Dag Vidar Hanstad

Dag Vidar Hanstad is a Professor in the Department of Sport and Social Sciences at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, where he has established himself as a leading scholar in sport management and policy. His academic career spans over 15 years since completing his PhD in 2009 on anti-doping policy development.

Professor Hanstad's research interests focus on sport management with particular emphasis on organization, doping and anti-doping policy, media and communication in sport, elite level sport, and legacy planning. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in the sports industry, with a strong Norwegian context that also extends to international comparative studies. He has developed expertise in sustainability transitions within sport organizations, volunteer management in major sporting events, and leadership dynamics in national sports federations.

His recent publication record (2017-2024) reveals a clear evolution in his research focus, moving from his foundational work on anti-doping policy toward broader sport management issues including sustainability in sport organizations, youth sports engagement, and Olympic legacy planning. The publications show a consistent pattern of collaborative research with scholars across Scandinavia and internationally, with a strong emphasis on empirical studies of real-world sport management challenges.

Professor Hanstad has authored or co-authored numerous journal articles, book chapters, and full-length books including 'Organisasjon og lederskap i idretten' (2019) and 'Ledelse i idrett: Fra styrerom til treningsfelt' (2024). His work appears in high-impact journals such as the International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research, and Sustainability.