Scholarly Research - in the Catalyst

We welcome interdisciplinary work with other scholars, departments and schools.  This is where we bring together   prominent minds with in the academy and industry. 

A. Global Areas of Interest

1. Esports Research - Contributions to the emerging field of sports and media management. 

2. Gender Equity in Sport Research -  Contribute to meaningful discussion about inequities for women in sports with action for systemic change and women empowerment. Inclusive of : ability; age, race, gender, sexual orientation.  

Also Includes focus on:

- Policy

- Advocacy

- Mentorship

- Branding

- Society

3.  Audience/s Research

Competition for audience attention in sport is fierce.  Fan typologies, behaviour motivations and how to market and commercialize are top of mind.

B.  TYPES OF RESEARCH

Industry-sponsored research

Peer-reviewed research

Collaboration research

Interdisciplinary research

Contact Principal Investigator (PI): Assistant Professor, Laurel Walzak lwalzak@ryerson.ca

RESEARCH STUDY

An exploration of audience expectations in live sport video game streamcasts vs. live traditional sport linear broadcasts and the analysis of consumption motivations. Investigator, L.Walzak with Research Assistant M. Vocino.

Research Participants Needs, see below section for details.

Theme: Sport Media Vectors: Digitization, Expanding Audiences and the Globalization of Live Sport. 

First Sport related academic conference held in the HISTORY of Ryerson University on June 20-21, 2019. 

Co-Chaired by Assistant Professors, RTA Sport Media, Joe Recupero & Laurel Walzak

Sport has developed extensively as a global phenomenon, once perceived as a recreational activity to being regarded as an essential part of societies’ make up, one that has significant impact on the social, cultural and economic fabric of our lives.

In line with this development, FCAD’s RTA Sport Media program continues to be a magnet for scholarly and industry talent across the globe, last year bringing in the prestigious International Conference on Sport & Society to Ryerson for the first time.

Founded in 2010, the Sport & Society Research Network is brought together around a common interest in cultural, political, and economic relationships of sport to society. The annual international conference on Sport & Society engages some of the top leaders in the field, as well as emerging scholars, representing a broad range of disciplines and perspectives.

Having attended the international academic conference two years ago in England, RTA Sport Media professors Laurel Walzak and Joseph Recupero saw this as a natural fit for the Sport Media program, and spearheaded a successful bid to bring the conference to Ryerson for the first time in its history.

This year’s conference will bring together leading scholars, academics and practitioners who research, investigate and continue to practice in all areas of sport, including sociology, psychology, management, innovation, technology and media. The conference aims to discuss some of the key issues, including the Globalization of Live Sport, Homophobia in Sport and Media, the rise of E-sports, and many more. Alongside the main agenda and plenary sessions, a film festival showcasing sport documentary work by many award-winning FCAD faculty and students and took place on June  20 - 21.

Visit the International Conference on Sport & Society websitehttps://sportandsociety.com/2019-conference