Maxim Berdnikov brings a wealth of experience to his role as the Media Services Manager at the organising committee of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. With over a decade of volunteering and professional engagement in various media-related capacities at major sporting events, Maxim is well-versed in the intricacies of media operations within the sports industry. Holding a master's degree in International Sports Development and Politics from the esteemed German Sports University Cologne, Maxim's academic prowess is underscored by his publications in renowned sports journals such as the International Journal of Sports Management and Marketing. His research interests span media content, educational projects, and media operations at sporting events, reflecting his dedication to advancing knowledge and practice in the field.

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Dr Verena Burk, an expert in sports media, has been serving as a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Sports Science at the Eberhard Karls University in Tübingen since 2009. Her teaching and research interests include sports journalism, social media and sports, as well as the organisation of elite sports. Moreover, she has been a member of the Executive Committee of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) since 2007. In 2023, Dr Verena Burk was elected Vice-President of FISU. With her multifaceted background, she offers valuable insights into sports reporting.

Christof Seeger, serving as a professor of periodical media for print and online markets on the Media Publishing course at the Hochschule der Medien (HdM) since 2005, brings extensive expertise to academia. Additionally, he founded a management consultancy in 2004, where he has led numerous publishing projects. Since 2015, Christof has held the position of Dean of Studies for the Master’s degree programme Crossmedia Publishing & Management, which caters to students specialising in publishing and sports communication. His research focuses on communication science within the media and communication environment, particularly in relation to press publishers, media companies, and sports. Christof's multifaceted background underscores his commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in the field of media and communication.

Lucas Schmelz is a project leader at AWO Südwest gGmbH, having joined this young initiative in August 2022. He recently completed his studies in Sociology and Ethnology in Halle an der Saale. The motto “In the future, visually impaired and blind individuals should not ask themselves whether they can participate, but whether they want to participate” deeply resonates with him. His career goal has always been to pursue a role where he can make life a little brighter for others while ensuring inclusivity. Lucas has previously worked as a reporter for audio description at major sporting events and has organised numerous seminars and training sessions for reporters.

Bruno Almeida is an experienced sports manager involved in university sport and serves as the Director of the Sports Centre at the University of Porto. He is also a lecturer at the Sports and Leisure School of the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, where he teaches Sports Management. He holds a master’s degree in sports management and a degree in physical education and has been involved in the organisation of numerous World and European Championships across a wide range of sports, overseeing the communication and image aspects of these events.

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