Satellite workshop of the doctoral programme "Problem-oriented Sport Science" of the department of Sport Psychology and Research Methods 2026 Meaning in Sport: A Bern–Stirling Symposium

Date: 23-26 August 2026
Location: University of Stirling, Scottland
Organisers: Dr Violetta Oblinger-Peters, Prof. Dr Noora Ronkainen, Dr Michael McDougall (University of Stirling)
Guest lecturers: Dr Ross Walker (University of Stirling), Prof. Emeritus Dr Mark Nesti
Participants: Lauren Amor, Xenia Schmidli, Ari Correll, Philipp Koch, Prof. Dr Noora Ronkainen

Aim and focus of the workshop

The aim of the workshop was to bring together doctoral students and experienced researchers from sports science and related disciplines across different institutions to engage with phenomenological, philosophical and qualitative research perspectives under the thematic focus Meaning in Sport – which enabled the individual doctoral projects to be contextualised within a shared framework – and to establish long-term research networks.

Presentations

Doctoral students in sports psychology and philosophy presented and discussed their research. Phillip Koch (From Talent Development to Person–Environment Fit) examined the link between talent development and person–environment fit using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Xenia Schmidli (Moving in Numbers) investigated the relationship between digital tracking devices and their users, as well as the implications of the increasing use of technology in sport. Lauren Amor (Gendered Pathways in Life After Elite Sport) addressed gender-specific transitions following a career in elite sport and the importance of resources and relationships. Ari Correll (Fitting Fulfilment in Sport) examined the foundations of meaning in sport through the lens of relational and moral values.

Theoretical discussions

The workshop Finding Purpose, led by Dr Ross Walker (University of Stirling), explored personal and professional conceptions of meaning and how they are intertwined, encouraging participants to reflect on their own research projects. In his keynote address, Professional Sport and Meaning: Nae bother pal!, Dr Mark Nesti highlighted the significance of existential questions in professional sport. In a further session, participants discussed a forthcoming article by Prof. Dr Ronkainen. The event concluded with the discussion Keeping Meaning Meaningful, which explored how meaning research can maintain its critical perspective.

Social Event

On Monday, a walk to Dunblade was organised, which, followed by a group dinner in a pub, provided an opportunity for personal conversations. On Tuesday, a visit to the William Wallace Monument provided a memorable conclusion.

Conclusion

The two-day workshop provided a valuable framework for academic exchange. Overall, the participants look back on truly meaningful days spent together at the University of Stirling.