12th German-Japanese Symposium on Sport Science to Take Place in Ludwigsburg
The 12th German-Japanese Symposium on Sport Science will take place from 7–10 October 2026 at the Ludwigsburg University of Education in Germany.
Organised by the German Association for Sport Science (dvs) and the Japan Society of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences (JSPEHSS), the symposium will also involve the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE).
Under the theme “A Changing World: Issues of German-Japanese Sports Science in the Face of Current Challenges”, the symposium will bring together researchers and experts from Germany and Japan to exchange knowledge, strengthen academic cooperation and explore current developments across sport science.
More Than 30 Years of German-Japanese Cooperation
The first German-Japanese Symposium on Sport Science was organised at the German Olympic Institute in Berlin in 1995. The 2026 edition therefore marks more than 30 years of academic exchange and cooperation between the German and Japanese sport science communities.
The most recent symposium took place in 2023 at Nippon Sport Science University in Tokyo. At that event, dvs and JSPEHSS reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their collaboration.
The 2026 symposium will build on this long-standing partnership by creating further opportunities for scientific exchange, networking and the development of joint research projects.
An Open and Interdisciplinary Programme
The conference theme has been intentionally kept broad to reflect the full spectrum of sport science. Contributions from all sub-disciplines are welcome, alongside perspectives from cultural studies.
This open approach aims to encourage interdisciplinary discussion and diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities currently shaping sport and society.
Presentations may be delivered in German or English, with English preferred.
Connecting Research and Practice
Alongside academic exchange, the symposium will focus on strengthening connections between sport science research and practical applications in Germany and Japan.
Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the Württemberg State Sports Federation (WLSB) and the Olympic Training Centre (OSP) in Stuttgart. These visits will offer insights into the German sport system and provide further opportunities to connect research with practice.
Through scientific dialogue, international networking and practical exchange, the 12th German-Japanese Symposium on Sport Science aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries and contribute to the future development of sport science.
For further information about the symposium, including programme and organisational details, kindly visit the official event website here:
German-Japanese Sport Science Symposium 2026
