As part of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 World University Games, the inspiring and forward-thinking FISU World Conference was held at the historic Jahrhunderthalle industrial complex, bringing together experts from sport, medicine, education, and science. The Croatian Academic Sports Federation (HASS) also participated, represented by Vice President Sanja Ćurković and Ivan Kaselj.
The conference focused on key topics related to the academic sphere and the lives of student-athletes. It opened with a lecture on mental health by Dr. Rosemary Purcell, a professor from the University of Melbourne, whose thought-provoking presentation explored the crucial role of environment in safeguarding the mental well-being of young athletes.
Representing HASS, Ivan Kaselj delivered a scientific presentation titled “Behaviour of Student-Athletes at the University of Zagreb Towards Sustainable Development.” The presentation was based on a study conducted among 167 student-athletes from the University of Zagreb, exploring their awareness and behaviors in the context of sustainable development, with a particular focus on environmental habits, and differences according to gender, field of study, and type of sport. The research revealed a high level of awareness but also highlighted a gap between attitudes and actual behavior.
The lecture emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability principles into sports education programs, as well as the potential of student-athletes to serve as ambassadors of environmental values within their communities.
In addition to the contributions of HASS and the discussions on mental health, the conference covered a wide range of current topics – from hormonal specifics in female athletes and stress in competitive environments, to obesity and the role of humor in combating anxiety.
A special highlight was the FISU Healthy Campus Program, which promotes a holistic approach to health, sustainability, and student well-being. During the conference’s opening ceremony, nine German universities – including those in Hanover, Göttingen, Regensburg, Tübingen, Berlin, and others – received official Healthy Campus certification. The program’s goal is to reach 200 certified universities worldwide, among which the University of Split is already proudly included.
The participation of Croatian representatives in this conference is part of a broader effort to actively engage in international initiatives shaping the future of university sport – a mission HASS has been advancing for the past three years through its own “4 Healthy Academic Society” conference, held during the UniSport Finals.
More information about the conference and the FISU Healthy Campus Program is available at: www.fisu.net
