University of Southern Denmark

The University of Southern Denmark has five faculties with more than 27,000 students, almost 20% of whom are from abroad, and more than 3,800 employees distributed across our main campus in Odense and five regional campuses. The Department of Sports Science deals with research, innovation and scientific knowledge based upon studies of the human body, the musculoskeletal system, sport, exercise, active living and movement. Attention is particularly paid to physical activity and exercise in sports and in health promotion, prevention, treatment of diseases and rehabilitation, including cultural, political, psychological and pedagogical aspects of sport and physical activity. Building on its commitment to a multidisciplinary approach, research at the Department is carried out by teams of researchers from a variety of scientific and professional backgrounds.

According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) – Shanghai ranking of Sports departments, the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics at SDU has been continuously ranked between 6th and 7th position among 350 departments globally since 2016. The Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics has over the last decade expanded markedly and integrated new lines of research within the social sciences and humanities. The department has a strategic focus on psychological aspects of behavioural change and health promotion.

The Centre for Active and Healthy Ageing (CAHA) at SDU is led by prof. Paolo Caserotti. The key purpose of the CAHA is to undertake translational and basic research into primary, secondary and tertiary prevention for older adults with the main focus of reducing the risk of functional loss, minimizing the impact of functional decline in older adults’ quality of life, and postponing the onset of disability. Philosophy: to promote a physically, mentally and socially active lifestyle, which is a critical factor in sustaining quality of life and independence. Philosophy in action: CAHA seeks to promote the benefits of active and healthy ageing through multidisciplinary, translational research and education programs, in partnership with public and private health organisations, local business and industry, and end-users to produce coordinated solutions. This is demonstrated by the numerous projects and active collaboration with different Danish and International stakeholders. These projects include 2 Horizon 2020 (SITLESS and PROMISS), 2 Interreg 4a and 5a (HANC and WIPP), 2 Erasmus+ (COP4HL and AAC) and a recently funded COST action (AgePhysNet) in addition to several national projects receiving public and private funding.