Uncategorized Archives - FIA University

The FIA University – the research and educational hub of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide – has launched a new e-learning module, “Good Sportsmanship for Juniors”. Developed specifically for young motorsport competitors aged 8–12, this interactive course is now accessible to all FIA Sport Member Clubs via the FIA University e-learning platform.

Designed to foster respectful, fair, and ethical behaviour from the earliest stages of competition, the module introduces junior drivers – particularly those in karting and other grassroots disciplines – to the core principles of sportsmanship in motor sport.

Through multimedia storytelling, interactive exercises, and real-world scenarios, the 45-minute module engages learners in topics such as:

•   The meaning and legacy of good sportsmanship
•   Fair play and the role of rules
•   Respect for competitors, officials, and diversity
•   Integrity and ethical decision-making
•   Positive influence on and off the track

The module concludes with a personal pledge, encouraging young drivers to commit to respectful participation and providing FIA Member Clubs with a practical tool to nurture positive behaviours from the outset.

Developed by the FIA University to support evidence-based learning across the FIA network, the module was piloted by six Member Clubs who provided feedback based on direct engagement with junior participants: Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), Automóvil Club de Costa Rica (ACCR), Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF), Knac Nationale Autosport Federatie (KNAF) in the Netherlands, and Motorsport South Africa (MSA).

A complimentary module for parents is currently in development and will further reinforce this learning pathway. Together, these resources will provide a complete framework for promoting responsible participation in motor sport – on and off the track.

This new module is the latest addition to the FIA University e-learning platform, which now reaches over 38,500 active users across 14 languages. The platform offers a growing catalogue of regularly updated digital modules covering key FIA topics – from the development of officials and volunteers to emerging areas such as Esports – designed to support education, professional development, and knowledge exchange across the global FIA community.

FIA Sport Member Clubs are encouraged to embed the module within their junior development programmes and promote it across their networks. The module is now available here: https://elearning.fia.com/learn/courses/490/good-sportsmanship-for-junio…

For more information please contact elearning@fia.com

The FIA University, the research and education hub of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) – the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide – has welcomed its inaugural research scholar to the FIA Archives in Valleiry, France, as part of its efforts to advance academic understanding of motor sport and mobility history. This new initiative, part of the Archive Digitisation and E-Library programme, reflects the University’s commitment to advancing knowledge-led research across the Federation’s global domains.

Miguel Tiago, FIA Regional Coordinator for Africa and a respected leader in the development of African motor sport, has been selected as the first scholar in residence. Representing South Africa and Mozambique and affiliated with the Automóvel Touring Clube de Moçambique (ATCM), Miguel will undertake a focused residency from 19 to 23 January 2026 at the FIA Archives in Valleiry.

Under the academic supervision of FIA University Professor David Hassan, Miguel Tiago will explore the early organisational development and governance structures of the FIA. His work draws on rare and original documents housed at the FIA Valleiry Logistical Centre – many of which are being studied academically for the first time.

This initiative is coordinated by Lana Ghvinjilia, FIA Archive Digitisation and  E-Library project Curator, and Jean-François Ruchaud, project historian. The residency is designed to exemplify the applied academic potential of the FIA’s archival collections, which now include over 88,000 digitised pages and 1,200 published documents, preserving more than 120 years of the Federation’s institutional memory and heritage.

Following his visit, Miguel Tiago will have two months to develop a draft research paper for peer review, with the objective of publication in a relevant academic journal of international standard. The outcomes of this work will also be disseminated through FIA University platforms, contributing to broader historical understanding of the FIA’s global governance evolution.

Professor David Hassan, FIA University, said: “This residency marks an important milestone for FIA University’s knowledge ecosystem. By facilitating original scholarship rooted in primary materials, we are not only preserving our shared heritage but also creating meaningful research opportunities in motor sport and mobility.”

The residency programme is currently in its pilot phase, with two additional scholars scheduled for research visits in March 2026. The long-term vision is to establish the FIA Archives as a recognised international centre for scholarly research in mobility and motor sport studies.

