The FISU World University Games are not only a major sporting occasion, but also a multi-faceted, intercultural event. With its origin dating back to 1960, the FISU World Conference is a core element and the academic highlight of the FISU World University Games. Within a three-day programme, the FISU World Conference creates a platform for interdisciplinary scientific exchange and stimulates research and creativity beyond the scope of academia. In 2025, the FISU World Conference will include outstanding keynotes and panellists and further provide a platform for innovative formats and engaging opportunities which are open to the general public. The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World Conference will be held in English. Any element in German will be translated simultaneously into English. An information brochure with all the essential information about the FISU World Conference can be found here. Submissions are open from 1 October 2024 until 15 January 2025. We encourage researchers and professionals to submit abstracts aligned with the main theme or any of the subthemes. For more details, please refer to the Call for Papers.
The scientific organisation of the FISU World Conference works closely with the Academic Board, whose professional expertise plays a key role in the selection of relevant abstracts and keynote speakers. The role of the board is essential to ensure a high scientific standard. The list of appointed members of the Academic Board is available here.
Long-term and sustainable impact through the involvement of students and regional stakeholders
Academic excellence is combined with modern cultural formats to create a unique programme
A focus is set on interdisciplinary discourse with international experts from the fields of sports science, sports medicine, psychology and sustainability research
The FISU World Conference 2025, themed "Competing for Change: Exploring Sustainability and (Mental) Health through Sports," will spotlight critical issues at the nexus of physical performance, (mental) health, and environmental sustainability. Subthemes include a focus on mental health and performance pressures faced by athletes, work-life balance challenges of high-performance coaches, referees, and further stakeholders of professional sports, the ecological sustainability initiatives on university campuses, and a perspective on holistic health and wellbeing in sports and physical activities. In today's rapidly evolving world, addressing these topics is crucial as they reflect broader societal concerns about mental health resilience, sustainable development, and the overall wellbeing of individuals in high-stakes environments. Additionally, students will be a key focus group, as they navigate the pressures of academic and athletic performance while grappling with (mental) health and sustainability issues. By prioritising research in these areas, we can develop comprehensive strategies that not only enhance athletic performance and career longevity but also foster sustainable practices and support systems across the globe, ultimately leading to healthier, more balanced communities.
Athletes face immense mental and physical demands, which can lead to significant mental health challenges. This subtheme aims to open discussions on the mental health issues prevalent among athletes, such as the highs and lows of their careers, including the peak moments and the post-Olympic blues. Moreover, it analyses performance decrements during crucial stages of competitions – choking under (psychological) pressure. The subtheme will explore strategies for performing best under pressure and emphasize the possibilities of integrating psychotherapy and psychological treatment into training regimes. Additionally, the dual career aspect of athletes will be examined, highlighting the dual pressures and perspectives they encounter. By addressing these elements, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and better support for athletes' mental health and performance.
Coaches, referees, and the entourage play a crucial role in the success of athletes, yet their own challenges often go unnoticed. This subtheme focuses on the work-life balance and mental resilience of these important figures in sports. It will address the unique difficulties they face, such as maintaining a mental health and structural inequalities. The importance of federation support systems will be highlighted to increase engagement and support for those stakeholders.
As environmental crises and climate change intensify, transforming university campuses into ecologically sustainable communities is crucial. This subtheme challenges universities to adopt and integrate sustainability policies and programmes, incorporating initiatives like the FISU Healthy Campus Programme. It will promote circularity on campuses and address the psychological impacts of environmental issues, such as eco-grief and eco-anxiety. By focusing on these elements, the conference aims to cultivate a more resilient and environmentally conscious student body, fostering sustainable practices and mindsets that extend beyond university life.
The relationship between sport, physical activity, health and well-being is of central interest for athletes and coaches. In this regard, one key topic of interest will be the sustainable acquisition of skills and their implications for motor learning and physical training. Another main topic will focus on how the menstrual cycle of female athletes can be used as a "Cycle of Power" to ensure the long-term health and performance of women in sport. In addition, injury prevention as a crucial factor for sustainable sport will be addressed. Finally, the issue of sustainability in team sports will be tackled, i.e., demonstrating how performance can be sustainably developed and health can be maintained in the long term.
Jahrhunderthalle
Designed for a Düsseldorf trade fair, rebuilt in Bochum as a steam power station, and now repurposed as a cultural and commercial events space - is there a more appropriate venue for the FISU World Conference than the Jahrhunderthalle? The focal point of Westpark on the edge of Bochum, the old water tower and much of the exposed steel interior of the 66-metre-long main hall has been retained, and a modern steel and glass foyer added, giving this venue an edgy, yet modern, feel. A multiple-use facility, it says it all that the Jahrhunderthalle can be both an anchor point of the Route of Industrial Heritage and a former host of the European Film Awards. Whatever the ideas in your head, this cap fits.
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Bochum
A hardworking city with an industrial heritage, few places have harnessed the energy of their past quite like Bochum. The former coal mining hub turned university boom town – Bochum can boast nine in total – is now showing a fresh face to the world. Here you can enjoy top end dining, shopping and entertainment at Bermuda3eck and, to cap it all, join a record-breaking theatre run for Starlight Express (Bochum: answer me yes!) Apart from coal, this city has been an equally reliable production line for track and field talent, churning out gems like five-time Olympian heptathlete Sabine Braun and seven-times Paralympian Ruth Lamsbach. In sport, Bochum always brings out its best and the summer of 2025 will be no different. Especially now that the Lohrheidestadion – affectionately called the ‘living room’ by locals – is receiving more than a lick of paint as its prepares to host some amazing athletics action.
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