The UAOA International Research Network (IRN) is hosted by Dublin City University (DCU) and supported by the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) initiative and the FIA Foundation.
The IRN brings together researchers and evidence partners from across sport, industry, media and governing bodies to strengthen the global evidence base on online harms in sport. By connecting expertise across disciplines, organisations and countries, the IRN aims to accelerate research, improve collaboration and ensure that evidence is translated into meaningful action.
The IRN complements the wider UAOA Coalition by providing a dedicated platform for research collaboration, knowledge exchange and evidence generation that supports safer digital environments across sport.
Why the IRN?
Research into online harms in sport has grown significantly in recent years. However, much of this work continues to be undertaken independently across different disciplines, countries and sectors.
The IRN has been established to help overcome this fragmentation by creating opportunities to:
- Build international research collaborations.
- Share knowledge, methodologies and emerging evidence.
- Identify global research priorities.
- Translate research into policy and practice.
- Support interdisciplinary and cross-sector partnerships.
- Develop the next generation of researchers working on online harms in sport.
Hosted by DCU and UAOA. Supported by FIA and FIA Foundation.
The IRN combines the academic independence and research leadership of Dublin City University with the international reach and multi-stakeholder community of the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse initiative.
This partnership provides a unique opportunity to connect research with practice, ensuring that evidence can inform policy, organisational decision-making and technological innovation across the sporting ecosystem.
Network Activities
Through FIA and UAOA support, the IRN will provide opportunities for members to contribute to and lead collaborative activities, including:
- Annual academic conference on online harms in sport hosted at FIA Headquarters.
- Hosting of one UAOA convening event per year.
- Six research and stakeholder webinars each year.
- Annual report reviewing developments in online harms in sport research.
- Specialist research reports on priority topics identified by the IRN and UAOA.
- Collaborative research funding and grant development.
- International networking and partnership opportunities.
- Support for early career researchers and interdisciplinary collaboration.
These activities are intended to create opportunities for members to lead projects, develop partnerships and generate research with real-world impact.
Who should join?
The IRN already has 30+ members and welcomes individuals and organisations with an interest in advancing evidence on online harms in sport, including:
- Researchers and academic institutions
- Sports organisations and governing bodies
- Technology companies and online platforms
- Athlete and player associations
- Fan groups
- Broadcasters and journalists
- Policymakers and regulators
- Civil society organisations
- Research students and early career researchers
Our ambition
The UAOA International Research Network seeks to become the leading global community for research on online harms in sport.
By connecting evidence, expertise and experience across disciplines and sectors, the IRN aims to strengthen research quality, accelerate innovation and support practical solutions that help make sport safer for everyone.
