Research
The German Sport University Cologne is Germany’s only university and Europe’s largest in the field of sport science. Research at our 19 academic institutes covers a wide range of areas – with the theme of ‘sport and exercise’ always at the heart of our work.
Research in Movement
What topics spring to mind when you think of sports science? Human performance? Proper nutrition in elite sport? The analysis of a football match? Correct! But: sports science is so much more than that. Sports science deals with sport, exercise and physical activity in many forms; from the extreme stresses of crossing a desert to bed rest studies or experiments conducted in space. Sports science looks into the smallest muscle cell and the largest stadium; sports science is fascinating and multifaceted; sports science moves us.
Please note!
Due to our website relaunch, our website is not yet fully available in English. The content will be translated into English gradually.
Our USP
The German Sport University Cologne is the only sports university in Germany to bring together the entire spectrum of sports research under one roof – from health and performance to education, society and technology.
- Research at the German Sport University Cologne takes a holistic approach to sport: interdisciplinary, practice-oriented and spanning the entire lifespan – from childhood to old age.
- The close integration of science, practice and society creates solutions with a direct impact – for competitive sport, prevention, education and social participation.
- International visibility, strong research networks and a high level of external funding make our university a leading centre for sports science research.
Performance, Education and Health
As the only university in Germany with a clear focus on sports science, the German Sport University Cologne occupies a unique position both nationally and internationally. Our research is guided by the principle of ‘sport and exercise’ and concentrates on the key themes of performance, education and health. In doing so, we combine perspectives from the natural and life sciences with approaches from the humanities, social sciences and economics. This interdisciplinary approach creates ideal conditions for addressing complex issues holistically and developing innovative solutions with societal relevance.
Core Research Areas
Mind in Motion
How do mental processes influence physical activity – and vice versa? – an interdisciplinary perspective.
Physiological adaptation processes
From molecules to movement: understanding mechanisms, developing therapies.
The social benefits of formal sports organisations
Sport as a driver of social participation, governance and social integration.
School research & educational processes
Sport and physical activity as a field of education and learning – from teachers to learners.
Scientific Institutions
Our researchers conduct research into sport and physical activity across 19 academic institutes, five transfer centres, four affiliated institutes, and various research collaborations and networks. Our diversity of disciplines is unique within the German academic landscape — the ideal prerequisite for addressing future challenges through an interdisciplinary approach. At the same time, practical sport plays a prominent role at our university. The breadth of our practical sport provision is a unique selling point within German and international sport science.
Academic Career
Are you interested in a career in academia? Have you completed your degree and would like to continue working in academia? A career in academia at our university usually begins with your degree and typically leads to a professorship via a PhD and a postdoctoral phase. Your first opportunities to get started are available alongside your degree, for example as a student assistant, or after graduation as a research assistant. We place particular emphasis on supporting young researchers and strive to offer our early-career academics the best possible environment for their academic careers.
Transfer to Society
As Germany’s only sports university, we have set ourselves the goal of playing an active role in shaping the future of health promotion through sport and physical activity. We are convinced that sport and exercise can help to solve pressing problems in our society. In an increasingly ageing population, where lifestyle-related diseases often arise in connection with a predominantly sedentary lifestyle, research findings from the field of sport and exercise science contribute to maintaining the general health of the population.
Our Research Activities & Services
Get in Touch with our Research Experts!
Prof. Dr. Tobias Vogt
Vice-President of Research and Transfer
eMail: t.vogt@dshs-koeln.de
+49 221 4982-4225
Dr. Claudia Combrink
Department Research and academic career
eMail: combrink@dshs-koeln.de
+49 221 4982-6174