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Media enquiries

Sophia Martin-Pavlou, Director of Corporate Communications – smartin-pavlou@fia.com

About the Research Scholar

Miguel Tiago brings over two decades of experience in motor sport leadership across the African continent. A former national karting champion, he has served in officiating roles including Race Steward, Clerk of the Course, and Safety Delegate. In his current position as FIA Regional Coordinator for Africa, Miguel Tiago supports capacity-building and development initiatives across national sporting authorities. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the UK’s National Motorsport Academy, building on FIA University certifications in Motorsport Leadership and Governance. In 2024, he participated in the FIA University Advanced Leadership Programme.

About the Archive Digitisation and E-Library Project

Launched in 2022, the Archive Digitisation and E-Library project is a cornerstone of FIA University’s mission to preserve, analyse, and share the Federation’s institutional heritage. With over 2 million pages of material archived and more than 80,000 already digitised, the initiative provides a vital academic resource for research in motor sport, governance, and mobility.

– The FIA is offering one promising student a fully funded MSc in Advanced Motorsport Mechatronics at Cranfield University

– After graduation, the scholar will be offered an internship with the FIA to launch their professional career

– The scholarship is part of the FIA’s wider commitment to remove barriers to careers in motorsport and double motorsport participation

– Applications for the scholarship will close on 20 March 2026

The FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship brochure is available here and the Spanish version here.

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today announced that applications have opened for the fourth FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship, offering one student a fully funded MSc in Advanced Motorsport Mechatronics at Cranfield University.

The MSc in Advanced Motorsport Mechatronics uniquely covers the design, testing and operation of competition vehicles as well as management techniques related to motorsport. After graduation, the successful applicant will be offered an internship with the FIA to launch their professional career in motorsport engineering.

Launched by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in 2022, the FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship aims to promote diversity and inclusion, and remove barriers to engineering careers for talented young people worldwide.

To further support with the cost of studying in the UK, the scholarship not only covers tuition fees, but also accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs to the UK, allowing the successful scholar to fully focus on their education and career.

Sanya Jain, who received the 2025/2026 scholarship, gained her passion for motorsport after seeing her first Formula 1 race and now wants to be a part of creating innovation both on and off the track. “I want to help shape a motorsport industry that is both high-performing and human-centred, where cutting-edge engineering coexists with inclusion, safety, and sustainability,” she explained. “The FIA’s commitment to these values deeply resonates with my own, making this scholarship the perfect alignment of passion and purpose.”

A globally recognised postgraduate university, Cranfield is one of the leading academic institutions in the motorsport space, ranking in the top 35 in the world for mechanical and aeronautical engineering. It has carried out extensive research, consultancy, and testing for the motorsport sector since the 1970s. The university is also home to the FIA-approved Cranfield Impact Centre and AXSIM Racing, both widely used by the world’s on- and off- road racing teams.

FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “At the FIA, we are committed to supporting the next generation by expanding opportunities and driving global accessibility, and I am proud to launch the fourth edition of the FIA Scholarship with our partners at Cranfield University.  

This programme, which now includes an FIA internship for the graduate, will continue our progress in opening doors to exciting careers through world-leading education, global opportunities, and financial support.” 

Mike Bayes, Senior Research Fellow in Off-Road Dynamics and Vehicle Mobility at Cranfield said, “We’re proud to once again partner with the FIA to continue this scholarship. Motorsport can be a challenging industry to break into and this initiative provides a fantastic pathway for talented students to gain the skills, experience, and networks they need to succeed in their careers.”

Applications for the scholarship can be made at www.cranfield.ac.uk, and will close on 20 March 2026.

Further information about the scholarship and how to apply can be found in the scholarship brochures (English and Spanish) or by emailing scholarship@fia.com.

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For media enquiries please contact:

George Mitchell, Mobility Communications Officer: gmitchell@fia.com
Sophia Martin-Pavlou, Director of Corporate Communications: smartin-pavlou@fia.com

About the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile 

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.

A new report published today by the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO), commissioned in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and supported by the FIA University, highlights the substantial international media reach and economic significance of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC). The 2025 edition of the rally continues to strengthen the UAE’s reputation as a global destination for motorsport, aligning with national priorities in sport, tourism, and sustainability.

Commissioned as part of a broader commitment to data-driven decision-making and long-term planning, the 2025 ADDC Economic, Environmental and Media Impact Study was conducted with the support of FIA University and led by Professor David Hassan. This reflects EMSO’s ongoing commitment to evidence-based planning and collaboration with leading academic institutions.

