Program
GSUN’26 Summit 7-8 October 2026
DAY ONE - 7 October
7/10 8:30-9:15
OPENING
Welcome and Opening
7/10 9:15-10:15
PLENARY SESSION
Is Academic Freedom Still a Thing? Contemporary Research Between the Pursuit of Knowledge and the Pressures of Public and Political Discourse
Speaker:
Professor Ansgar Thiel, President, German Sport University Cologne
SESSION 1
7/10 10:45-11:45
SESSION 1.1 - PANEL
Through UNESCO and Beyond: Bridging the Research-Policy Gap in Global Sports
Global policy in sport is being driven both by the work of policy stakeholders (e.g., UNESCO) and the contributions of academics (including through UNESCO Chairs). However, this work does not always align as well as it might, and a research-policy gap has historically been identified as a challenge. This panel will feature key stakeholders from academics, global sport, and wider sport/policy stakeholders and consider how we might bridge this gap and move forward more effectively.
Panel Members:
Dr. Rachel Sandford,(Moderator) Loughborough University
Professor Richard Giulianotti, Loughborough University
Professor Karen Petry, German Sport University Cologne
Axel Galdas, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
7/10 10:45-11:45
SESSION 1.2
Session 1.2
Details coming soon
7/10 10:45-11:45
SESSION 1.3
Session 1.3
Details coming soon
7/10 10:45-11:45
SESSION 1.4 - PANEL
Driving Real Impact: Insights from a Global Program for Female Future Leaders in Football
This panel presents the co-designed Future Leaders in Football (FLF) program as a global best-practice model for advancing women’s leadership in football. Highlighting societal impact and cross-sector collaboration, FLF translates research and education into practice across diverse regions. Panellists—DFB, GIZ, Loughborough University, and FLF alumni—will reflect on culturally meaningful program design, remaining challenges in female leadership, and lessons from implementing sustainable, globally relevant leadership development initiatives.
Panel Members:
Dr. Jacqueline Mueller, Loughborough University
Thierry Toulon, German Sport University Cologne
Clara Pointke, German Football Federation
Jihan Alfindi, The Sports Effect
SESSION 2
7/10 12:00-13:00
SESSION 2.1 - PANEL
Collaborative Innovation in Anti-Doping Across Universities, Accredited Laboratories, and NADOs
This panel will explore how universities, anti-doping laboratories, and national anti-doping organisations effectively collaborate to inform policy and strengthen prevention, detection, and disruption of doping in global sport. The panel will discuss how research into novel analytical workflows, new detection approaches, and the monitoring of digital ecosystems can support innovation. It will also share how anti doping laboratories effectively integrate with academia, and how real world collaborative projects can demonstrate progress in global anti doping education and regulation.
Panel Members:
Dr. Liam Heaney, Loughborough University
Professor Mario Thevis, German Sport University Cologne
Samuel Pool, UK Anti-Doping
7/10 12:00-13:00
SESSION 2.2 - PANEL
Visual Analytics to Empower Performance and Decision Making in Global Sport
This panel showcases how advanced visual analytics and interpretable data science can transform athlete and team performance insights and support decision making across cultures and contexts. It highlights the integration of human-centred analytics approaches with practical data modelling and machine learning solutions used in sport and industry, demonstrating tools that enable coaches, practitioners and organisations to translate research into practice and lead sport effectively in a global society.
Panel Members:
Professor Daniel Memmert, German Sport University Cologne
Professor Sam Robertson, TCG Advisory
Professor Jo Maher, Loughborough University
Dr. Christian Romeike, d-fine
7/10 12:00-13:00
SESSION 2.3 - PANEL
Session 2.3
Details coming soon
7/10 12:00-13:00
SESSION 2.4 - PANEL
Athlete Rights in Global Sport: Comparing Governance Models and their Consequences
This panel examines athlete rights as a core dimension of sport governance across Europe, North America, and Asia. It asks whether distinct governance models shape the realisation of athlete rights, focusing on institutional responsibility, labour relations, safeguarding, and representation. By comparing federated, commercial, and hybrid systems, the panel explores how structural differences influence athlete protection and identifies convergences and persistent gaps in a globalising sport system.
