Program
September 11-12, 2025
DAY ONE - September 11
WELCOME:
Welcome and Opening
Speakers:
Tracey Holmes (Conference MC), Sports Journalist and Broadcaster
Professor Jo Maher, GSUN Council Chair, Pro Vice Chancellor for Sport, Loughborough University
Professor Deborah Terry AC, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Queensland
Lord Sebastian Coe KBE, Chancellor, Loughborough University and President, World Athletics – video message
PLENARY SESSION:
Game On! How Sports, Universities, Government, and Industry Can Team Up to Build a Winning Future
The session will focus on how connections between multiple stakeholders within the sporting ecosystem can result in innovative and positive outcomes. We will hear from speakers on examples and new ideas for linkages that expand the capacity of sport to positively impact society, with a focus on the role of universities as connectors and thought leaders. The aim is to illustrate how to optimise partnerships for mutual benefit, by outlining strategies to overcome barriers and clarifying priorities in different sporting sectors.
Speakers:
Tracey Holmes (Moderator), Sports Journalist and Broadcaster
Mark Arbib, CEO, Australian Olympic Committee
Matti Clements, Director, Australian Institute of Sport
Fin Kirwan, Senior Vice President, Chief of Olympic & Paralympic Sport, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee
Doug Ferguson, NSW Chairman, Head of Asia & International Markets, Head of Sport: KPMG Australia
Patrick Johnson OLY, Dual Olympian (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004) and Culture and Safety Advisor, Sport Integrity Australia
BREAK:
Morning Tea
PANEL SESSION 1:
Technical Innovation: Pose, Position and Digital Twins
Computer vision allows widespread access to pose estimation and player tracking. In addition, digital twins and AI guided coaching are reshaping the landscape of how coaches and sport scientists work with athletes. This panel will showcase how innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence, computer vision, and human performance modelling is redefining how we understand and support athletes.
Panel Members:
Tracey Holmes (Moderator), Sports Journalist and Broadcaster
Professor John Komar (Panel Chair), Professor, Nanyang Technological University
Professor David Martin, Professor of Sport Technology and Performance, The University of Queensland and Queensland Academy of Sport
Dr Xin Yu, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Queensland
Dr Patrick Lucey, Cheif Scientist, Stats Perform
PANEL SESSION 1:
From Global to Local Advocacy to Get More People Moving
The physical and mental benefits of physical activity and sport participation are unequivocal, however one third of the world’s adult population are inactive. This submission will describe the physical activity advocacy landscape, followed by an interactive panel of global, regional and state-based leaders in physical activity promotion. The panel will discuss how collectively mobilising the physical activity and sport agendas can address rates of physical inactivity, particularly in the context of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Panel Members:
Peter McCue (Moderator), Chair of the National Physical Activity Network
Professor Chris Linton (Panel Chair), Loughborough University
Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall, President International Society for Physical Activity and Health & Associate Director - Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation, The University of Queensland
Professor Jo Salmon, President of the Asia Pacific Society for Physical Activity, Deakin University
Elizabeth Calleja, Senior Advisor, Physical Activity, The National Heart Foundation
Dr Robyn Littlewood, CEO, Health and Wellbeing Queensland
Distinguished Professor Tony Okely, School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong
PANEL SESSION 1:
Sports Diplomacy and the Olympic Movement
The Olympic Games are the biggest event humanity holds, with more countries and delegations waving their flags in the Opening Ceremony, than states officially recognized by the United Nations. This panel discusses the significance of sports diplomacy in the Olympic Movement, reflecting on lessons from Paris 2024, and looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.
Panel Members:
Professor Joonho Kang (Panel Chair), Professor, Seoul National University
Dr Yoav Dubinsky, Operational Director, Olympic Studies Hub, University of Oregon
Dr Stuart Murray, Associate Professor in International Relations and Diplomacy, Bond University
Kit McConnell, Chief Sport Officer, Brisbane 2032
BREAK:
Lunch
PANEL SESSION 2:
Future Frontiers in Sport and Exercise Biometrics: Wearables, Implantables and Beyond
The goal of this panel is to bring together experts representing industry and academia to discuss current biometric monitoring in sport and exercise using wearable devices. Industry perspectives on novel technology selection, validation, and implementation will be presented, followed by a forward-looking discussion on the development of implantable sensors for use in regenerative rehabilitation, and fully non-invasive monitoring technology to enhance ecologic validity of outcomes.