Set against the backdrop of the UAE’s spectacular desert landscape, the ADDC continues to position Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for international motor sport. The report details the event’s multifaceted economic footprint, spanning logistics, hospitality, accommodation, food and beverage, transport, media production, international broadcast, commercial rights, team operations, volunteers, and specialist services.

This comprehensive analysis allows EMSO to benchmark the ADDC against other leading international sporting events, both regionally and globally – reinforcing its role as a model for how sport can generate strategic value across multiple sectors.

The study applies internationally recognised methodologies and independently verified data to quantify the total economic and media value of the 2025 ADDC, including extensive international coverage across 90 countries and strong engagement on digital platforms.

Key findings of the report include:

– The rally attracted over 450 international participants including competitors and team members and welcomed more than 4,000 spectators, contributing significantly to tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors during the UAE’s low tourism season.

– The event secured 2-star FIA Environmental Accreditation in recognition of its sustainability planning, resource management, and alignment with international environmental standards.

– Global media coverage helped elevate Abu Dhabi’s global sporting profile, particularly through digital and social platforms.

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – founded in 1991 by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO) – is among the world’s most enduring and technically demanding cross-country rally events. The report reinforces how strategically delivered motorsport events can support national goals beyond competition, offering FIA Member Clubs a practical model for impact-led event planning.

FIA President and Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Founder, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge continues to grow from strength to strength, and it has become a global benchmark in cross-country rallying for its positive economic, cultural, and social impact.
At the FIA, we are committed to putting education at the heart of what we do, so I am delighted that this report will be used by FIA Member Clubs to support their work in delivering world-class motorsport events. Thank you to President Khalid Ahmad Bin Sulayem and the Emirates Motorsports Organization for their collaboration.”

Prof. David Hassan, FIA University, said:

“This study exemplifies the FIA University’s commitment to delivering high-quality, data-led research that informs decision-making across the FIA network. Through our analysis of the ADDC, we provide insights into how professionally delivered motor sport events can yield measurable economic, media and environmental benefits.”

Mahir Badri, EMSO Chief Executive, said: “This report demonstrates the real value that well-planned motorsport events can deliver for our communities and economies. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is a unique event, and its success reflects the hard work of everyone involved. We hope these findings will support other Member Clubs as they look to grow their own events in ways that contribute to national goals and showcase the wider impact of our sport.”

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About the FIA University

The FIA University is the global leader in the accreditation, education and research of world motor sport and mobility. Its cutting-edge research informs public policy and strategy across sport and automotive industries, and serves as a vital resource for FIA Member Clubs around the world. It is supported by the FIA Foundation, the independent charitable arm of the FIA.

About the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.

The FIA University has launched a new White Paper Series, designed to deliver data-driven, academically rigorous analysis of the technological and societal trends shaping the future of mobility and motor sport. The initiative is designed to provide FIA Member Clubs and wider industry stakeholders with new insight and analysis in a rapidly evolving global context.

With guidance from the FIA Policy Commission, the mobility-focused papers will align with the FIA’s strategic priorities and address the diverse needs of FIA Member Clubs across different regulatory contexts.

Academic Excellence and Global Reach 

The Series draws on the expertise of FIA University’s newly appointed Visiting Professors – a cohort of internationally respected scholars from leading institutions such as Imperial College London, VTI Sweden, and the University of Toronto. Their research covers themes including road safety, inclusive mobility, digital infrastructure, emerging vehicle technologies, and the environmental implications of motor sport.

[Click here to see the full list of contributing scholars]

The inaugural white paper, Transforming Transport: Evolution of Mobility Technologies and Services, authored by Professor Susan Shaheen and researcher Adam Cohen from the University of California, Berkeley, explores four key transport trends:

Electrification – Examines the policy and infrastructure implications of battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Automation – Outlines the five levels of autonomous driving and associated challenges around trust, regulation, and deployment.
Shared Mobility – Evaluates the environmental and behavioural impacts of ridehailing, car sharing, and micromobility services.
Digital Platforms – Assesses Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), integrated apps, and payment systems, with global case studies.
Governance and Access – Highlights the need for inclusive design and coherent policy frameworks, especially for underserved communities.