Panel Members:
Dr. Maximilian Seltmann, German Sport University Cologne
Dr. Borja Garcia-Garcia, Loughborough University
Paulina Tomczyk, World Players Association
Professor Jürgen Mittag, German Sport University Cologne
SESSION 3
7/10 14:30-15:30
SESSION 3.1 - PANEL
From Abuse to Action: Addressing Online Hate in Sports
Online hate is an escalating challenge in sport, ranging from performance criticism to racist, misogynistic, and ableist abuse. It threatens athletes’ well-being, performance, and sport’s integrative societal role. This panel addresses societal impact and governance by presenting research on the prevalence and forms of online hate, alongside athlete coping strategies and stakeholder perspectives on countermeasures such as AI moderation. It critically examines how global sport can better protect athletes in an increasingly hostile digital environment.
Panel Members:
Professor Daniel Nölleke, German Sport University Cologne
Professor Daniel Kilvington, Leeds Beckett University
Elena Möller, Olympian
Chiara Gethmann, German Sport University Cologne
7/10 14:30-15:30
SESSION 3.2 - PANEL
Session 3.2
Details coming soon
7/10 14:30-15:30
SESSION 3.3 - PANEL
Heat Stress in Para Athletes: Science, Clinical Practice, and Communication at Major Events
Environmental heat poses risks to athlete health and performance, yet evidence in para athletes remains limited. This panel reviews thermoregulation and exertional heat illness risk in para sport, outlines practical considerations for medical preparedness and treatment, and highlights key knowledge gaps. It also examines how evidence is translated and communicated during major events, emphasizing media, stakeholder engagement, and effective risk communication to protect athlete health.
Panel Members:
Professor Yuri Hosokawa, Waseda University
Professor Vicky Goosey-Tolfrey, Loughborough University
Dan Trussell, Loughborough University
Yoko Dozono, International Paralympic Committee
7/10 14:30-15:30
SESSION 3.4 - WORKSHOP
Advancing Athlete Rights Across the Globe
Building on the panel “Athlete Rights in Global Sport: Comparing Governance Models and Their Consequences”, this workshop translates comparative insights into practical strategies for strengthening athlete rights across in a global perspective. It combines a concise, evidence-based pitch presentations with a structured, output-oriented discussion. The session is designed to move from diagnosis to action by identifying mechanisms needed for governance reforms that are sensitive to different institutional contexts.
Presenters:
Dr. Maximilian Seltmann, German Sport University Cologne
Dr. Borja Garcia-Garcia, Loughborough University
Paulina Tomczyk, World Players Association
Professor Jürgen Mittag, German Sport University Cologne
SESSION 4
7/10 15:45-16:45
SESSION 4.1 - PANEL
International Paralympic Committee Strategic Plan for Research in Para Sport
This panel discussion invites debate on the need for an IPC scientific research strategy. It covers the key opportunities and challenges for global co-operation by Para Sport Stakeholders (International Federations (IFs), National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) and Academic Institutions), as well as the translation of research into practice. The responsibility of the International Paralympic Committee and its stakeholders to protect the health and wellbeing of para-athletes worldwide through existing and future health promotion programmes is addressed.
Panel Members:
Dr. Richard Budgett, International Paralympic Committee
Professor Kristina Fagher, Lund University
Christian Olsen, Paralympic Athlete
Yoko Dozono, International Paralympic Committee
10/7 15:45-16:45
SESSION 4.2 - PANEL
Building Global Sport Science and Sport Business Talent: Comparing Academic and Experimental Learning Models
This panel compares four complementary sport/sport business education approaches : Liverpool John Moores University and University of Oregon integrates academics and professional placements, University of Toronto is an academically strong program, University of Michigan embed students in experiential learning roles within Athletics for student athletes’ performance, injury mitigation, and injury recovery. Panelists will share program design, governance, and lessons learned to help others build or scale experiential learning in a global sport ecosystem.
