"High-level Lectures" on International Sports Politics | 28.01.2026
Sports policy at European and international level – reviews, current areas of conflict, assessment
The Institute for European Sports Development and Leisure Research invites to two lectures open to the University public on two key topics in sports policy on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 4 p.m. in Lecture Hall 2.
First, Folker Hellmund (former head of the EOC EU Office in Brussels) will speak on “European sports policy and advocacy in Brussels – highlights, past developments, and assessment.” Afterwards, Prof. Dr. Karen Petry will give her inaugural lecture on “Development Policy Dimensions of Sport – Challenges and Perspectives in the Conflict between Science and Politics.”
Following the two lectures, at around 6 p.m., we look forward to a joint exchange at a get-together in the foyer of the DSHS.
Quick Overview:
16.00 CET
Welcome and Opening with Prof. Dr. Ansgar Thiel (GSU President) and Prof. Dr. Jürgen Mittag
16.15 CET
Lecture by Folker Hellmund
“European sports policy and lobbying in Brussels – highlights of past developments and assessment”
17.00 CET
Inaugural lecture by Prof. Dr. Karen Petry
“Development policy dimensions of sport – challenges and perspectives in the field of tension between science and politics”
18.00 CET
Get-Together in the lobby of the GSU main building