The city of Basel:

Basel is one of Europe’s leading centres of science and culture. Located at the intersection of Switzerland, Germany, and France, the city is exceptionally well connected internationally while remaining pleasantly compact – many destinations can easily be reached by foot or by public transport.

Basel combines tradition and innovation in a unique way. The University of Basel, founded in 1460, is the oldest university in Switzerland and has been home to and shaped the work of many influential figures, including Erasmus of Rotterdam, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Carl Gustav Jung. Basel has also played an important role in major scientific developments, particularly in the life sciences and medicine.

Basel is also an internationally renowned trade fair and conference destination, hosting events such as the world-famous Art Basel. The city is home to one of the highest concentrations of museums in Europe. Along the Rhine and throughout the Basel region, visitors will find internationally renowned institutions such as the Kunstmuseum Basel – one of the world’s oldest public art museums – the Fondation Beyeler, the Museum Tinguely, and the Vitra Design Museum just across the border in nearby Weil am Rhein.

Basel also enjoys an outstanding international reputation in science and research. The University of Basel regularly ranks among the world’s leading universities in global rankings, including the Shanghai Ranking. Individual disciplines achieve particularly strong positions: the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health (DSBG) now ranks among the world’s top 50 institutions in sport science.

Today, Basel is recognised as a leading centre for life sciences, medicine, and health research, as well as a vibrant hub for art and culture. The city combines international research excellence with a high quality of life, an open and cosmopolitan atmosphere, and close proximity to nature – not least along the Rhine, which shapes the character and everyday life of the city in a unique way.

This combination of innovation, cultural diversity, and urban quality of life makes Basel an inspiring place for exchange, new ideas, and personal encounters.

Why not staying one or two days longer? Discover Basel in the official Basel tourism video – and get inspired!

Conference venue: 

The conference will take place at the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health (DSBG) at the University of Basel. The University of Basel has around 13,000 students and offers a broad range of programmes across the humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, and medicine. It has a strong international profile, particularly in the fields of biomedicine, public health, sustainability, and the social and behavioural sciences.

The DSBG is part of the Faculty of Medicine and has a long tradition: founded in 1922, it is the oldest institution of sport science in Switzerland. Today, more than 600 students are enrolled at the Department in two main degree programmes: Sport Science with a Second Subject and Prevention and Health Promotion.

In both research and teaching, the DSBG takes an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together perspectives from sport science, psychology, medicine, and the social sciences. The Department is characterised by the close integration of basic research, applied research, and practice and has an excellent national and international network. Modern infrastructure and immediate access to extensive sports facilities provide ideal conditions for research, teaching, and events.

If you would like to learn more about the Department, we invite you to take a look at our Annual Report.

The opening ceremony, keynote speeches, dissertation and IYA Award presentations and closing ceremony will take place in Hall 1 of the St. Jakobshalle. Hall 1 is just a three-minute walk from the department building. The St. Jakobshalle Basel is one of Switzerland’s best-known sports and event arenas. This long-established and extensively modernised multipurpose venue regularly hosts major international sporting, cultural, and entertainment events. Among the best known are the Swiss Indoors Basel, one of the longest-running tournaments on the ATP Tour, and the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which put the St. Jakobshalle at the heart of an international audience. The venue also hosts international badminton and equestrian events, handball matches, and concerts by numerous internationally renowned artists.

All other sessions, as well as the poster presentation, will take place in the DSBG department building. Registration for the conference also takes place in the DSBG department building.

Getting around in Basel

Basel is a compact city where most places can be reached within 20-30 minutes by public transportation (tram and bus). Department building, hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions are all within reasonable distance, making local travel simple and pleasant.

To check public transportation schedules, we recommend using the SBB app (get off at Basel, St. Jakob). Tickets can be purchased at vending machines or online via the SBB app.

Travelling by car

For those arriving by car, we recommend parking at the Parkhaus St. Jakob  for the entire duration of the conference. From the Parkhaus St. Jakob, it is a three-minute walk to the department building. The daily rate is CHF 20. Driving into the city centre is not recommended.