Panel Members:
Susan Rinalidi, University of Michigan
Lauren Anderson, University of Oregon
Dr. Sigrid Olthof, Liverpool John Moores University
Professor Ashley Stirling, University of Toronto
Dr. Harjiv Singh, University of Michigan
7/10 15:45-16:45
SESSION 4.3 - PANEL
Session 4.3
Details coming soon
7/10 15:45-16:45
SESSION 4.4 - PANEL
Session 4.4
Details coming soon
CLOSING - DAY ONE
7/10 17:00-17:15
CLOSING
Day One Closing Remarks
DAY TWO - 8 October
8/10 8:30-8:45
WELCOME:
Opening and Outlook
8/10 8:45-9:45
PLENARY SESSION:
Plenary Session
Details coming soon
SESSION 5
8/10 10:15-11:15
SESSION 5.1 - PANEL
Developing and Managing Collaborative Partnerships between Academia and Sportswear Industry
Scientists in academia and industry possess a wealth of complementary expertise and experience. However, collaborations are inherently challenging due in part to differences in institutional mission, intellectual property considerations, and non-overlapping calendars. This panel will include several examples of academia-industry collaborative partnerships. Presenters will share common challenges and how they overcame institutional barriers to successfully collaborate. Additionally, the panel will discuss the many benefits that these collaborations bring to academia and industry, and to society.
Panel Members:
Professor Mike Hahn, University of Oregon
Professor Ken Kozloff, University of Michigan
Max Grüttner, PUMA Group
8/10 10:15-11:15
SESSION 5.2 - WORKSHOP
Differential Effects of Resistance and Aquatic Exercise on IL-6, CTX, and Osteocalcin in Obese Women
This study aimed to analyze the differences in the effects of resistance training and aquarobics on inflammatory biomarkers and bone metabolism in obese women. The study employed a randomized pre-test post-test control group design involving 36 obese women aged 40–50 years, who were divided into three groups: resistance training (RT), aquarobics training (AT), and a control group. The intervention lasted for 8 weeks. The variables measured included interleukin-6 (IL-6) as an indicator of inflammation, as well as C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and osteocalcin as markers of bone metabolism. Analysis results showed no significant interaction between group and time for IL-6 levels (p > 0.05), indicating no significant changes in systemic inflammation following the intervention. Conversely, there was a significant interaction for CTX (p < 0.05) and osteocalcin (p < 0.001), suggesting that resistance training and aquarobics effectively reduced bone resorption and increased bone formation. These changes were more pronounced in the exercise group compared to the control group. In conclusion, resistance training and aquarobics have a positive effect on bone metabolism in obese women, although they did not result in significant changes in the inflammatory biomarker IL-6 during the 8-week intervention period. These findings suggest that physical exercise has the potential to serve as a non-pharmacological strategy for improving bone health, although the anti-inflammatory effects may require a longer duration of intervention.
Presenters:
Professor Siti Baitul Mukarromah, Universitas Negeri Semarang
Gustiana Mega Anggita, Universitas Negeri Semarang
Faisyal Syofian, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung
Yulingga Hanief, Universitas Negeri Semarang
8/10 10:15-11:15
SESSION 5.3 - PANEL
Balancing Performance Enhancement and Harm Minimization
As sport becomes increasingly data‑driven, governance should aim to balance competing demands such as innovation, commercial value, athlete wellbeing, and privacy. This panel explores how governance could set parameters that enhance performance while reducing harm. Through discussion of trust (including measurement validity and stakeholder interests), privacy (such as differing data needs across performance levels), and practicality (including workable governance strategies and safeguarding wellbeing), the session offers insights into navigating the balance between using data and protecting those it affects.
