Karin Book

I am an associate professor and senior lecturer in sport science and hold a doctoral degree in human geography with a special focus on urban development and planning. My research primarily examines spatial issues related to sport and physical activity—from community and sustainability perspectives, as well as from marketing and tourism oriented perspectives. Examples of publications are listed below.

I am equally committed to research, teaching, educational development, and collaboration and communication with stakeholders outside academia. My current research and leadership responsibilities include:

• Conducting research in three ongoing projects: Sport Facilities in Urban Contexts: A Multi Perspective Exploration (2026–2027); Poetry of Movement (2024–2026); and Movements and Transitions in Everyday School Life (2022–2025).
• Serving as Head of the Sport Management Programme at Malmö University.
• Leading the sport management competence field within Malmö Idrottsakademi (Malmö Sport Academy).
• Serving as Chair of the Nominations Committee in the European Association for Sport Management.
• Engaging actively in debates related to sport and event management

Examples of publications:

Book, K. (2025). Recreation- and sport-led regeneration of urban water infrastructure. Front. Sports Act. Living, 30 April 2025, Sec. Sport, Leisure, Tourism, and Events, Volume 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1558415

Book, K. (2024). No need to be rebellious: placemaking and value co-creation in the skateboarding City of Malmö. Front. Sports Act. Living, 11 October 2024. Sec. The History, Culture and Sociology of Sports, Vol. 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1455642

Book, K. & Högdahl, E. (2022). Equalizer: breaking down the barriers at informal outdoor sport and recreational spaces. Leisure Studies, Vol.43, No. 6, 961–977. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2022.2088833

Book, K., Hedenborg, S & Andersson, K. (2022). New spatial practices in organised sport following COVID-19: the Swedish case, Sport in Society, Vol. 25, No. 7, 1343–1358. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2022.2031017.

Book, K. & Svanborg Edén, G. (2020). Malmö – The Skateboarding City: A Multi-¬Level Approach for Developing and Marketing a City through User-¬Driven Partnerships. International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, Vol. 22 No. 1, 164-178. . https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSMS-05-2020-0101