Maria Bougiesi | Social Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Maria Bougiesi | Social Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

University of Thessaly | Greece

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Maria Bougiesi began her academic journey at the University of Thessaly, Greece, earning a Bachelor’s degree from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science. Her passion for understanding the mind-body connection led her to pursue a double Master’s degree in Sport Psychology, deepening her knowledge in behavioral sciences and physical activity. This solid foundation laid the groundwork for her pioneering doctoral research on mental health differences across age groups participating in dance and group exercise programs.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Maria’s academic insights are complemented by a strong practical background. She has taught Greek traditional dance to people of all ages, skillfully merging cultural heritage with scientific methodology. Her teaching style reflects her belief in the therapeutic and developmental power of movement. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Bougiesi has actively contributed to research projects, international conferences, and serves as a peer reviewer for academic journals, marking her presence in the global academic community.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Bougiesi’s research bridges psychology, neuroscience, and physical activity, with a specific focus on how dance and exercise influence cognitive function and mental well-being. Her PhD internship at Otto von Guericke University in Germany provided her with exposure to cutting-edge studies in neurosciences and mental health, while her Master's studies also included enriching experiences at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland and an intensive academic course in Belgium. Her work is notable for exploring the psychological effects of dance across diverse age groups.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Maria’s interdisciplinary expertise and dynamic approach have gained recognition in the form of academic collaborations, teaching invitations, and conference presentations. She is admired for her dedication, creativity, and empathy, and her work continues to attract interest from both the academic and wellness communities.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Bougiesi’s mission is clear: to promote global well-being through dance. Her influence extends beyond academia into the lives of individuals and communities who benefit from her programs. Whether working with youth or seniors, she emphasizes inclusivity, self-expression, and mental wellness, making her research truly impactful on a human and societal level.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Bougiesi aspires to expand her international collaborations and create accessible dance-based wellness interventions tailored for different age groups. Her goal is to make dance a universally acknowledged tool for mental health, blending culture, science, and joy. As she continues her journey, her legacy will be defined by her unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary education, health promotion, and the empowerment of all through movement.

Publications

📄 The Level of Quality of Life Experienced by Young Adults Practicing Greek Traditional Dance, Latin Dance and Group Exercise Programs
Authors: M. Bougiesi, V. Zisi
Journal: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Year: 2025

📄 Rhythmic cueing, dance, resistance training, and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: C.C. Karpodini, P.C. Dinas, E. Angelopoulou, M.A. Wyon, A.N. Haas, ...
Journal: Frontiers in Neurology
Year: 2022

📄 Emotional Intelligence Levels of Adult Hellenic Traditional Dancers and Group Exercisers
Authors: M. Bougiesi, P. Dinas, V. Zisi, E. Pollatou, Y. Theodorakis
Journal: Inquiries in Sport & Physical Education
Year: 2021

📄 Systematic Participation in Folk Dance or Physical Activity? Effects in Quality of Life in the Elderly
Authors: Β. Ζήση, Α. Γιάννη, Μ. Μπουγιέση, E. Πολλάτου, M. Μιχαλοπούλου
Journal: Inquiries in Sport & Physical Education
Year: 2014

📄 Quality of Life and Dance in Middle Aged and Older Adults: A Literature Review
 Authors: M. Bougiesi, A. Gianni, V. Zisi
 Journal: Inquiries in Sport & Physical Education
 Year: 2014

Gershon Tenenbaum | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Gershon Tenenbaum | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Ariel University and Reichman University | Israel

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Gershon Tenenbaum embarked on his academic journey with a B.A. from Tel Aviv University and the Wingate Institute for Physical Education and Sport in 1974, followed by an M.A. in Educational Research and Theory from Tel Aviv University in 1977. He later earned his Ph.D. in Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistical Analysis with a minor in Psychology from the University of Chicago in 1982. This solid foundation in psychometrics and psychology laid the groundwork for his future as a leading scholar in sport and exercise psychology.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Tenenbaum has held esteemed academic positions globally. He served as the Benjamin S. Bloom Professor of Educational and Sport Psychology at Florida State University (2000–2019), where he also directed the graduate program in sport psychology. Prior roles included Director of the Ribstein Center for Research and Sport Medicine in Israel and Associate Professor at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia. He currently serves as Professor and Head of the Graduate Program in Sport Psychology at Reichman University, Israel, and also teaches at Ariel University’s Department of Physiotherapy.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

With over 350 peer-reviewed publications, Prof. Tenenbaum is recognized internationally for his contributions to decision-making, psychometrics, cognitive architecture, and coping mechanisms in sports. His work appears in leading journals like The Journal of Experimental Psychology, Frontiers in Psychology, and PLOS One. He has authored and edited 12 influential books, handbooks, and encyclopedias in sport and exercise psychology, continuously advancing the field’s theoretical and applied dimensions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

A decorated academic, Prof. Tenenbaum has received numerous prestigious awards, including the 2019 Excellence in Research Award (JSEP), the 2016 Coleman Griffith AASP Distinguished Scholar Award, and the 2011 APA Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP), and the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. His appointment as the Benjamin S. Bloom Professor and his leadership roles reflect his respected status in the field.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond academia, Prof. Tenenbaum has shaped global sport psychology practice and policy. He served as Sport Psychologist for the FSU Football Team during their 2013 NCAA Championship and consulted for teams like the University of Kentucky Football Team. He was President of ISSP (1997–2001), chaired numerous international congresses, and has been instrumental in athlete mental training programs and safeguarding youth in sport through European Union initiatives.

