Wouter Cools, is an accomplished academic with a diverse range of roles and expertise. Presently appointed as associate professor at the Multidisciplinary Institute for Teacher Education (MILO) within Vrije Universiteit Brussel (0,5 FTE), he also contributes his knowledge as a Lecturer in Physical Education & Recreational Sports Education at Artevelde University College Ghent (0,5 FTE).

His research endeavors are centered around the realms of Physical Education, Sports, and Movement Sciences. Wouter Cools focuses on a variety of key areas, which encompass Primary and Secondary School Physical Education, Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) methods within Physical Education, Teacher Education for Physical Education, Physical Activity, Development of Fundamental Movement and Motor Skills, Incorporation of Physical Activity to enhance overall learning across subjects, as well as the adept utilization of  Technology and Innovantion in Physical Education, CPR training, gender equality in sports and PE and inclusive PE. A specific emphasis in his current research is the application of active Virtual Reality.

An active participant within the research community, Wouter Cools is associated with two prominent research groups at Vrije Universiteit Brussel: the Brussels Research Institute for Teacher Education (main) and the Movement and Nutrition for Health and Performance group.

Wouter Cools has contributed significantly to the field, with recent noteworthy publications including:

• 'Exploratory physical education teachers’ perspectives and intentions to use VR in the classroom context: a cross-sectional qualitative study'

• 'Integrating outdoor and adventure education in school physical education. InsiGHTS FROm European physical educators'

• 'Outdoor Adventure Education as a Vehicle for Social and Emotional Learning in Physical Education: A Curriculum-Based Review and Conceptual Contribution'

• 'Exploring gender equity in Olympic and Paralympic governance: challenges and perspectives'

• 'The Benefits of Ultimate and Disc Sports for Physical and Social Development in Portuguese Schools'

• 'Assessing ethical behavior and self-control in elite ultimate championships: a cross-sectional study using the spirit of the game scoring system'
• 'Effects of Playing Music during PE on Intrinsic Motivation of Students'
• 'Self-Refereeing System in Ultimate during the Joint Junior Ultimate Championship in Three Different Divisions—A Different Way to Promote Fair-Play?'
• 'Physical play-How do we inspire and motivate young children to be physically active through play? An international analysis of twelve countries’ national early years curriculum policies and practices for physical activity and physical play'
• 'Promoting Unity in Diversity Through Integration of LGBTIQ+ Issues at the Borders of Classrooms and Sports Fields: Be Different Together Through Our Differences!'

Professor Cools has also committed himself to the governing boards of BVLO as vice-chairman (Association for Physical Education) and the European Association for Physical Education (EUPEA) as a regional representative board member. 

In summary, Dr. Wouter Cools is a respected academic with a diverse range of research interests in the field of Physical Education, Sports, and Movement Sciences. His work addresses crucial aspects of pedagogy, skill development, and innovative technology integration, making meaningful contributions to both academia and practical education. Dr. Cools's multidimensional contributions underscore his commitment to the advancement of Physical Education and its broader impact on education, movement, and inclusion.