The FIA University is the global leader in the accreditation, education and research of world motor sport and mobility. Its cutting-edge research informs public policy and strategy across sport and automotive industries, and serves as a vital resource for FIA Member Clubs, public authorities, regulators and professionals around the world. It is supported by the FIA Foundation, the independent charitable arm of the FIA.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The launch of the new FIA University White Paper Series supports our commitment to strengthening the FIA’s global advocacy across mobility and motor sport, through education and research collaboration. At the heart of our work is a dedication to supporting our Member Clubs and this new series will help our Federation build knowledge and expertise through evidence-based research.”

Prof. David Hassan, FIA University, said: “By embedding rigorous academic analysis into our core activities within the FIA University, we are striving to inform policy, help shape strategic priorities, and encourage innovation. This new series aims to translate academic research over to real-world contexts – outlining not only the challenges across the sectors we are looking at but also the opportunities and solutions.”

Professor Susan Shaheen, Visiting Professor at the FIA University, commented: “At a time when transportation systems are undergoing rapid transformation, it is essential to understand how emerging technologies and new service models interact – not only with each other but with the communities they serve. I look forward to collaborating with the FIA University as part of its comprehensive research programme.”

Upcoming White Papers will include:

The Paradox of High Performance: Cars in the Age of Climate Crisis  – Dr Madeleine Orr
Working for Safety: How medical and technical research leads to safety improvements in motor sport  – Dr Sean Petherbridge
Road Safety: Data for prevention of loss of life and health in a crash – Professor Astrid Linder

All FIA University White Papers will be published on the official FIA University website and made freely accessible to the public. The first paper, Transforming Transport: Evolution of Mobility Technologies and Services, is now available for download. [Access the paper here].

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Media enquiries

Sophia Martin-Pavlou, Director of Corporate Communications – smartin-pavlou@fia.com

About the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.

The FIA University – the FIA’s global hub for education, research and training – in partnership with Columbia Business School Executive Education, one of the world’s leading academic institutions, hosted the 7th edition of the Senior Executive Programme in New York from 21–23 October.

This year’s edition brought together 26 executive leaders from 16 countries for a dynamic three-day programme designed to equip FIA Club senior executives with the foresight and leadership capabilities needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. Led by Moran Cerf, Academic Director in Executive Education at Columbia Business School, the programme focused on ethical AI, organisational strategy, marketing analytics, and high-stakes decision-making – delivered by Columbia faculty including Sandra Matz, Rita McGrath, Jerry Kim,  and  Paul Ingram.

Participants also visited the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, for an immersive session on innovation and leadership in the sports and entertainment industry – further illustrating how transferable strategic insights can be across sectors.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “Members are at the heart of our Federation and the FIA University Senior Executive Programme, in partnership with Columbia Business School Executive Education, reflects our commitment to them. By sharing knowledge, strengthening leadership skills and connecting our Federation, we are providing a powerful platform for development. Thank you to all of our Members who attended the programme. Together, we are shaping the future of mobility and motorsport.”

Among the participants were Fabiana Ecclestone, FIA Vice President for Sport – South America, and Joe Ferreria, FIA Region II President, who welcomed the initiative as a valuable forum for strategic learning and collaboration across the FIA network.

FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility and Sustainability Willem Groenewald said: “It was a pleasure to welcome senior executives from across the FIA network to the 7th edition of the Senior Executive Programme. In partnership with Columbia Business School Executive Education, this initiative provides an opportunity for executive leaders to step back, engage with world-class faculty, and exchange ideas with their peers. At a time when strong leadership is more vital than ever, I’m confident the ideas shared here will translate into real impact for our Clubs and the communities they serve.”

FIA Secretary General for Sport Valerio Iachizzi said: “In sport as in mobility, success is built on strategic clarity and decisive thinking. The Senior Executive Programme offers a rare forum for executive leaders to refine both. By combining academic excellence with real-world relevance, this initiative strengthens the leadership capacity of our Clubs and reinforces the FIA’s role as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and institutional growth.”

Moran Cerf, Academic Director, Columbia Business School Executive Education, said: “Each day of the Senior Executive Programme is designed to challenge assumptions, expand strategic thinking, and provide leaders with deeper understanding of how decisions are made – and how they can be improved. Through dynamic dialogue and interdisciplinary insights, we aim to provide an educational experience that is both intellectually rigorous and profoundly relevant to the leadership challenges our participants face.”