🧠 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Tenenbaum’s legacy is defined by scholarly excellence and international leadership in sport psychology. His recent research explores themes such as cognitive responses to swearing in sport and the psychological effects of technical fouls in basketball. With ongoing publications in 2025 and active roles in institutions like Synergym AI and the Wingate Institute, his impact is both current and far-reaching. His mentorship of emerging scholars ensures his influence will continue shaping the discipline for generations to come.

Publications

📄 Reasons for Swearing as a Form of Self-Talk in Sport and Exercise: Development and Validation of a New Questionnaire
Authors: Noam Manor, Gershon Tenenbaum
Journal: Behavioral Sciences
Year: 2025

📄 Swearing in Sport and Exercise: Development and Validation of a New Questionnaire
Authors: Noam Manor, Gershon Tenenbaum
Journal: Psychology International
Year: 2025

📄 The Effect of Technical Fouls on Momentum Change in Basketball: A Comparison of Regular Season vs. Playoffs in the NBA
Authors: Gershon Tenenbaum, Yaniv Kanat-Maymon, Tomer Ben-Zion, Assaf Lev
Journal: Information
Year: 2025

📄 Smart Sport Watch Usage: The Dominant Role of Technology Readiness over Exercise Motivation and Sensation Seeking
Authors: Gershon Tenenbaum, Tomer Ben-Zion, Yair Amichai-Hamburger, Yair Galily, Assaf Lev
Journal: Technologies
Year: 2025

Pavol Horička | Physical education and Sport | Best Research Award

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Mr. Pavol Horička | Physical education and Sport | Best Research Award

Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra | Slovakia

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Mr. Pavol Horička embarked on his academic journey at Comenius University in Bratislava, where he pursued a degree in Physical Education and Sport, alongside Geography, from September 1990 to May 1995. This foundation set the stage for his deep understanding of sports sciences and education. His dedication to advancing his knowledge continued as he completed his Ph.D. at the same institution in 2017, focusing on "Intraindividual Effect of Selected Training Means on Changes in Movement Performance in Basketball."

Professional Endeavors 🏫

Since September 2000, Mr. Horička has been a dedicated University Teacher and Research Worker at the University of Konstantin the Philosopher in Nitra, Slovak Republic. His role involves educating students at both undergraduate and graduate levels, conducting scientific research, and participating in state commissions. His responsibilities also include engaging in various project activities, showcasing his commitment to both teaching and research. Before this role, he taught Physical Education, Sport, and Geography at ZŠ Hálová in Bratislava from September 1997 to August 2000. This earlier experience contributed to his comprehensive understanding of educational methodologies and physical training.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Mr. Horička's research is centered on the impact of training methods on athletic performance, specifically in basketball. His Ph.D. thesis explored how different training approaches affect movement performance, highlighting his focus on optimizing athletic training and performance enhancement. His work contributes to the field of sports science by providing valuable insights into effective training strategies.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Mr. Horička’s work has been recognized within academic and professional circles, particularly for his innovative approach to sports training and education. His contributions to the understanding of movement performance in basketball have garnered attention and respect from peers and industry experts.

Impact and Influence 🌟

Through his teaching and research, Mr. Horička has significantly influenced the field of sports education and training. His insights into training effectiveness and performance optimization have impacted both academic research and practical applications in sports training. His role as a mentor and educator has also shaped the next generation of sports professionals and researchers.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Mr. Horička’s legacy lies in his dedication to advancing sports science and education. His ongoing research and commitment to student development continue to drive progress in the field. Looking ahead, his work is poised to influence future research on athletic performance and training methodologies, contributing to the evolution of sports science.

 

Publications

📝The Validation of the Defensive Reactive Agility Test in Top-Level Volleyball Male Players: A New Approach to Evaluating Slide Speed Using Witty SEM
Author: Pavol Horička, Ľubomír Paška, Mariusz Popowczak, Juraj Šimonek, Jakub Domaradzki
Journal: Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
Year: 2024

📝Prognostic Power of Foot Mobility in Identifying the Risk of Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Study of Male Volleyball Players at Different Competitive Levels
Author: Jakub Domaradzki, Dominik Koźlenia, Mariusz Popowczak, Ľubomír Paška, Pavol Horička
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine
Year: 2024

📝Evaluation of Offensive and Defensive Agility Depending on the Type of Visual Cue and Personal Decision-Making Styles in Basketball
Author: Pavol Horička, Juraj Šimonek, Ľubomír Paška, Mariusz Popowczak, Jakub Domaradzki
Journal: Physical Activity Review
Year: 2024

📝Examining the Interplay Between Reactive and Planned Agility with Motor and Anthropometric Parameters in Female Volleyball Players
Author: Ľubomír Paška, Pavol Horička, Juraj Šimonek, Natália Czakova, Lucia Poláčková
Journal: Journal of Physical Education and Sport
Year: 2023

📝The Functional Form of the Relationship Between Body Height, Body Mass Index and Change of Direction Speed, Agility in Elite Female Basketball and Handball Players
Author: Mariusz Popowczak, Pavol Horička, Juraj Šimonek, Jakub Domaradzki
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Year: 2022