From 23 to 25 June 2025, the doctoral programme "Problem-oriented Sport Science" held its first summer school of the new funding period (2024–2028) in Weggis, Switzerland. The event marked the beginning of a new phase in which problem orientation forms the intellectual backbone of the program. Newly established departmental partnerships foster closer ties with the associated universities. The setting at the foot of Mount Rigi provided a productive environment for academic exchange and reflection.
We were pleased to welcome Prof. Gorden Sudeck (University of Tübingen) as a guest. As a former member of the University of Bern, his participation brought an external perspective that contributed to the broader conceptual framing of the event.
The academic programme unfolded over three days, each shaped by a distinct conceptual lens. On Monday, Prof. Mirko Schmidt (University of Bern) delivered the opening keynote, "Problem…what? What problem-oriented sport science really is and why it matters." His lecture revisited the conceptual foundations of the programme and outlined a constructive vision of what problem-oriented sport science can be, illustrating how it becomes tangible in concrete research contexts.
Tuesday’s keynote by Prof. Gorden Sudeck, "Individualized Promotion of Physical Activity and Health through the Lens of Problem-oriented Sport Science," invited participants to reflect on how problem orientation appears in applied research and relates to public health. On Wednesday, a concluding panel discussion offered space for critical synthesis and dialogue across different academic positions and disciplines.
At the heart of the summer school were the presentations by doctoral candidates. Participants shared key issues from their research, which were discussed in interdisciplinary groups. The group composition enabled diverse perspectives and critical engagement with the underlying problems. Discussions often extended beyond feedback and touched on epistemological, methodological and ethical questions central to problem-oriented sport science.
Informal moments such as swims in Lake Lucerne and a hike up Mount Rigi provided time for further conversations and personal connection in a relaxed setting.
Looking back, the 2025 summer school offered a coherent and focused beginning to the new funding period. With its sharpened academic profile and structural renewal, it confirmed the relevance and potential of problem-oriented sport science. We look forward to continuing the exchange in the coming year.