About the FIA University

The FIA University is the research, educational, and training platform of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. Its programmes are designed to provide FIA Member Clubs and sector stakeholders with strategic insight and leadership development opportunities. Drawing on a global network of its Visiting Professors and led academically by Prof. David Hassan, the University delivers white papers, executive education, digital learning, and bespoke training across motor sport and mobility.

About the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.

FIA’s Immersion Programme offers global motor sport leaders of tomorrow an extensive insight into the operations of the FIA
Week-long programme provided participants aged 25 – 35 with interactive, insightful and immersive sessions across FIA offices
Programme developed to offer members of FIA sport and mobility clubs with development and networking opportunities as they start their careers

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has welcomed the 2025 cohort of its Immersion Programme for a week of dynamic learning and engagement.

Now in its fifth edition, the FIA Immersion Programme has brought together 15 individuals aged 25 – 35 this week from six continents who were selected through a competitive nomination process with candidates put forward by FIA member clubs. The successful participants represented their respective clubs in Angola, Seychelles, Tanzania, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Colombia, Australia, Philippines, Thailand, Moldova, Solvakia, Turkey, Egypt, Palestine, United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka.

The programme included sessions on Mobility, Sustainability, Tourism, Communications, Corporate, Digital and Technical Departments across FIA offices in Paris, Geneva and Valleiry. The itinerary also included a trip to Rallye du Mont-Blanc, providing participants with a practical insight into the operations of a race weekend.

Supported by the FIA Foundation, the Immersion Programme was launched in 2022 and forms part of the FIA’s broader commitment to mentorship, inclusion and capacity-building across all regions by equipping participants with the skills, insights, and experience needed to grow into future leaders in motor sport. In addition to professional development, the programme also fosters deeper connections between member clubs and the FIA, strengthening the global motor sport and mobility network.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said:

“The FIA Immersion Programme reflects our commitment to shaping the future of motorsport by equipping the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, skills and experience to thrive. At the same time, it strengthens the vital role of our Member Clubs, ensuring they are supported by talented professionals ready to drive progress at every level of the sport.

“This intensive initiative combines workshops, mentoring and direct engagement with FIA departments, giving participants unique insights into how our organisation operates while fostering connections across the global community. I am confident the 2025 cohort will emerge ready to take on leadership roles and contribute to a safer, fairer and more sustainable future for motorsport.”

Malcolm Wilson OBE, FIA Deputy President for Sport, said:

“The FIA Immersion Programme is not only a platform for learning, it’s an opportunity for collaboration, innovation, and leadership. By opening the doors of the FIA, we’re helping shape a more inclusive, forward-thinking future for motor sport worldwide.”

Emilia Markova, 2025 Immersion Programme Participant from Slovakia, said:

“This programme gave me an opportunity to look into the FIA, its inner workings, structure, work possibilities and most importantly to meet the incredible people who work around the clock to make sure the wheel never stops.

“It also provided the possibility to meet people from ASNs and ACNs across continents and exchange advice and ideas on how to approach different struggles. I believe that participating in this program will help me to contribute more to my ASN and grow professionally in the future.”

Camille Advoe, 2025 Immersion Programme Participant from Philippines, said:

“The FIA Immersion Programme has deepened my understanding and appreciation of the FIA’s mission as a global federation and organisation. I am truly honoured to be part of this unique opportunity to learn directly from the inspiring leaders of the FIA team.”

The 2025 FIA Immersion Programme ran from 2–11 September, with participants representing FIA-affiliated motor sport and mobility clubs from Africa, North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the MENA region.

Immersion complements other FIA learning and development initiatives such as CareerShift and FIA University.

The FIA’s United Against Online Abuse campaign will host its second global conference in Stockholm, Sweden on 9th September 2025
Key speakers will include representatives from The FA, ARISF, Sportradar and F1 Presenter Natalie Pinkham, highlighting the importance of protecting athletes, officials, volunteers, and fans from digital harm

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced today that its flagship campaign, United Against Online Abuse (UAOA), will host its second global conference this September in Stockholm, Sweden. The event will bring together leading voices from the worlds of sport, politics, and social media to reaffirm their collective commitment to combatting online abuse.

