FISU World Conference

Scientific events for students, top-notch academic researchers, sports managers and representatives of international sports organisations

The FISU World Conference aims to stimulate research and scientific exchange on University Sport within the academic and student community, and sports organisations. The FISU World Conference is held during the summer and winter edition of FISU World University Games. Conference themes focus on the study of University Sport and are further complemented with keynote addresses, parallel workshops, poster sessions, and roundtables.

The conferences are open to students, academic researchers, sports stakeholders, and all accredited participants of the FISU World University Games. Having a scientific conference during the FISU World University Games allows student-athletes and university sports stakeholders to take part in an international academic conference, fostering the academic spirit in the sports arena.

FISU World Conference on Student Development through Sport

During FISU World University Games, Summer Edition

Held every two years during the summer edition of FISU World University Games, the FISU World Conference on Student Development through Sport is a major academic conference. A core traditional event inside the University Sport Movement with a history that goes back to 1960, the FISU World Conference ensures the highest academic level and scientific credibility by organising its event in cooperation with the leading local academic authorities.

The next edition will be held between 17-19 July 2025 in Bochum, Germany. The main theme of the conference is “Competing for change: exploring sustainability and (mental) health through sports“.

Facts & Figures

Duration: 3 days
Frequency: every two years in odd-numbered years, during the summer edition of FISU World University Games
Attendance: 300 participants on average
Reach: 40+ countries
Participants: academic researchers, (PhD) students, student-athletes, sports managers, representatives of international sports organisations, organisers of sports events, FISU Family members
Held since 1960

FISU Young Researcher Award

One of the key objectives of the FISU World Conference on Student Development through Sport is the promotion of talented junior scientists and the fostering of state-of-the-art research. Accordingly, the FISU Young Researcher Award recognises young leaders in university sport research.

The winner of the FISU Young Researcher Award is invited to present his/her research project and paper at the next FISU World Forum. He/she then has the opportunity to exchange with youngsters and other stakeholders involved in their national university sports federations, and to discuss the relevance of the project for university sport worldwide.

Who is eligible? The applicant must be either a currently registered doctoral student or a holder of a PhD within the last two years at the time of submitting the paper. The award application is open to people under the age of 35 at the time of the conference.

Past winners

Year	Winner	Title of Paper
2023 Chengdu	Zhang Liang (CHN)	A comparison of neuromechanical adjustments to traditional and eccentric load reduction weighted jump squats
2017 Taipei City	Dian Caesaria Widyasari (INA)	Healthy Future Generation: How to Promote Students’ Engagement in Sports and Healthy Lifestyle in Universities in Indonesia
2013 Kazan	Camille Ricaud (FRA)	Preparing the future human resources for the labour market: University sport and Olympic sport as an educational platform for tomorrow’s employees

FISU World Conference on Innovation – Education – Sport

During FISU World University Games, Winter Edition

Along with the winter edition of FISU World University Games, the FISU World Conference on Innovation – Education – Sport allows participants to present their research and interact on scientific innovations and sustainable development of winter sports. It is an opportunity to discuss and share new ideas, projects and cooperative efforts in the area of sports science.

The next edition will be held on 14 January 2025 in Torino, Italy. The main theme of the conference is “The SPRINT Generation: SPort – Risk – INnovation – Technology“.

Facts & figures

Duration: 1-2 days
Frequency: every two years in odd-numbered years, during the winter edition of FISU World University Games
Attendance: 200 participants on average
Reach: 30+ countries
Participants: academic researchers, (PhD) students, student-athletes, sports managers, representatives of international sports organisations, organisers of sports events, FISU Family members
Held since 2009