Doctoral Projects
Several doctoral students in our department are conducting research on various topics in the field of sociology of sport. Get to know our doctoral students and learn more about their research projects.
Career Development of Young Athletes in Paralympic Sports
Advisors: Prof. Dr. Astrid Schubring and Dr. Laura Purdy
Internal Funding & HIFF
October 1, 2023 – ongoing
Changes in Paralympic Athletes' Health Behaviors During the End-of-Career Transition
Advisors: Prof. Dr. Astrid Schubring and Assoc. Prof. Natalie Barker-Ruchti
Internal funding & DSHS scholarship
November 1, 2023 – ongoing
Mentoring in Sports Coaching
Advisors: Prof. Dr. Astrid Schubring and Dr. Andreas Caspers
Project team: Dr. Heléne Bergentoft and Prof. Dr. Stefan Grau
Internal funding
April 1, 2024 – ongoing
The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Talent Identification in Professional Youth Soccer
Malte Schruth
Advisors: Prof. Dr. Astrid Schubring and PD. Dr. Klaus Seiberth
External Ph.D. student
May 12, 2025 – ongoing
Career Development of Young Athletes in Paralympic Sports
Stefanie Haberstock
The career development of young para-athletes has received little research attention to date, even though it is highly relevant to sports science due to the specific challenges it involves. The aim of this study is to examine individual, social, and enviromental factors influencing the career trajectories of young elite para-athletes.
By examining these crucial factors, the study aims to provide new insights into the support of young para-athletes and to contribute to the development of targeted support systems for sustainable career paths.
Mentoring in Sports Coaching
Kristof Jaczina
While research on mentoring in sports coaching and participation in mentoring programs is growing, few evaluative studies have yet been conducted, and knowledge regarding the design and effectiveness of mentoring as an educational approach in specific sports settings—including elite sports and specific sports such as track and field—is limited. The overarching aim of this doctoral (PhD) research project is to develop, pilot, and evaluate a research-based mentoring program for novice coaches in elite athletics (track and field) in Sweden that supports their practice-based learning and competency development while also promoting gender equity in the profession.
Changes in Paralympic Athletes' Health Behaviors During the End-of-Career Transition
Hanwei Zhang
The transition at the end of an athlete’s career can be fraught with a variety of difficulties that can be challenging. Transitioning to a new career may be more challenging for Paralympic athletes than for able-bodied athletes. Previous studies have provided preliminary insights; however, there remains a research gap in understanding the health behaviors of Paralympic athletes following their end-of-career transition. The aim of this study is to generate knowledge to support the long-term transition and health promotion of Paralympic athletes after they retire.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Talent Identification in Professional Youth Soccer
Malthe Schruth
Scouting and selection decisions in professional (youth) soccer are not based on athletic measures/characteristics only. Instead, they are deeply influence by social processes which can significantly impact young players’ career trajectories. Recently, AI- and ML-based systems have been introduced into youth development centres. Based on a sociological approach, this PhD project aims to examine how algorithmic methods interact with existing scouting and selection logics. It furthermore aims to find out what opportunities and risks this might entail decision-making processes and social inequalities. This PhD project includes three sub-studies: a systematic narrative review, expert interviews, and a document analysis.
Completed Doctoral Projects
Dr. Solveig Hausken-Sutter
Leah Monsees