High-profile attendees will join forces to advance UAOA’s mission of eradicating online hate and creating a safer digital environment for all. These include representatives from The Football Association (FA), F1 Presenter Natalie Pinkham, Sportradar, Arwen.AI and the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF), which represents millions of athletes.

Launched in 2023 by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and supported by the FIA Foundation, the UAOA campaign seeks to drive both regulatory and behavioural change in response to the growing threat of online harassment. In the last two years, UAOA has released groundbreaking research, spearheaded global awareness campaigns, and brought together key stakeholders to promote respectful and inclusive digital spaces.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President and Founder of UAOA, said: “Online abuse is a growing threat to the integrity of sport and the wellbeing of all who take part in it, from athletes and officials to fans and volunteers. Through the United Against Online Abuse campaign, we are taking collective action to push for real, lasting change.

“This September’s global conference in Stockholm will be a vital moment to bring together experts, leaders and platforms to turn words into action. I am proud to see this coalition gaining strength, and I urge everyone, from policymakers and global governments to tech companies and social platforms, to join us in building a safer, more respectful digital world.”

Anna Nordkvist, FIA Vice President for Sport – Europe and CEO of the Swedish Automobile Sports Federation, said: “I am proud to be hosting this key event in Stockholm, it is an initiative that reflects our strong national belief in the importance of protecting people and providing safe communities. Online abuse has no borders, and tackling it requires global cooperation and local actions.

“By bringing this international conversation to Sweden, we hope to foster stronger alliances, share knowledge, and inspire practical solutions.”

Valerio Iachizzi, FIA Secretary General for Sport, said: “The power of motorsport lies in its people, from the drivers competing at every level, to the Officials and Volunteers who make every race possible. No one should face abuse for doing their job or pursuing their passion and the United Against Online Abuse campaign is about protecting these individuals and safeguarding the values of respect, fairness, and inclusion that define our sport.

“The upcoming conference will be an important opportunity to strengthen our shared commitment and ensure our community leads by example when tackling online hate.”

This conference is a significant milestone for the UAOA campaign, firmly establishing it as the leading global coalition against online abuse in sport, bringing together sports federations, national governments, regulatory bodies, and technology platforms. To date, the UAOA coalition has welcomed endorsements from the Governments of Greece, France, Slovenia, Albania, Australia, Kenya, Costa Rica, Namibia, Georgia and Rwanda, alongside sport federations and organisations such as FIM, ARISF, IFAF, the International Esports Federation, ASETEK SimSports, Peace and Sport Monaco, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, Clark Hill LLP, Arwen.AI and DCU University.

FIA UNIVERSITY STRENGTHENS SUSTAINABILITY EXPERTISE WITH APPOINTMENT OF DR MADELEINE ORR

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today announced the appointment of Dr. Madeleine Orr as Visiting Professor at FIA University.
A globally recognised academic working at the intersection of sport and climate change, Dr. Orr joins the FIA as Visiting Professor, bolstering the Federation’s expertise in the field of environmental sustainability and furthering the FIA’s commitment to improve sustainable practices across motor sport and mobility.

Dr. Orr brings deep interdisciplinary expertise, with a PhD in Kinesiology (emphasis in Sport Management), Master’s degrees in both Natural Resource Science and International Event Management, and a strong record of published research and industry engagement. She has been recognised by Forbes 30 Under 30, Corporate Knights, and other international organisations for her contributions to sustainability and sport. Her recently published book, WARMING UP, examines how climate change is impacting sport, and how the sports world can fight back.

This appointment reflects the FIA’s commitment to drive innovation and data-led thought leadership in sustainability, not only within sport but also across the wider automotive industry. Dr. Orr’s role will support the development of high-impact research, cross-sector collaboration, and academic excellence at the FIA, benefiting both arms of its global mission.

As Visiting Professor, Dr. Orr’s responsibilities include conducting scholarly research, contributing to curriculum development, mentoring students, advising on research methodologies and representing the FIA University in academic and industry events. Two initial projects she is working on are focused on the climate impact to the World Rally Championship, and examining how to reduce emissions related to race calendars. Her work will not only enhance the FIA’s sustainability expertise but also reinforce the FIA University as a global hub for thought leadership.

