UAOA International Research Network
Connecting research. Informing action.
UAOA IRN Academic Conference
Call for proposals: OPEN
We are currently welcoming the submissions of empirical, conceptual and methodological research exploring the causes, consequences, contexts and potential solutions to online harms.
Submissions are open until 5 February 2027.
2027 UAOA IRN Academic Conference
The inaugural UAOA IRN Academic Conference will take place on 9 June 2027 in Paris, bringing together researchers to strengthen the global evidence base on online harms in sport.
Why the UAOA IRN?
Our Objectives
To address the fragmented nature of research on online harms in sport, often conducted independently across disciplines, countries and sectors, the UAOA International Research Network (UAOA IRN) was established as a global platform dedicated to strengthening the evidence base on online harms in sport.
Hosted by Dublin City University (DCU) and supported by the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) initiative and the FIA Foundation, the network brings together researchers and experts from across disciplines and sectors.
By fostering international collaboration, facilitating knowledge exchange and promoting the translation of research into policy and practice, the UAOA IRN aims to bridge the gap between academic research and meaningful action.
The network creates opportunities to:
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COLLABORATION
Build international research networks and foster meaningful collaboration.
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KNOWLEDGE
Share knowledge, methodologies and emerging evidence on online harms in sport.
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PRIORITIES
Identify global research priorities.
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IMPACT
Translate academic findings into policy and practice.
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PARTNERSHIPS
Support interdisciplinary and cross-sector partnerships.
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DEVELOPMENT
Support and empower the next generation of researchers addressing online harms in sport.
Through FIA and UAOA support, the UAOA IRN will provide opportunities for members, including:
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Annual academic conference
on online harms in sport hosted at FIA Headquarters.
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One UAOA convening
event per year.
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Six research and stakeholder webinars
each year.
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Annual report
reviewing developments in online harms in sport research.
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Specialist research reports
on priority topics identified by the IRN and UAOA.
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Collaborative research funding
and grant development.
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International networking
and partnership opportunities.
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Support for early career
researchers and interdisciplinary collaboration.
How the UAOA IRN Drives Impact
The Network Activities
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 UAOA IRN aims to strengthen research quality, accelerate innovation and support practical solutions that help make sport safer for everyone.
A Collaborative Foundation
Hosted by DCU and UAOA. Supported by FIA and FIA Foundation.
The UAOA 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.
