Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctoral Programme "Problem-oriented Sport Science"

The international and interdisciplinary doctoral programme "Problem-oriented Sport Science" is a collaborative effort between the University of Bern, the University of Tübingen, the University of Augsburg, Chemnitz University of Technology, the University of Stirling, and the University of Limerick. This programme aims to achieve both high scientific and social impact by orienting research work towards concrete phenomena and problems in sport.

Content

The sport science discipline gains its self-image largely from its object orientation, focusing on phenomena observable in the social subsystem of sport. Research problems in this field are often complex, requiring an interdisciplinary approach. However, the scientific community and funding opportunities may favor disciplinary approaches, potentially causing sport science to lose its focus on the subject area of sport. The doctoral programme addresses this challenge by emphasizing problem-oriented and interdisciplinary research.

Aims

The programme is designed to provide added value for doctoral students in several ways:

• Improved supervision by multiple tutors from different institutions and sport science sub-disciplines
• Opportunities for networking with other doctoral students and international experts
• Stimulation of problem-oriented and interdisciplinary thinking and cooperation
• Increased visibility of doctoral degrees
• Sensitization to ethical and science-theoretical questions in problem-oriented and interdisciplinary sport science

Structure

The programme's research paradigmatic framework is based on considerations of interdisciplinarity and problem orientation, deepened through superordinate colloquia. Monothematic or monodisciplinary colloquia are also offered to ensure scientific knowledge is gained in a disciplinary manner while maintaining interdisciplinary exchange. The programme consists of:

• An annual, mandatory 3-day Summer School for all members, focusing on interdisciplinary foundations, thematically focused workshops, and special interest groups for networking and exchange.
• 2-day subject- or topic-specific satellite workshops, supervised by professors and external experts.

Co-operation Partners

The programme involves cooperation between several institutions and professors, including:

• Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern
• University of Tübingen
• University of Augsburg
• Chemnitz University of Technology
• University of Stirling
• University of Limerick Specific professors and their departments are involved in the programme, ensuring a wide range of expertise and perspectives.

Events

The programme includes various events such as Summer Schools and satellite workshops. Reports from past events, including Summer Schools held in different locations and years, are available, showcasing the programme's activities and outcomes.

Admission

Doctoral students supervised by a habilitated member of the participating institutes are eligible to participate. Interested candidates should contact the relevant professor directly. Vacant doctoral positions are advertised on the University of Bern's job portal.

Programme Details

The programme is directed by Prof. Dr. Mirko Schmidt, with Moritz Engel serving as the coordinator. While specific details about tuition fees, research areas, and admission criteria (beyond the requirement of being supervised by a habilitated member of the participating institutes) are not provided, the programme's focus on problem-oriented and interdisciplinary research in sport science is clear. The emphasis is on achieving both scientific and social impact through high-quality research and practical application.