The FIA University is the global leader in the accreditation, education and research of world motorsport and mobility. Its cutting-edge research informs public policy and strategy across sport and automotive industries, and serves as a vital resource for FIA Member Clubs around the world. It is supported by the FIA Foundation, the independent charitable arm of the FIA.

In 2024, over 250 participants, including Race Directors, Stewards and senior executives, graduated in specialist training programmes spanning sport governance through to advanced leadership. The University also sponsors six scholarship places for research in online abuse in sport at Dublin City University, as part the FIA’s flagship United Against

Online Abuse campaign which was awarded £400,000 by the EU’s Erasmus+ Programme from 2025-2027.

President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President at the FIA, said: “Improving sustainable practices across sport and mobility is an absolute priority for all of us at the FIA. Dr. Orr’s appointment strengthens the Federation’s expertise and leadership in this field, elevates the FIA University’s capabilities, and enables us to build on progress to date. I am excited to work with Dr. Orr to push the boundaries of what we can achieve.”

Dr. Madeleine Orr commented: “I’m honoured to join FIA University as a Visiting Professor. Sport is not only a powerful platform for entertainment—it’s a cultural force that can drive innovative solutions for complex challenges, including climate change. I look forward to advancing the FIA’s leadership in sustainability through research, education, and meaningful collaboration across sport and mobility.”

Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Mobility and Sustainability, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Madeleine Orr to FIA University as Visiting Professor. Her data-led approach and specialist expertise in climate action will drive sustainable progress across motor sport and the wider automotive ecosystem.”

The FIA has launched a groundbreaking education programme as part of its ongoing commitment to combat online abuse in sport, the first sporting governing body to introduce such a resource. The interactive programme builds digital resilience within sporting organisations, offering competitors and officials critical insights into the triggers, targets, and various forms of online abuse, as well as the impact on individuals and society, and the legal frameworks available to combat it.

Launched in partnership with the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign, the module will be distributed to FIA Member Clubs worldwide. The course provides interactive and engaging content designed to support learning and professional development as well as the tools and skills needed to combat online abuse. Upon completion, participants will receive an official certificate from FIA University, recognising their achievement.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President and UAOA Founder said:

“The launch of this education module marks a significant milestone for the FIA, UAOA, and FIA University in our mission to promote continuous learning and professional development across FIA Member Clubs. I’m proud to lead the first sporting governing body to launch such an important resource.

“Through United Against Online Abuse, the FIA and the motorsport community is taking the lead in tackling online abuse across the sporting world and this initiative is a crucial resource to educate individuals on the risks of digital harassment and how they can enhance their online safety and resilience. I strongly encourage all FIA member clubs to complete this course and be part of the fight against online abuse.”

Recent findings from the United Against Online Abuse 2025 Barometer revealed that 89% of sporting federations believe sports governing bodies face increasing pressure to protect athletes from online abuse. This FIA UAOA Online Learning Module demonstrates the FIA’s leading work to promote education and action, empowering motorsport clubs with the knowledge to recognise, report, and respond to digital harassment effectively.

Clubs can now access the module through the FIAU E-Learning platform and enrol at their convenience. By offering a comprehensive understanding of online abuse, including its definitions, legal implications and key challenges, this module sets a new standard in digital safety education which the FIA is proud to be leading.

About United Against Online Abuse (UAOA)

Founded by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and supported by the FIA Foundation, UAOA unites sports federations, national governments, regulatory bodies, and technology platforms to drive regulatory and behavioural change in the fight against online harassment. Since its launch in 2023, the coalition has published groundbreaking research, spearheaded international campaigns, and brought together key stakeholders to promote safer and more inclusive digital spaces.

To date, UAOA has received endorsements from the Governments of Greece, France, Slovenia, Albania, Australia, Kenya, Costa Rica, Namibia, and Rwanda, alongside leading sports federations and organisations, including FIM, the International Esports Federation, ASETEK SimSports, Peace and Sport Monaco, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, Clark Hill LLP, Arwen.AI, and DCU University. The FIA was also awarded Peace and Sport’s Coalition for Peace Award in 2024, presented to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem by Prince Albert II of Monaco in recognition of UAOA’s work building a united front against online abuse.