Panel Members:
Ken Kozloff (Moderator), Steven A. Goldstein Collegiate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Co-Director, Human Performance and Sport Science Center, University of Michigan, USA
Robert Guldberg, Vice President and Robert and Leona DeArmond Executive Director, Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, USA
Yumna Albertus, Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Director of Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle, and Sports Research Center, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Kylie Mason, Head of Wearables and Accessories, Samsung Electronics, Sydney AU
PANEL SESSION 2:
Driving Opportunity for Exercise Professionals in Health and Sport
This panel will explore the global status of exercise and sport science professionals, with a focus on Australia’s well-developed ecosystem linking universities and the professional body (ESSA). The discussion will compare this with systems in other countries, highlighting challenges and opportunities. A moderated international panel will examine issues such as accreditation, university-profession tensions, the importance of unified associations, and strategies for developing national pathways to expand opportunities for exercise professionals from a modest baseline.
Panel Members:
Professor Timothy Carroll,(Moderator), Deputy Head of School, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland
Professor Masashi Miyashita, (Panel Chair) Professor, Waseda University
Associate Professor Kate Edwards, President of the Australian Council of Exercise Sport and Movement Sciences and Head of Exercise and Sport Science Discipline, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney
Nathan Reeves, Chair, Standards Council at Exercise & Sports Science Australia, School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University
Carly Ryan, General Manager, Regulation Services, Exercise & Sports Science Australia
Associate Professor Gregory DuManoir, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Colombia and Professional Standards committee member, Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
Dr Mary Kennedy, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Implementation Science, Nutrition & Health Innovation Research Institute, Edith Cowan University (USA Perspective)
Professor Nicholas Gant, Director, Exercise Neurometabolism Laboratory, University of Auckland and Board Member, Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (NZ Perspective)
Dr Keith Tolfrey, Director of Student Experience and Outcomes, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University (UK Perspective)
PANEL SESSION 2:
Professionalization of Chinese and Western Martial Arts
The professionalization of martial arts is a necessary path to promote the globalization of martial arts in various countries. As an important carrier of Eastern and Western cultures, the professionalization process of Wushu reflects different historical context, cultural concepts and system design. Therefore, from the development process, cultural background and management system, this panel discusses the differences between Chinese and Western Wushu in the professionalization path, excavates the formation law of the professionalization development of Chinese Wushu and Western Wushu, and helps the local innovation of Wushu professionalization to be in line with international standards.
Panel Members:
Zhaojin Li, (Moderator) Public Physical Education Teaching Department, Qufu Normal University
Professor Chris Linton (Panel Chair), Loughborough University
Depeng Dong, Shandong Rural Revitalization Sports Research Institute
Chenglong Ji, Shangdong Sport University
PANEL SESSION 3:
Critical Perspectives on AI and Smart Equipment
This panel discusses the use of AI tools and smart sports equipment to guide, monitor, and enhance human movement in sports and health contexts. Drawing on scientific and practical perspectives, it critically examines current applications, benefits, limitations, and the gap between innovation hype and real-world value. The discussion aims to outline future directions for effective, evidence-based, and ethically grounded developments that support performance, rehabilitation, and broader human movement outcomes.
Panel Members:
Dr Philip X. Fuchs, (Moderator), Assistant Professor, National Taiwan Normal University
Professor Mike Hahn, (Panel Chair) Professor, University of Oregon
Professor Wolfgang Potthast, Professor, German Sport University Cologne
Professor Sam Robertson, Professor at Victoria University, Australia, Director, TCG Advisory
Professor Thomas Grechenig, CEO, Research Industrial Systems Engineering
Dr Dominik Hölbling, member of University of Applied Sciences - Austria (FHWN), Research and Development Scientist, Technical University Vienna, Austria
Mike Levine, Senior Director, Performance Pathways and Innovation, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee
PANEL SESSION 3:
Youth Game Changers: Inspiring Youth Leadership
Education and sport organisations have long expressed faith and investment in the role that sport can play in securing positive youth development (PYD). Nonetheless, critics of PYD question its overly positive narratives and reliance on ‘caught not taught’ approaches. This panel explores the barriers and enablers to collaborative partnerships between school-tertiary-sport organisations that best realise PYD aspirations through sport, overcoming the challenge that “you cannot be what you cannot see”.
