Ina Hunger

Prof. Dr. Ina Hunger serves as Institute Director and Head of Department at the Institute of Sports Science, Georg-August-University Göttingen, where she has been Professor for Sport and Pedagogy (Didactics) since 2008. Her academic leadership extends to roles as Speaker of the Conference of Sports Science Institutes in Lower Saxony (since 2021) and Speaker of the Ethics Commission of the German Association for Sports Science (since 2020).

Prof. Hunger earned her Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Osnabrück in 1999 and completed her Habilitation in Sport Science there in 2004, following her First State Examination for teaching at Georg-August-University Göttingen in 1993. Her academic journey includes positions at the Universities of Osnabrück and Münster before joining Göttingen.

Her research critically examines sport pedagogy through multiple lenses including gender-specific movement socialization in early childhood, inclusion challenges in physical education, and the experiences of overweight and obese children in sports contexts. She employs rigorous qualitative methodologies to explore how societal expectations shape children's movement experiences, with particular attention to psychosocial dimensions and emotional safety in sports settings. Her work bridges theoretical analysis with practical applications for more inclusive sports education.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on understanding children's perspectives in physical education, with increasing attention to emotional and psychological aspects of sports participation. Her research examines boundary experiences, shame, and safety concerns in physical education while addressing practical applications for children with health challenges through community-based projects.

• Speaker of Conference of Sports Science Institutes in Lower Saxony (2021-present)
• Speaker of Ethics Commission, German Association for Sports Science (2020-present)
• Member of Jury for Lower Saxony Sports Medal (2017-present)
• Coordinator of dvs position papers on Inclusion and Early Childhood Movement

Prof. Hunger leads multiple externally funded projects including 'Uncertainty in Physical Education' (funded by accident insurance companies), 'Diversity categories in physical education' (BMBF-funded), and research on social conditions of educational opportunities through movement. Her work extends to practical collaborations with medical centers through projects like 'Luftsprung' for children with cancer, psychomotor support for children with developmental issues, and sports programs for youth with psychological disorders and obesity.

Her research program integrates academic inquiry with real-world applications through close partnerships with the University Medical Center Göttingen and various rehabilitation clinics, translating theoretical insights into practical movement programs that address specific health and social challenges faced by children and adolescents.