ECSS Rimini 2025 is proudly hosted by the Universities of Bologna and Padova

University of Bologna

Founded in 1088, the Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, is the oldest university in the western world. Student-centred and hosting prominent figures from the science and arts communities, the university promotes innovation through an increasingly rich programme catalogue, cutting-edge research, a broad international perspective and a strong third mission.

With five campuses (Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, Rimini) and a branch in Buenos Aires, it offers programmes tailored to the needs of present-day society. More than 200 degree programmes are offered to over 82,000 students across 32 departments and five schools, 3,600 graduates are enrolled in PhDs and other 3rd-cycle programmes.

As a comprehensive research university, it invests in the inseparable connection between research and teaching. It has strong alliances with industry and public/private organisations and enjoys close European links and multiple connections with America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

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Department for Life Quality Studies

The Department for Life Quality Studies (QUVI) was established in 2012 and is primarily based in Rimini. The sport science labs (Applied Physiology, Anthropometry, Biomechanics, Neurophysiology and Strength and Conditioning) are located in the Record University Sport Centre in Bologna. QUVI staff members include 11 full professors, 25 associate professors, 21 researchers and over 50 PhD students/post-docs. The department’s research focuses on six areas: Sport Science; Nutrition and Physical Activity for Health and Well-Being; Physical Education, Body Culture and Outdoor Activities; Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences; Psychological and Philosophical Sciences for Quality of Life and Social Sciences, Tourism and Sustainability.

QUVI manages the PhD programme in Sport, Health and Well-Being, two Bachelor programmes in Exercise and Sports Sciences and five Master programmes. Nearly 700 students are enrolled annually across these programmes.

Sport science professors and researchers at QUVI produce high-impact research on the psychobiological bases of endurance performance, the interplay between mental and physical fatigue and applied research on soccer, swimming and table tennis. They also collaborate and consult with numerous sports governing bodies (e.g., CONI, Italian Cycling Federation, Italian Swimming Federation and Italian Field Hockey Federation), professional teams (e.g., Bologna FC and Arsenal FC) and industry (e.g., ASICS and Technogym). The university’s highly esteemed research impact and academic reputation in the field of sport sience is evidenced by it being one of only two Italian universities included in the top 140 universities for sports-related subjects in the QS World University Rankings in 2023.

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The University of Padova

Founded in 1222, the University of Padova has a rich history of fostering cultural freedom and academic excellence. It boasts a legacy of influential scholars like Copernicus, Vesalius, Galileo, William Harvey and more. The university is known for pioneering achievements, including the world's first botanical garden in 1545, now an UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1594, it inaugurated the first permanent anatomical theatre and in 1678, Elena Lucrezia Cornaro became the world's first woman to earn a PhD.

Today, the University of Padova hosts 65,000 students, including 5,200 international and 1,700 exchange students, with 2,200 teaching staff and 2,400 administrators. It graduates over 13,000 students annually, offers more than 100 Bachelor degree programmes, ten single-cycle programmes, nearly 100 Master programmes, more than 20 advanced programmes and ten specialised courses. Additionally, it encompasses 60 specialisation schools and 40 PhD schools.

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Department of Biomedical Sciences

The Department of Biomedical Sciences (DSB), established in 1992, is dedicated to research in nine main areas: Muscle Physiology in Health and Disease, Cell Signalling, Mitochondrial Pathophysiology, Medical Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Physical Activity and Health, Inflammation and Immunity, Adaptive Immunity and Computational and Structural Biology. The DSB comprises 269 staff members, including PhD students, research fellows, post-docs, research assistants, administrative assistants, researchers, associate professors and full professors.

In 2022, the DSB's 75 permanent staff members produced a total of 215 publications, of which 157 were published in Q1 Journals and 53 with an impact factor (IF) greater than 10. The total IF for all DSB publications in 2022 exceeded 1,900.

Muscle biology, physiology and mitochondrial pathophysiology have been longstanding focal points of the University of Padova. The DSB is globally renowned for its leadership in these areas.

The Sport and Exercise Sciences programme, situated within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Padova University, is an integral part of the DSB. It's a highly sought-after course enrolling 160 students annually.

Picture provided by University of Padova

Welcome to ECSS Rimini 2025 – the 30th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science!

It is with great pleasure that we announce our hosting of the 30th ECSS Annual Congress in 2025 in the charming city of Rimini, through a collaboration between the universities of Bologna and Padova. Above all, we are thrilled to bring the ECSS Annual Congress back to Italy after a span of 26 years, following the ECSS Congress held in Rome in 1999. At that time, there were no sport and exercise science programmes in Italian universities. Since then, sport science has developed quickly in Italy and we look forward to promoting it further by welcoming our colleagues across Europe and the rest of the world.

ECSS Rimini 2025 will take place at the Palacongressi di Rimini, a modern and attractive convention centre capable of accommodating over 9,000 attendees. This venue is conveniently located within walking distance of the city centre, hotels and the picturesque Adriatic seafront.

Rimini, with its origins dating back to 268 BC as the Roman Ariminum, boasts a captivating historic centre adorned with ancient Roman monuments, renaissance squares and architectural wonders. The city is home to churches embellished with treasures and works of art, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its rich history. Additionally, Rimini proudly hosts the Federico Fellini Museum, dedicated to the world-famous film director who was born in the city.

The city's seafront stretches over 15 kilometres, offering access to 250 seaside resorts, cycle paths and sports facilities. Rimini is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife, featuring some of Italy's most famous venues. Rimini also serves as the nucleus of the Wellness Valley, established in 2003. This initiative aims to transform the Romagna region into a leading hub for knowledge and culture related to wellness and the quality of life. This mission aligns seamlessly with the ECSS's objective of disseminating high-quality, innovative science that makes a meaningful impact within the sports science community and society at large.

The universities of Bologna and Padova will collaborate closely with the ECSS Scientific Board to deliver an outstanding scientific programme. This programme will encompass recent advancements in muscle biology, physiology and biophysics, as well as topics such as inactivity and aging, motor control, nutrition, physical activity and health, performance in extreme environments, exercise and sports medicine, psychology and social sciences. In addition, applied sports sciences, including Olympic winter sports, motorsports, football, cycling and other endurance sports, will also be addressed, along with physical performance of military personnel. A particular emphasis will be given to promote a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach within sport science to break the barriers that often divide the biomedical and the psychosocial sciences applied to sport and physical activity.

We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to Rimini, where we can exchange knowledge within the ECSS scientific community in the vibrant, joyful and lively backdrop of this beautiful city along the Adriatic riviera.

Yours in Sport Science,

Prof. Samuele Marcora, University of Bologna
ECSS Rimini 2025 Congress President

Prof. Marco Narici, University of Padova
ECSS Rimini 2025 Congress Vice President