Panel Members:
Dr Louise McCuaig, (Moderator) Head Flinders Discover Institute, Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Professor Swarup Mukherjee, (Panel Chair) Professor, Nanyang Technological University
Dr Stephen Townsend, Research Fellow, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland
Dr Kazuki Inagaki, Human Performance and Sport Institute of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba
Dr Hedda Giorgi, Quality Assurance & Technical Officer, Sport Science, Queensland Academy of Sport
Luca Bullemor, Year 12 student-athlete at Matthew Flinders Anglican College, Sunshine Coast
Toni-Lee Tevita, Year 12 student-athlete, School Captain, Wavell State High School
PANEL SESSION 3:
Comparing the UK and Australian Models for Developing a Para Performance Workforce
The UK Sport Strategic Framework 2023-33 and the Australian High Performance Sport Strategy 2032+ both integrate Para sport within mainstream systems, emphasising specialised training, advanced technology, and research. The UK model focuses on holistic support and tailored systems, while the Australian model has initiated a Para Uplift, emphasising early talent identification and specialised training environments. Both models advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports leadership, providing valuable insights for developing a robust Para performance workforce.
Panel Members:
Professor Vicky Goosey-Tolfrey, (Moderator), Director of Sporting Excellence and Opportunity and Director of the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, Loughborough University
Professor Daniel Parsons, (Panel Chair) Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Loughborough University
Dr Tom Paulson, Disability and Para Sport Translational Scientist, Loughborough University
Associate Professor Emma Beckman, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland and Para Sport High Performance Manager, Queensland Academy of Sport
Ben Newton OAM PLY, Qld Head Coach, Wheelchair Rugby Australia
BREAK:
Afternoon Tea
SPOTLIGHT SESSION:
Brisbane 2032: Building the Silicon Valley of Sport Tech Through University–Industry Collaboration
As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city is rapidly emerging as a leading hub for sport technology innovation. This panel brings together experts from academia, emerging ventures, and applied sport science to explore how strategic university–industry collaborations are accelerating research, driving product development, and enhancing performance outcomes. Panelists will share insights into the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of discovery and application—and how Brisbane can position itself globally in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
Panel Members:
Professor Bruce Abernethy AM (Moderator), Executive Director, Office of 2032 Games Engagement, The University of Queensland
Mark Opar, Head of Strategy - Health, VALD
Amy Crosland, Chief Operating Officer, Australian Sports Technologies Network
Hon Kate Jones, Vice-President, Australian Paralympic Committee, Commissioner, Australian Rugby League, Chairperson, Women in Digital and Director, Tech Council of Australia
Bruce Muirhead, CEO, Mindhive
CLOSING:
Day 1 Closing Remarks
DINNER:
Summit Dinner
DAY TWO - September 12
WELCOME:
Welcome and Opening
Speakers:
Tracey Holmes ,Sports Journalist and Broadcaster
Mr Andrew Parsons, President, International Paralympics Committee – video message
PLENARY SESSION:
Championing Change: How Athletes Can Drive Impact in Society
The session will focus on the capacity of athletes to contribute to society beyond the remit of their sporting competitions. We feature a panel of former athletes who have made major impacts in the community, either during or post-career, in part by harnessing the power of their sporting profiles. The format will allow presenters to tell their personal stories of journey from athlete to community leader. Topics will include the challenges to personal and professional growth within elite sport settings as well as the ways that media profiles and connections can be leveraged to open opportunities.
Speakers:
Tracey Holmes (Moderator), Sports Journalist and BroadcasterSports Journalist and Broadcaster
Dr Bridie O’Donnell, Former hour cycling world record holder, physician, SBS Tour de France commentator, author, Executive Director of Public Health Network and Programs for the Victorian Department of Health.
Tracy Stockwell OAM, Three-time swimming Olympic gold medalist for USA and former world record-holder in three events and former Brisbane 2032 Board Member.
