Take part to the academic highlight of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games

The theme of the next FISU World Conference is “Competing for change: Exploring sustainability and (mental) health through sports”.

The year 2025 is slowly approaching and with it the .

The FISU Games are not only a major sporting occasion, but also a multi-faceted, intercultural event. In particular, the FISU World Conference is a core element and the academic highlight of the FISU Games.

Held between 17-19 July 2025 in Jahrhunderthalle – Bochum, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World Conference will provide a platform for interdisciplinary scientific exchange and stimulate research and creativity beyond the scope of academia.

Themed “Competing for change: Exploring sustainability and (mental) health through sports”, the Conference 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 and resilience among high-performance coaches, referees, and the athlete entourage, the ecological sustainability initiatives on university campuses, and a perspective on holistic health and wellbeing in sports and physical activities.

Additionally, a detailed  is available for download, providing insights into the conference and participation guidelines.

Abstract submission was opened on 1 October and is accessible via the Conference homepage . Submission deadline is 15 January 2025. Academic researchers and NUSFs/CUSFs are strongly encouraged to share their project results and best practices, and to engage with the university sport community.