Halmstad Esports Research Organisational (HERO) Group
An interdisciplinary research initiative within the research programme Movement for Health and Performance (M4HP) at Halmstad University.
The HERO group brings together researchers, students, and industry professionals in health, learning, and performance in order to advance evidence-based knowledge and practice in esports. Through the integration of research, education and societal engagement, the HERO group accelerates the sustainable development of the esports ecosystem in Scandinavia and beyond.
Primary research themes
- Mental Health in Esports – Exploring psychological wellbeing, self-regulation, and masculinity.
- Learning and Development in Esports – Investigating cognitive and pedagogical processes in esports education and coaching.
- Perceptual-cognitive expertise in Esports – Analysing judgment and decision-making performance, and underlying perceptual-cognitive processes, using sport and cognitive psychology frameworks.
- Physical Activity and Health – Exploring physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and training practices within esports, drawing on expertise in exercise physiology and biomedical science.
- Culture, Identity, and Society in Esports – Studying identity, belonging, and representation in esports communities through philosophical, educational, and cultural perspectives.
Mission, vision and strategic alignment
Mission statement
The HERO group is an interdisciplinary research group dedicated to advancing esports through scientific research, industry collaboration, and student engagement, with particular focus on fostering sustainable growth in the Scandinavian esports industry.
Vision statement
The HERO group envisions a future where Scandinavia is a global leader in esports research, innovation, and education. Through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, strong industry partnerships, and a commitment to treating students as partners in knowledge creation, we strive to shape the future of competitive gaming. This includes fostering a sustainable, professional, and well-supported esports ecosystem driven by collaboration across all levels of academic engagement.
Strategic alignment with M4HP
The HERO group is fully aligned with the strategic aims of the M4HP research programme at Halmstad University, particularly its commitment to promoting sustainable engagement in movement-related activities through health innovation and applied research. The HERO group contributes to M4HP’s overarching mission by conducting research that addresses the challenges and opportunities present in high-performance and digital environments.
In doing so, the HERO group also contributes to Halmstad University’s focus area of Health Innovation, which aims to “expand the understanding of how movement activities can promote good health and well-being and prevent ill health and healthcare and implement new knowledge through new methods, strategies, and innovations” (HOV Strategic Plan, 2022). The HERO group’s interdisciplinary research approach which spans mental health, physical activity, cognitive performance, and digital engagement reflects this ambition.
The team
The HERO group includes researchers and students whose expertise spans psychology, sport science, pedagogy, and health education. Reflecting the group’s interdisciplinary foundation, members contribute a range of methodological and theoretical perspectives to questions of performance, wellbeing, and learning in esports. The team includes both Swedish-based and international researchers with experience in academic and applied contexts. This diversity supports a collaborative and reflective research environment, well-suited to the complex challenges emerging in competitive gaming and technology-mediated sport.
Researchers
- Björn Sjödén, Senior Lecturer
- Charlotte Olsson, Lecturer
- Craig Staunton, Senior Lecturer
- Joar Svensson, PhD student
- Kalle Jonasson, Senior Lecturer
- Karin Andersson, Postdoctoral Fellow
- Linus Jonsson, Senior Lecturer
- Lukas Linnér, Senior Lecturer
- Michael Trotter, Senior Lecturer
- Urban Johnson, Professor
- Viktor Gredin, Senior Lecturer
Current research and collaboration projects
Good Game (GG) – Promoting mental health in e-sports
GG is an ongoing research project focusing on mental health in e-sports (2024–2026). As part of the GG project, there will also be a partner visit to Halmstad University in March of 2026, in parallel with a visit from West Virginia University (WVU). In connection with this, HERO will arrange a workshop on e-sports.
Good Game (GG) – Promoting mental health in e-sports
Internatonal collaboration
In November 2025, a study visit was made to Fuzed in Helsingborg, attended by the Danish Olympic Committee and the Danish Sports Confederation, among others. This meeting has since developed into a broader collaboration between universities in Belgium and Denmark, as well as the Norwegian, Danish and Swedish sports confederations.
In parallel, we have also co-authored a scientific article within this collaboration, which has recently been accepted for publication.
Collaboration
The HERO Group works closely with several actors within the e-sports field. For example the following:
Young Gamers (in Swedish) External link.
HERO in media
Kalle Jonasson was interviewed by Sveriges Radio P4 Halland about making e-sports a national sports education.
Kalle Jonasson on making e-sports a national sports education (in Swedish) External link.