John Eales AM, Former captain of the Australian Rugby World Cup winning team, company founder and director, Athlete Liaison Officer for the Australian Olympic Committee, Cancer Council advocate, Columnist, Australian Financial Review.
Mel Marshall MBE, Swimming world championships medalist for team GB, former coach of multiple Olympic gold medalist and world record-holder Adam Peaty, current coach of the Australian Dolphins Swimming team.
Dr Bridie Kean, Former Australian wheelchair basketball player and canoeist. Bronze medalist at the 2008 Summer Paralympics, Silver medalist at the 2012 Summer Paralympics. Bridie is an academic and sports administrator including as Deputy Chef de Mission Australian Paralympic Team 2024.
BREAK:
Morning Tea
PANEL SESSION 4:
A Regional Partnership Model for Global Impact
The “Home Games Advantage” (HGA) is the most ambitious and innovative regional sport partnership in Oceania, using Brisbane 2032 as a catalyst to align national priorities, institutional collaboration, athlete pathways and government policy across the Pacific.
This panel explores how the HGA advances development, diplomacy, education and economic inclusion. It sets a new global benchmark for strategic collaboration and legacy planning, which is defined as long-term impacts that would not have occurred without the Games.
Panel Members:
Jackie Lauff (Moderator), CEO, Sport Matters
Professor Okseon Lee (Panel Chair), Professor, Seoul National University
Dr Veronique Richard, Lecturer, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland
Dr Caroline Riot, Director, Games Engagement and Partnerships, Griffith University
Robyn Smith OAM, CEO, Sport Inclusion Australia and IPC Governing Board Member at Large
Baklai Temengil, President of the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC)
Amanda Jenkins, Board Member Organisation of Sports Federations of Oceania
PANEL SESSION 4:
Changing the Game: Co-Constructing a Multilayered Approach to Enhance Junior Sport
This presentation showcases a genuine researcher-practitioner collaboration aimed at improving the experiences of everyone involved in junior sport. This case study in Junior Rugby League highlights the collaborative, iterative and multilayered approach that involved remodeling junior playing formats, enriching coach education, and elevating the role of parent support. This co-designed, evidence-informed partnership fostered more inclusive, enjoyable, and developmentally appropriate environments for young players. The relationship offers a compelling model for sport system innovation grounded in shared purpose and mutual respect.
Panel Members:
Dr Jordan Lefebvre, (Moderator), The University of Queensland & Queensland Academy of Sport Research Practitioner
Professor Tobias Vogt, GSUN Leadership Council Panel Chair, VP Research and Transfer and Head of Institute of Professional Sport Education and Sport Qualifications, German Sport University Cologne
Dr Cassy Dittman, Senior Research Fellow, Indigenous Engagement Division, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University
James Hinchey, General Manager, Player Safety & Research, National Rugby League
Laura Jones, Senior Participation Advisor, Australian Sports Commission
Associate Professor Steven Rynne, Program Convenor for Sports Coaching, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland
PANEL SESSION 4:
NIL - Name, Image and Likeness
As the landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) continues to evolve, universities are uniquely positioned to lead through education and research. This panel will explore how higher education institutions are driving innovation in NIL by developing certificate programs, launching interdisciplinary initiatives, and fostering academic-industry partnerships. Attendees will gain insights into how these efforts empower student-athletes with branding strategies and ethical frameworks, while also informing best practices across sports, marketing, and legal sectors. The discussion will also spotlight emerging trends and practical guidance for teams, brands, and rights holders navigating the dynamic NIL environment.
Panel Members:
Professor John Cairney, (Moderator), Head of School, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland
Professor Hirotaka Matsuoka, (Panel Chair) Professor, Waseda University
Professor Rick Burton, Professor of Sport Management, Syracuse University
Nat Cook OAM OLY, Australian Olympian and gold medallist in Beach Volleyball
John Tripodi, CEO, Twenty3 Group
Vic Burgess, Netball Coach Loughborough University
BREAK:
Lunch
SPOTLIGHT SESSION:
The Business of Women’s Sport – Case Studies and Collaboration Between Industry Partners and Universities
Speaker:
Peter Jarmain, Vice President, Wasserman Live
About The Collective®
The Collective® is Wasserman's women-focused global advocacy and advisory business that drives investment in women through research, insights, ideas, campaigns, activations and partnerships with an aim to raise visibility and steer inclusion of women across the industry. www.wearethecollective.com
About Wasserman®
Wasserman operates at the epicenter of sports, music, entertainment and culture, serving talent, brands, and properties on a global scale. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman's presence spans 28 countries and more than 70 cities, including New York, London, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Madrid, Mexico City, Toronto, Paris and Sydney. For more information, please visit www.teamwass.com.
