Welcome


to the Department of Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Muenster. We study human behavior and cognition in sports (causes, conditions, objectives) and try to predict and influence the behavior of athletes. On the following pages, you will find information on our current research projects, courses, examinations, our team, and links. Further, you can find information on sport psychological support and counseling. If you are interested in an internship, please send a motivational letter, CV and a transcript of records via email to Birte Brinkmöller.

You can find a list of the latest publications of our team here: publications (2006 - today)

We hope that you will find all the important information you need. In case there are any questions left, please do not hesitate to talk to us directly.

Prof. Bernd Strauss
Head of the Department

© Lena Henning

IfS at the MOVE-Forum in Essen

Prof. Dr. Nils Neuber and Dr. Lena Henning presented results of the MOVE FOR HEALTH study at the MOVE Forum of the German Sport Youth (dsj), held at the Zeche Zollverein in Essen. Under the title “Educational Networks for More Physical Activity and Social Participation”, around 100 stakeholders from youth services, youth welfare offices, schools, academia, childcare centers, public health, and organized sports came together to discuss how all young people can be reached through sport.
 

© Peter Lessmann

Edda van Meurs selected for the “Durchstarten” programme

Edda van Meurs, a doctoral candidate in the Sports Psychology department, has been accepted into the fourth cohort of the “Durchstarten. Von der Promotion zur Professur” programme run by the Office for Gender Equality at the University of Münster. The program assists outstanding doctoral students with workshops, supervision, and mentoring to help them prepare for a career in academia. Together with other young female researchers, she will have the opportunity to further develop key skills for a career in academia.

© Bastian Redmann

Elite sports schools

On October 7, 2025, Dr. Barbara Halberschmidt and Laura van de Loo informed around 100 participants about current scientific findings in the field of dual careers at the NRW Sports School Meeting in Bielefeld. A particular focus was on the critical transitions between school and university.
In a subsequent workshop on dual careers, key aspects were explored in more detail, and concrete starting points for practical implications were developed in a small group.

© Mathias Hornberger

Psychological aspects in school sports: 11th Paderborn School Sports Day

"Psychological Aspects in School Sports" was the title of the 11th Paderborn School Sports Day on Wednesday, October 1, at Paderborn University. Over 70 teachers from all school types, full-time teachers, and coaches from the region participated in the event to learn about current developments in this field and to deepen their knowledge in subsequent workshops.