience in software engineering in the technology and media sectors, and an accomplished career in clinical research, Prabitha brings a wealth of interdisciplinary expertise to her current position.

To learn more about important aspects of this conference and the vision and expectations of the Social Chess Commission, I interviewed Dr. Prabitha Urwyler.

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Interview with Prabitha Urwyler

Uvencio Blanco Hernandez: What was the main motivation behind the organisation of the Social Chess Research Conference, and what impact do you hope to generate in the chess community and society in general?

Prabitha Urwyler: The main motivation was to showcase previous and current research on chess, gather enough evidence, and create a network that can support funding for chess research and actionable initiatives in this direction. Additionally, the event aimed to explore and highlight the role of chess as a tool for social development, inclusion, and education. By bringing together researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders, we aimed to foster dialogue, generate innovative ideas, and create actionable strategies that integrate chess into various social domains. The impact we hope to generate includes raising awareness of chess' broader social applications, inspiring new research, and influencing policies that promote chess as a means of positive change.

What criteria were used to select the researchers and speakers who participated in the conference?

Selection was based on expertise, relevance of research, and practical impact. We prioritized studies that followed scientific research methodologies and provided insight on chess' social, cognitive, educational and therapeutical benefits. We also considered geographical diversity to ensure a global outlook on social chess initiatives.

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How has the concept of "Social Chess" been defined in this event, and how does it differ from previous FIDE initiatives?

In this event, Social Chess' is defined as the use of chess as a catalyst for social impact, encompassing inclusion, education, mental health, rehabilitation, and community development. Unlike previous FIDE initiatives, which primarily focused on competitive play and elite training, this approach expands the scope to position chess as a powerful tool for social transformation, fostering positive change across diverse communities.

What were the main findings or most innovative discoveries presented during the conference?

Chess as a therapeutic tool for addiction recovery and cognitive rehabilitation.

The integration of chess with neurofeedback and EEG for cognitive enhancement.

The potential for chess to bridge educational gaps in underprivileged communities.

The use of chess to foster environmental awareness through sustainable materials.

Is there a follow-up plan to evaluate the impact of this conference and to ensure that the ideas presented are translated into concrete actions?

Yes, follow-up mechanisms include impact assessment surveys, research dissemination, partnerships for pilot programs, and the development of social chess toolkits for implementation in various settings.

What concrete actions could be proposed because of the event to enhance the social impact of chess globally?

Establishing social chess hubs in underserved areas.

Incorporating chess into school curricula to teach critical thinking and emotional intelligence.

Strengthening partnerships with NGOs, governments, and educational institutions.

Encouraging more research on chess’s social applications.

How has the FIDE Social Chess Commission evolved since its creation, and what are its main objectives in the short and long term?

Since its inception, the FIDE Social Chess Commission has evolved to focus on leveraging chess as a tool for social good. Its main objectives include promoting inclusivity, education, mental well-being, and community development through chess-related activities. In the short term, the commission aims to launch impactful projects during the Year of Social Chess 2025. Long-term, it seeks sustainable programs and partnerships to amplify chess’s global reach and maintain the momentum of social chess initiatives.

Andre Vögtlin, Cairman of FIDE Social Chess Commission

What are the main objectives of the FIDE Social Chess Commission for the International Year of Social Chess?

Global Outreach: Introduce chess to diverse communities, including prisons, refugee camps, and elderly care homes.

Awareness Campaigns: Highlight the multifaceted benefits of chess in social development.

Collaborative Projects: Partner with organizations to implement chess-based programs addressing various social issues.

Research and Documentation: Conduct studies to assess the impact of chess on different populations and disseminate findings to inform future initiatives.

What are the major obstacles facing the implementation of social chess projects in vulnerable communities?

Lack of funding and resources.

Limited access to chess education.

Social and cultural barriers to participation.

Insufficient policy support from governments.

Have partnerships been established with governments or private institutions to expand social chess initiatives worldwide?

Yes, for some of the projects, collaborations exist with public bodies, NGOs, and corporate sponsors, though more engagement is needed for scalability.

How can more researchers be encouraged to explore the social impact of chess and collaborate with the FIDE Social Chess Commission?

Firstly, by showcasing existing scientific evidence to motivate researchers to explore the social impact of chess. Secondly, we aim to connect with researchers for pilot studies within each of our projects. These collaborations will generate valuable data for future grants and contribute to publishing findings in academic journals, further establishing the significance of chess in social development.

In terms of funding and sustainability, how does the Social Chess Commission plan to ensure the continuity of its programmes and the development of new research?

We are exploring both dilutive and non-dilutive funding opportunities for our projects. To begin with, FIDE provides small development funds that can support pilot programs. For long-term sustainability, we are actively seeking sponsorships (such as partnerships with ISAC), collaborations, and integration into educational policies to ensure continued growth and impact.

What kind of initiatives does FIDE plan to promote chess in vulnerable communities during 2025, and how will their success be measured?

The existing Chess for Protection program (supporting refugees in Kakuma) will continue, while new initiatives will be piloted in slums, orphanages, programs for disabled individuals, and underprivileged or low-income schools. Success will be measured through participation rates, adherence rates, and overall improvement in quality of life.

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How does FIDE plan to involve different social actors in its social chess projects, and what role will local federations play?

The Social Chess Marathon in January 2025 provided valuable insights into the global spread of social chess activities. Building on this, we are proactively reaching out to local clubs and NGOs in different countries to foster collaborations on global projects. We aim to integrate local federations as key implementation partners, working alongside NGOs and policymakers to create sustainable and impactful social chess initiatives.

In terms of inclusion, what strategies does FIDE propose to ensure that marginalized groups have access to chess during this special year?

Providing free training and chess sets to marginalized groups to ensure accessibility.

Implementing chess programs in underserved areas, such as rural communities and refugee camps, to foster participation.

Addressing barriers like cost and location to promote chess as a tool for social equity.

To be continued...

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