Panel Members:
Professor Sam Robertson, TCG Advisory
Professor Grant Duthie, The University of Newcastle
8/10 10:15-11:15
SESSION 5.4 - PANEL
Beyond the Pipeline: Rethinking Women's Progression in the Global Coaching Workforce
Women remain significantly underrepresented in the global coaching workforce, particularly in high performance sport. While many initiatives have focused on developing individual women coaches, growing evidence suggests that structural barriers within coaching pathways, organisational cultures and sport systems continue to limit women’s entry, progression and retention.
This panel will explore how coaching systems can be redesigned to better support women coaches. Bringing together academic researchers and sport system leaders, the session will examine emerging research on women in coaching, discuss the limitations of pipeline approaches, and consider how universities and sport organisations can collaborate to generate evidence informed solutions that support sustainable workforce change.
Panel Members:
Professor Leanne Norman, Loughborough University
Professor Maria Gallo, University of British Columbia
SESSION 6
8/10 11:30-12:30
SESSION 6.1 - PANEL
Wearable Technologies in Sport Science: Bridging Innovation, Research, and Practice
This panel examines current applications and future developments of wearable technologies in sport science from technical, scientific, and practical perspectives. Experts will discuss established systems, ongoing innovation, and real-world needs in training and performance monitoring. Topics include continuous non-invasive sweat-based metabolite assessment and wearable-based estimation of key performance and training-intensity markers, such as lactate threshold-related metrics.
Panel Members:
Dr. Boris Dragutinovic, German Sport University Cologne
Professor Wilhelm Bloch, German Sport University Cologne
Tommaso Bo, Eindhoven University of Technology
8/10 11:30-12:30
SESSION 6.2 - PANEL
Multidisciplinary Approach to Translating Molecular Signatures of Injury and Repair to Performance in Humans
The study of muscle strain injury in animal models has led to significant advances in the field. However, without comparable mechanistic human-based studies, we remain in the dark as to optimized recovery practice(s) to advance the field. We employ a unique molecular, cellular, and whole-body research approach that outputs transferable athlete-specific understandings and insights that we anticipate will improve performance, mitigate injury risk, and expedite recovery from muscle injury.
Panel Members:
Professor Hans Dreyer, University of Oregon
Professor Mike Hahn, University of Oregon
Dr. Anthony Hessel, Universität Münster
8/10 11:30-12:30
SESSION 6.3
Session 6.3
Details coming soon
8/10 11:30-12:30
SESSION 6.4
Session 6.4
Details coming soon
SPOTLIGHT SESSION
8/10 14:00-15:00
SPOTLIGHT SESSION:
Current Challenges and Opportunities in Translating Sport Science into Innovation and Entrepreneurship
SESSION 7
8/10 15:15-16:15
SESSION 7.1 - PANEL
Air Quality and Athlete Performance
8/10 15:15-16:15
SESSION 7.2 - PANEL
Session 7.2
Details coming soon
8/10 15:15-16:15
SESSION 7.3 - PANEL
Sport Science Accreditation and Regulation: Hurdles and Horizons
Accreditation and regulation in sport science practice vary globally, yet increasing convergence is evident around competency based standards and minimum practice expectations. The release of the first International Sport Science Professional Standards in March 2026 represents a significant step toward harmonisation. Global standards that underpin accreditation and regulation could support greater consistency, transparency, and professional portability. Accreditation and regulatory models across countries promise to influence professional identity and international recognition, underscoring the importance of global collaboration.
Panel Members:
Dr. Nathan Reeves, Griffith University
Professor Timothy Carroll, University of Queensland
Professor Nicholas Gant, University of Auckland
Dr. Hadi Nobari, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
8/10 15:15-16:15
SESSION 7.4 - PANEL
Is Sport Science Entering a New Era of Visualisation?
Our society is becoming increasingly ocularcentric, a trend further fueled by Generative AI. Adopting a popular science approach, this panel discusses if and how sports science research should/could embrace the visual turn to enhance transfer of knowledge with non-academic environments. We address the methodological challenges of analyzing visual data and the communicative possibilities of translating complex research into actionable insights for external stakeholders like federations and media.
