Mid Sweden University becomes a global meeting place for the future of university sports
On 24–28 August, Mid Sweden University will host the FISU World Forum 2026 – one of the world's most important events for university sports, education and leadership. Around 200 participants from a large number of countries will meet in Östersund.
FISU World Forum is an international student sports forum that is arranged every two years and has an itinerant host. In six months, Mid Sweden University and the other organizers – the Swedish Academic Sports Confederation (SAIF), Region Jämtland Härjedalen, Östersund Municipality and FISU – will welcome participants from about 40 countries to campus Östersund.
"We are proud to welcome the world to Östersund. The FISU World Forum gives us a unique opportunity to bring together research, education and sport in a global conversation about health and sustainable development. For us, hosting is a natural step in strengthening our international profile and our regional collaboration mission," says Anders Fällström, Vice-Chancellor of Mid Sweden University.
The main theme of this year's forum is "Active Body and Healthy Mind: How Effective Sport Can Be at University". In addition, there are three sub-themes related to the importance of creating a healthy campus, events in student sports as an engine for inclusion and how universities create better conditions for student-athletes with dual careers.
Among this year's keynote speakers are internationally leading experts who contribute with current research and practical examples:
- Michelle Tanner, Trinity College Dublin – one of the leading representatives in the development of healthy, holistic campus environments.
- Hans Westerbeek, Victoria University – expert in management, specialising in social impact, inclusion and ethical leadership in sporting events.
- Johanna St Clair Renard, former president of SAIF – expert with solid experience in developing transparent and inclusive frameworks for sports events and organizations.
- Lukas Linnér, Halmstad University – researcher and development manager with a special focus on support for elite athletes who are studying.
- Miquel Torregrossa, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona – internationally recognized academic with a focus on dual careers and athlete well-being.
Among the participants are students and employees of national student sports federations, university representatives and representatives of FISU (International University Sports Federation). The program offers lectures, workshops and panel discussions where researchers from ETOUR participate. There will also be study visits to Mid Sweden University's various research labs as well as cultural and sports activities in the evenings.
"We will soon have put all the details in the program with the goal of offering the participants five eventful days in Östersund. It will be a very international touch and we have already received registrations from countries such as South Africa, Jamaica and Brazil and hope to reach close to 200 participants," says project manager Martina Rosenberg.
Read more about the FISU World Forum here
Contacts:
Anders Fällström, Vice-Chancellor Mid Sweden University, 010-142 86 40, anders.fallstrom@miun.se
Martina Rosenberg, Project Manager FISU World Forum 2026, 010-142 82 80, martina.rosenberg@miun.se
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