PANEL SESSION 5:
Sun Safety in Sport
This panel will examine the health risks posed by ultraviolet (UV) exposure in outdoor sports and the urgent need for more effective sun safety practices. Drawing on expertise from dermatology, sports medicine, advocacy, and public health, panelists will discuss the prevalence of sun-related skin damage among athletes and present evidence-based prevention strategies. Emphasis will be placed on promoting behaviour change, education, and policy reform to establish sun safety as a cultural norm in outdoor athletic environments.
Panel Members:
Professor Bill Sheel, (Moderator),The University of British Columbia
Professor H. Peter Soyer, University of Queensland
Ms. Jodie Antrobus, Senior Health Promotion Officer, Prevention Strategy Branch, Queensland Health and Adj Associate Professor University of Queensland
Dr Daniel Lindsay, Cancer Council Queensland and UQ
PANEL SESSION 5:
Concussion: A Complex Issue to Get Your Head Around
Concussion is a major global health issue with an estimated 42 million diagnosis annually. However, the true burden is likely much higher, as up to 82% of concussions may go unreported each year. This panel presents both STEM and Sociocultural and Humanities perspectives on sports concussion and opens up a round panel discussion “What is the most pressing question that needs to be addressed for Sports Concussion?”
Panel Members:
Jamie Crain, (Moderator), CEO Sports Medicine Australia
Dr Eva Engelmeyer, (Panel Chair) German Sport University Cologne
Martin R Lindley, Director of Research School of Health Sciences UNSW Sydney
Dominic Malcom, Professor of Sociology of Sport, Loughborough University UK
Warwick Bowen, ARC centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology
Michelle Wong, Director of Performance Health Bangarra dance theatre Australia
Fatima Nasrallah, Queensland Brain Institute University of Queensland
Stephen Townsend, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland
PANEL SESSION 5:
Sport Diplomacy in Developing Nations Through Dissemination of Evidence-Based Practice
This panel will present two diverse and well-regarded ‘sport diplomacy’ programs – Para START and GAPS. The UQ Para START Program has an internationally unique focus on facilitating safe, effective Para sports entry and training for people with severe disabilities and high support needs. The department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have funded a collaboration between Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta and UQ to adapt Para START for Indonesian context, strengthening cultural ties, assisting disadvantaged populations and disseminating evidence-based practice. The GAPS (Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain) project has built a strong reputation for building inclusive and sustainable sport pathways in the Pacific and Prof. Clare Minahan will share the role this work can play in Australian diplomacy.
Panel Members:
Dr Samitha Gowinnage Dona (Moderator), School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland
Professor Malcolm Collins (Panel Chair), Professor, University of Cape Town
Professor Sean Tweedy, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland
Mr Suryo Saputra Perdana, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta
Dr Clare Minahan, School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University
BREAK:
Afternoon Tea
SPOTLIGHT SESSION:
GSUN Networking Lab - Beyond Handshakes: Turning Conversations Into Opportunities
Ensuring the conversations don’t end just because the conference does, the GSUN Networking Lab is a dedicated conference space designed to keep delegates engaged, connected, and collaborating. Whether you’re looking to deepen discussions sparked during sessions, explore partnership opportunities, or exchange insights on emerging technologies, the Networking Lab provides the platform to do it. Featuring curated follow-up discussions, resource sharing, and interactive forums, this initiative bridges the gap between inspiration and action—ensuring that connections made during the event continue to grow long after the final keynote
CLOSING:
Closing Remarks
Speakers:
Tracey Holmes (Conference MC), Sports Journalist and Broadcaster
GSUN ’26 Summit, German Sport University
Professor Jo Maher, GSUN Council Chair, Pro Vice Chancellor for Sport, Loughborough University
Professor John Cairney, Head of School, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland
Post Summit Drinks
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