Rainer Schliermann

Prof. Dr. Rainer Schliermann is a Professor of Educational Sciences and Social Science Research Methods at Regensburg University of Applied Sciences (OTH Regensburg), Faculty of Social and Health Sciences. He serves as a member of the Examination Board for the BA Social Work, Bachelor of Music and Movement-Oriented Social Work programs, and is the Module Responsible for the Basic Module in Social Research and Evaluation in the part-time Master's in Leadership and Communication Management. Additionally, he holds the position of Officer for Inclusion and Contact Person for Anti-Discrimination at the university.

His academic background includes:

• Diplom Sozialpädagoge (FH; FH-Würzburg-Schweinfurt)
• Diplom Pädagoge (Univ.; Uni Bamberg)
• Dr.phil. (Sportwissenschaft; Uni Halle-Wittenberg)
• Dr.phil.habil. bzw. Privatdozent (PD) (Venia legendi: Sportwissenschaft; Uni Halle-Wittenberg)

Professor Schliermann's research focuses on the intersection of educational sciences, social work, and sports psychology, with particular attention to disability studies and inclusion. His work examines social and emotional competencies of students in social pedagogical courses, psychology and pedagogy in sports for people with disabilities (such as wheelchair basketball and deaf sports), stress management and burnout prevention in sports coaching (particularly football), psychological skills training in competitive sports, and inclusion-related issues in physical activity contexts. His research spans both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to improving performance and well-being in diverse populations.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on adapted physical activity, mental skills training in sports, and the application of social work principles in sports contexts. A significant portion of his work addresses the psychological aspects of disability sports, particularly wheelchair basketball and deaflympic sports. His research methodology combines quantitative and qualitative approaches, often employing empirical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. There's a clear trajectory toward increasingly interdisciplinary work, integrating perspectives from psychology, education, social work, and sports science to address complex issues in inclusive sports and social work practice.

Professor Schliermann has served as a peer reviewer for numerous academic journals including Sports Science, Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin, Leipziger Sportwissenschaftliche Beiträge, Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, and International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. His professional memberships include the Deutsche Vereinigung für Sportwissenschaft (DVS), Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Sportpsychologie in Deutschland (asp), and several international organizations including the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP).

His academic career includes positions as Scientific Assistant (Habilitand) at Uni Halle-Wittenberg, Scientific Assistant and Scientific Director at the Research Institute for Inclusion through Movement and Sport (FIBS gGmbH), W2-Visiting Professor of Exercise Psychology at Uni Leipzig, and his current position as W2-Professor of Educational Sciences and Social Science Research Methods at OTH Regensburg. He has additional qualifications including the Curriculum Sportpsychologie im Leistungssport (asp/BDP), Progressive Muscle Relaxation course leadership, and Project Management training.