Panel Members:
Professor Astrid Schubring, German Sport University Cologne
Dr. Andreas Kewes, German Sport University Cologne
Hanwei Zhang, German Sport University Cologne
Professor Claudia Steinberg, German Sport University Cologne
SESSION 8
8/10 16:30-17:30
SESSION 8.1 - PANEL
Translating Para Sport Science into Elite Performance
Elite Paralympic sport progresses most effectively when scientific evidence is translated into routine training and competitive practice. This session integrates perspectives from physiology, biomechanics, ergonomics and aerodynamics to present applied methodologies that enhance performance in wheelchair racing and handcycling. We will present translational case studies demonstrating how laboratory insights can be operationalised in field environments. In a complementary athlete interview, Annika Zeyen Giles provides a critical reflection on which interventions are most impactful from a performance perspective.
Participants will gain evidence based frameworks for physiological testing, equipment optimisation, and performance decision making under pressure. The session concludes with a practical roadmap to strengthen collaboration between researchers and practitioners, supporting sustained innovation in Paralympic performance environments.
Panel Members:
Professor Vicky Goosey-Tolfrey, Loughborough University
Professor Thomas Abel, German Sport University Cologne
Annika Zeyen Giles, Paralympic Athlete
Professor Claudio Perret, University of Lucerne
8/10 16:30-17:30
SESSION 8.2 - PANEL
Who Leads Sport? Introducing LEAD^Sport - The First Leadership Model Built for the Executives Who Run the Business in Sport
his panel explores the LEAD^Sport™ framework as a sector-specific model for leadership in sport, bringing together psychological, sociological, and policy/governance perspectives. LEAD^Sport™ addresses the unique pressures of sport, including stakeholder complexity, digital disruption, and ethical scrutiny. Panellists will critically examine its theoretical foundations, strengths, and current validation gaps, inviting debate on how leadership frameworks can better connect research, policy, and practice in global sport organisations.
Panel Members:
Dr. John Mahoney-Phillips, Predict Partnership
Professor Leanne Norman, Loughborough University
Dr. Borja Garcia-Garcia, Loughborough University
Dr. Stephen Smith, Sports Psychology Ltd.
8/10 16:30-17:30
SESSION 8.3 - PANEL
University Sport Science - Bringing more Physical Education into Society
With the academisation of sport science in the 20th century, specific scientific traditions have often developed at the various university locations, placing particular emphasis on certain areas of research and focusing not only on competitive but also on recreational sport. Regarding the latter we will show how the GSU Cologne and the University of Münster have contributed to get society more active. The work in this field will be discussed with a representative of ARISF.
Panel Members:
Dr. Ansgar Molzberger, German Sport University Cologne
Jun.-Professor Dr. Helga Leineweber, Universität Münster
Robert Rauch, World Flying Disk Federation
Univ.-Professor Dr. Stephan Wassong, German Sport University Cologne
8/10 16:30-17:30
SESSION 8.4 - WORKSHOP
From Scholarship to Society: Advancing Societal Impact in Sport Academic Departments
Sport-related academic departments are increasingly called upon to demonstrate meaningful societal impact beyond traditional outputs such as publications and rankings. Yet, for many deans and department heads worldwide, translating academic expertise into tangible societal contributions remains a persistent and complex challenge.
This workshop brings together academic leaders to collectively explore how sport-related disciplines can more effectively engage with society, influence practice, and address real-world issues. Through guided discussions and collaborative exercises, participants will examine existing barriers, share institutional strategies, and identify actionable pathways to enhance impact across education, research, and community engagement.
Presenters:
Professor Adrian Kee, Nanyang Technological University
Professor Yumna Albertus, University of Cape Town
CLOSING - DAY TWO
8/10 17:45-18:15
CLOSING
Day Two Closing Remarks
GSUN '26 Summit Sponsors
