Macromedia University launches research partnership with Rhine-Ruhr 2025

What do people in the host cities think about the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games? Macromedia University is exploring this question in a joint research project with the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Organizing Committee.

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At the heart of the collaboration is an in-depth analysis of the awareness, acceptance, and sustainability perceptions of the FISU Games – the world’s largest multi-sport event for university students. More than 8,500 athletes and officials from 150 countries are expected in the Rhine-Ruhr region in July 2025.

Student-led research for a global event

“We want to capture the mood on the ground in all six host cities – through street surveys and qualitative interviews,” explains Prof. Dr. Holger Sievert, Professor of Communication Management at the Cologne campus, who initiated the project and signed the cooperation agreement with Rhine-Ruhr 2025. The project also examines the general perception of major sporting events in the region – particularly with a view to Germany’s bid to host the Olympic Games in 2040.

Carsten Nillies, Team Lead Communication at Rhine-Ruhr 2025, emphasizes: “What makes this collaboration special is the active role played by students from the fields of media, communication, sport, and football management. It really reflects the spirit of our global student sporting event.”

Macromedia at the FISU World Conference – and beyond

The first research results will be presented during the FISU World Conference in July, at the Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum. The conference is themed “Competing for Change: Exploring Sustainability and (Mental) Health through Sports.”

Beyond the research project, Macromedia University students are also involved in volunteer programs, media initiatives and as “Young Commentators.” Numerous guest lectures and a dedicated podcast provide additional academic perspectives on the event.