Understanding the Risks to Better Protect Athletes

Every year, concussions affect athletes at all levels, from amateur sport to elite competition. Often invisible, their consequences can nevertheless be significant, both in the short and long term.

As part of the 31st Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Vaudoise aréna will host a public conference open to everyone, offering an opportunity to better understand this major issue in modern sport.

The event is aimed at young athletes, parents, coaches, sports professionals, and anyone interested in athlete health and safety.

An Issue That Concerns the Entire Sporting Community

How do concussions occur? What signs should be recognized? What are the potential consequences for athletes? And, most importantly, how are research and new technologies helping to reduce the risks?

Through expert presentations, real-life experiences and discussions with the audience, this conference will provide an overview of current knowledge and the solutions being developed to better protect athletes.

Leading Experts Sharing Their Knowledge

Experts from the medical, scientific, sports and entrepreneurial fields will share their perspectives on this important topic.

Featured speakers include:

• Prof. Christopher Newman (CHUV)
  Specialist in paediatric neurology and an expert in sports-related concussions among young athletes.

• Tom Bertrand (Co-founder of the Lausanne-based start-up BearMind)
  He will present technological innovations designed to detect and help prevent the risk of brain injuries in sport.

• Aurélien Marti (Lausanne Hockey Club)
  The LHC defenseman will share his experience as a professional athlete and discuss the issue of concussions in ice hockey.

The conference will be moderated by Prof. Dominique Pioletti, Director of the Laboratory of Biomechanical Orthopaedics at EPFL in Lausanne. It will also feature contributions from representatives of Swiss Rugby and Genève-Servette HC. In addition, innovative companies such as Performance Mouthguard and Salomon will take part in the discussions, bringing their perspective on athlete protection and concussion prevention.

More information is available on the event page.

We look forward to welcoming you to Vaudoise aréna for an evening of information, awareness and discussion.

Practical Information

• Date
  Monday, July 6, 2026

• Time
  5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

• Venue
  Espace Capitale Olympique – Vaudoise aréna

• Programme
  View the full programme and list of speakers here

• Admission
  Free of charge, upon registration

• Registration
  Free registration is required.

Getting There

A parking facility with 140 spaces is available on site. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation whenever possible.

• Vaudoise aréna is easily accessible via Prilly-Malley railway station, located just a short walk away and served several times per hour.

• The venue can also be reached from Prilly-Malley M1 metro station and by several TL bus routes serving the surrounding area.

More information: https://vaudoisearena.ch/en/general-information/access