Head of research group: Sine Agergaard

Who we are?

Sport and Social Issues is a team-oriented group of researchers that collaborate across a variety of disciplinary backgrounds in anthropology, pedagogy, psychology, sociology, and sport sciences.

Our research – what we do?

In line with AAU’s visions and missions, members of SSI strive to describe, examine, and transform social issues such as inequity in access to healthy living, and challenges to well-being of youth, as well as healthy aging. Particular attention is given to physical activity and sport encompassing organized and self-organized exercise and movement that make up a widespread community structure for prevention and health promotion. Cutting across the physical, mental, and social dimensions involved in sporting activities the group pursues a comprehensive perspective on body, well-being, and health.

How does our research contribute to societal health challenges?

Our research informs nation-wide policies and programs that are directed towards promoting active living and healthy communities along with including health-challenged groups into civil communities. To us, sport is not only a means to promote physical, mental, and social well-being, but it is a field of diverse communities and practices that provide unique opportunities for experiencing mastery, creativity, joy, social recognition and belonging.

Who are our key collaborators?

Group members work closely together with numerous municipalities, sports clubs, schools, and NGOs such as Aalborg and Aarhus Municipality, AaB (Aalborg Football Club), DBU (Danish Football Association), DGI (Danish Gymnastics and Sports Association), DRC (Danish Refugee Council), Lykkeliga and Platformen for Gadeidræt (The Platform for Street Sports).

Active Health Living Lab

The group leads The Active Health Living Lab with the dual purpose of promoting research participants’ and stakeholders’ active involvement in health promotion, as well as integrating physical activity and play into health research. The lab equipment can be used to involve research participants and stakeholders (such as family members, health professionals and volunteers), as well as to facilitate physical activity and record movement in community settings.