Verena Lenneis

Verena Lenneis is an Associate Professor at the Department of Health Science and Technology, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the Active Health Institute for Advanced Study in PBL at Aalborg University. Her research focuses on health disparities, ethnic minorities’ participation in sport and physical activity, and participatory research methods such as Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and co-creation. She leads the Nordic project 'Healthy communities in ageing societies' funded by NordForsk, exploring participatory research with elderly immigrants and refugees. Additionally, she investigates digital technologies in sports and lifestyle sports.

Educations:

• PhD in Sport Sociology (University of Copenhagen, 2013–2016)
• MA in Human and Social Sport Sciences (University of Copenhagen, 2011–2013)
• MA in Law (University of Vienna, 2004–2008)
• Bachelor in Sport Sciences (University of Vienna, 2008–2011)

Research Interests: Lenneis explores how marginalized groups engage with physical activity and sport, emphasizing participatory approaches. Her work addresses cultural, political, and spatial barriers faced by minority communities, including Muslim women’s access to swimming programs and refugee integration through sports. She also examines the role of digital technologies in shaping sports culture and leisure practices.

Projects & Grants:

• PI of 'HEALTHCOM: Healthy communities in ageing societies' (NordForsk, 2023–2026)
• Co-PI of 'Trivsel gennem fritidsfællesskaber' (Danish Refugee Council, 2021–2023)

Media & Outreach: Lenneis frequently engages with media on topics like gender-segregated swimming debates and digital sports culture. She also contributes to policy discussions through her editorial roles and public lectures.