Viktoriia Smirnova is a Doctoral Candidate within the DAiSI (Doctoral Training Network on Sport Ethics and Integrity) program, funded by the EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action. She is doing a joint PhD on the Erosion of Sport Autonomy and its Impact on Traditional Models of Sport at the JGU and the KU Leuven with the European Olympic Committees as a partner.

Viktoriia graduated with distinction from the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Masters in Sports Ethics and Integrity and a Bachelor’s in Trade Business from Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. Prior to embarking on her doctoral journey, Viktoriia has amassed professional experience through her role as a research intern at the Biathlon Integrity Unit in Austria. Her dedication to the field extends to her role as a Young Sports Maker at the Global Sports Week in Paris. Beyond her scholarly pursuits, Viktoriia volunteered within the European Solidarity Corps in Spain, the FIFA World Cup in Russia, and the European Universities Games in Poland.

Her passion for Sports Ethics and Integrity has led her to six countries where she has lived and studied, building relationships with sports leaders and educators. Additionally, Viktoriia completed a 200-hour yoga Teacher Training with Yoga Alliance in India.