The University of Michigan has joined the Global Sport University Network Leadership Council, a collective of 10 universities worldwide leveraging sport science research to address complex societal challenges.

Alongside the University of Oregon, U-M represents the U.S. among eight additional international higher education institutions focused on advancing research in four broad areas: health and performance, inclusivity and social impact, innovation, and sustainability.

U-M has multiple programs on the leading edge of sport and physical activity: 

• The Human Performance & Sport Science Center serves the university through the promotion and amplification of sport science research and education, and its Athlete Innovation Initiative supports engaging students in sport science opportunities through a unique partnership with Michigan Athletics, Orthopaedic Surgery, the School of Kinesiology and the School of Information.
• The Adaptive Sports & Fitness Program is a leader in increasing awareness about, knowledge of, access to, and participation in adaptive sports and fitness among people with and without disabilities.
• The School of Kinesiology offers degrees in applied exercise science, athletic training, movement science, and sport management, while Michigan Medicine runs a world-renowned sports medicine program. 

U-M’s participation in both the leadership council and the network opens new opportunities for global research partnerships that can improve the health and well-being for Michiganders and global citizens alike — a key tenet of U-M’s Vision 2034 plan.

U-M’s involvement in GSUN provides institutional recognition, strengthening its leadership in the international sport science community and attracting new collaborations, funding and learning opportunities.

Through GSUN, U-M faculty, staff and students gain access to international partnerships, enriching sport science research, and innovation through new global research collaborations. Student engagement will be enhanced through participation in new projects fostering interdisciplinary research, learning and career development. 

Two U-M faculty have joined the GSUN Leadership Council:

• Ken Kozloff, co-director of HPSSC and Steven A. Goldstein PhD Collegiate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery in the Medical School, professor of kinesiology in the School of Kinesiology, and professor of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering and the Medical School.
• Feranmi Okanlami, director of Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services, founding director of U-M’s Adaptive Sports & Fitness Program, and assistant professor of family medicine, of physical medicine and rehabilitation, of urology, and of orthopaedic surgery in the Medical School.

“The University of Michigan is emerging as a leader in sport science research and education,” Kozloff said. “I’m excited to leverage the collaborative opportunities within GSUN to further engage the university community to promote sport science research and education on campus.”

“Through our new partnerships in GSUN, U-M’s impact in adaptive sport will continue to grow at the national and international levels,” Okanlami said.

More information

• Global Sport University Network
• Want to get involved in GSUN initiatives at U-M? Complete the interest survey (must be logged in with umich.edu credentials)
• U-M Adaptive Sports & Fitness Program
• U-M Human Performance & Sport Science Center