CommunicationPublished on 31 August 2026

SFISM’s second professorship conferred on Dr Jon Wehrlin

On the second day of the SFISM’s 2026 special meeting, Rector Dr Urs Mäder announced the creation of university’s second professorship. In the presence of SFISM staff, the rector presented Dr Jon Wehrlin, head of the Sports Physiology Endurance Group, with the certificate conferring on him the title of SHFISM professor. The SFISM offers Jon its warmest congratulations on this official appointment.

© BASPO

Applied science in elite sport

Jon Wehrlin has worked for many years to incorporate sports science approaches to supporting performance sports in Switzerland and has played a key role in shaping teaching, research and services at the SFISM.

His work focuses on research, development, knowledge transfer and encouraging young researchers: He was involved in setting up the Master’s programme in elite sport and was actively involved in the ongoing development sport-specific performance diagnostics in the field of endurance sports in collaboration with the major Swiss sports federations.

Through his network of international contacts he facilitated important research projects, opened up valuable development opportunities for young researchers at the SFISM, and helped to further strengthen Jon Wehrlins’ reputation as a recognised expert, even beyond the SFISM.

Construction of a climate chamber in Magglingen

Over the past few years, Jon Wehrlin’s team has conducted in-depth research into the topic of ‘sport under special environmental and climatic conditions’, gaining important insights for performance sport in the process. As this issue is becoming increasingly important – not least because of climate change – there are plans to build a climate chamber in Magglingen. Jon Wehrlin is closely involved in the procurement of this specific research infrastructure, which will enable the effects of specific environmental and climatic conditions on human performance, health and resilience to be investigated on a scientifically sound basis.

Conferral of SFISM professorships

In fulfilling the requirements for institutional accreditation, the SFISM has met the conditions necessary for the university to confer the title of ‘SFISM Professor’. This is an official position and is linked to the fulfilment of clearly defined requirements. In conferring this title, the SFISM can provide targeted support to its academic staff, enhance its appeal as an employer and, at the same time, strengthen its academic profile.