Universities can play a key role in the hosting of major sports events by engaging students and staff in a wide range of initiatives such as volunteering, internships, and project-based learning. The Organising Committee of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games are embracing this model by offering many attractive openings for working students and interns, and for those looking to complete their final theses. Options include helping to manage the sports competitions, joining the social media team, and engaging in educational programmes. Furthermore, there are plenty of research opportunities available through data supporting academic work and international conferences. Collaborations with university clubs and sports organisations enrich the whole experience and make the integration even more dynamic and impactful.
Senior Manager Science & Education
Johannes Karsch
education@rhineruhr2025.com
People & Participation
The organisation of the major sporting event in the Rhine-Ruhr region and Berlin offers students and university staff members numerous opportunities to participate. Various offers are available for working students, interns, and those looking to complete final theses. Attractive participation options include managing sports events, joining the social media team for the FISU World Conference, and engaging in educational programmes.
Projects & Involvement
The dedicated staff members of the Organising Committee possess extensive knowledge and expertise in their respective fields, and are in constant contact with universities to facilitate the project-based involvement of students and lecturers.
Some of the key questions being addressed:
How can food waste be reduced at a major sporting event?
How can resource-efficient transportation be managed with decentralised accommodation?
How can modern event, crisis, and crowd management be designed for large sporting events?
The engagement with various sub-projects - such as the FISU Healthy Campus and the FISU World Conference - round off the substantial offer for students and universities.
Media & Marketing
A comprehensive marketing strategy involves an analogue campaign in print media plus targeted sites in dining halls, libraries, lecture halls, and sports facilities; and a digital media presence through the homepage and various social media channels. Joint marketing activities feature contests and competitions. Key promotional events include the Flame Relay, mascot promotion tour, and an ambassador programme. Additionally, advertising partnerships and collaborations enhance visibility and engagement.
Research
University research projects involve providing data on the organisation, execution, and evaluation of multi-sport events, which serve as topics for academic work at the bachelor, master, and PhD levels. The FISU World Conference features keynotes, workshops, poster presentations, and opportunities for a knowledge exchange. Additionally, there is an international lecture series to further academic collaboration and learning.
FISU World Conference
With around 400 participants including scientists, researchers and students expected from up to 40 countries, the three-day FISU World Conference will explore how sport can be a long-term driver of improved sustainability and (mental) health.
Rhine-Ruhr Et Al. (2025)
The international lecture series 'Rhine-Ruhr et al. (2025)' is a beacon project of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games Organising Committee, delivered in a partnership with Hochschule Macromedia (Hamburg) and over a dozen other universities from all around the world. It explores the history and evolution of university sports, highlighting pioneers, visionaries, and relevant institutions such as FISU and national university sports federations. Additionally, the series presents perspectives from various continents on university sports and major sporting events, addressing sustainability and legacy initiatives.
Outstanding Thesis Award
The 'Outstanding Thesis Award' celebrates exceptional academic theses (Bachelor or Masters) completed in either German or English by students enrolled at universities in Germany. Theses must have been completed and formally evaluated between 1 October 2024 and the submissions deadline of 15 May 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the future of sports, sustainability, and academic innovation!
Outstanding Thesis Concept Award
The 'Outstanding Thesis Concept Award' recognises exceptional scientific concepts (exposés) for Bachelor or Masters theses. Open to students enrolled at universities in Germany, the competition requires the thesis to be supervised by an authorised examiner, with submissions accepted in German or English. To qualify, the exposé must demonstrate a strong thematic connection to major sporting events, multi-sport events, the FISU World University Games (formerly 'Universiade'), university sports, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games, FISU, or adh. Additionally, the work may explore perspectives aligned with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Applications must be submitted by 31 March 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the future of sports, sustainability, and academic innovation!
Event Partnerships
The Organising Committee of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games is keen to help universities stage their own events wherever possible. Such openings could be a sports championship or a ‘fun run’, workshops or informal presentations, careers days, or any kind of cultural offering. Events by university-affiliated clubs and sports organisations are also included! Interested universities and clubs need only send an email to johannes.karsch@rhineruhr2025.com with the outline details of the planned event, and our team will respond. Collaboration methods can range from an on-site presence from Rhine-Ruhr 2025 through try-outs, contests and other activations, to merchandising, contests, and prize giveaways.