FISU World Conference: Mental health in sport in the focus of the student world!

FISU World Conference: Mental health in sport in the focus of the student world!

On July 7, 2025, an important event in the field of sport is approaching: the FISU World University Games, which will take place in Duisburg and Essen from the second half of July. Around 8,500 athletes from more than 170 countries are invited to compete in 18 sports. Particular attention will be paid to the accompanying FISU World Conference, which will take place from July 17th to 19th, 2025 in the Bochum Jahrhunderthalle. This conference is dedicated to key topics such as sustainability and (mental) health through sport.

The event is organized by Prof. Dr. Thomas Mühlbauer from the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), who coordinates the conference. Over 400 participants from 40 countries are expected to exchange ideas in lectures, workshops and panel discussions. Topics such as the mental health of athletes, pressure to perform, resilience and returning from injuries are on the agenda. There will also be hands-on stations for all age groups where participants can test their balance and muscle strength.

Mental health in sport

One of the highlights of the conference will be the contribution of Professor Rosemary Purcell, who is considered an expert on mental health in elite sport. She is a professor at the University of Melbourne and leads the research project on mental health in sport. Purcell is also responsible for knowledge transfer at Orygen, the national center for early mental health intervention in Australia. At the conference, she will analyze the differences in mental health between young athletes and their non-athletic peers.

Purcell emphasizes the need to create a supportive sports environment that promotes mental health. She will address topics such as self-compassion among self-critical athletes and point out the importance of coaches and sports officials becoming aware of athletes' mental health. According to Purcell, support for young talent should always aim to achieve peak performance without compromising mental health.

A growing awareness of mental health

The relevance of mental health in competitive sports has increased significantly in recent years. Nevertheless, interdisciplinary work in sports psychology and sports medicine is often still inadequate. Outdated assumptions about mental disorders persist among professionals. While research into the physical aspects of injuries advances, mental health is often neglected. Studies show that approximately 13-20% of competitive athletes suffer from depression during their lifetime, and almost a third of active athletes struggle with anxiety disorders and the risk of alcohol abuse.

Many athletes were confronted with psychological challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainties during this time meant that only 18% of athletes sought professional psychological support. This problem often remains a taboo topic. Judo world champion Anna-Maria Wagner spoke openly about her own experiences and emphasized the importance of support.

The FISU World Conference 2025 will not only provide a platform to discuss these critical issues, but also support the important step towards promoting mental health in sport. Through education and awareness of mental illnesses, an environment is to be created in which athletes receive the necessary support to achieve their full potential.

Overall, the opening of the FISU World Conference on July 17th will be accompanied by Ina Brandes, the Minister for Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia. The rectors of the universities in the Ruhr area will also welcome the international guests, while FISU President Leonz Eder will present the FISU “Healthy Campus” seal. The event not only offers sporting competitions, but also a comprehensive examination of the challenges that athletes face in the context of mental health.

For more information about the conference, please read the coverage from University of Duisburg-Essen, Rhine-Ruhr 2025 and Sports doctors newspaper.