International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES)

The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) is an independent study centre located in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. CIES was created in 1995 as a joint venture between the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the University of Neuchâtel, the City and State of Neuchâtel.

Using a multi-disciplinary approach (law, sociology, geography, history and management) CIES provides research, top-level education and consulting services to the world of sport.

Our mission

CIES encourage continual progress and sustainable development in the management of sport around the world by fully utilising its international network of partners. We actively promote the on-going exchange of knowledge and experiences from all of our research and education partners. CIES is where academic research meets practical management, resulting in research-based solutions that can be adapted to local needs and requirements.

Since its inception, CIES has aimed to be a bridge between the worlds of research, education and sports organisations. At CIES, we strongly promote the ongoing exchange of knowledge and ideas between stakeholders from both academia and the international sports industry. We actively design, develop and support research and education projects all around the world by fully utilising our international network of universities and experts. Finally, our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to produce concrete research based solutions adapted to sports organisations’ needs.

Staff

Since its inception, CIES has always endeavoured to hire and work with highly qualified and diverse staff. This strategy allowed CIES to become a truly international centre of competence in the field of sport, namely through its numerous partnerships with universities and sports organisations around the globe. 

The CIES staff is composed by administrative and scientific employees specialized in its various areas of expertise (law, sociology, geography, history and management).