Marijana Čavala

Students in Science and Practice for the 22nd Century (SS&P22)

SS&P22 builds upon the 2021 project TBI&HER, which established the foundation for implementing an innovative teaching concept within the category Innovative Teaching and Learning, addressing the priorities of Internationalization, Digitalization, Inclusion and Diversity, and Sustainability. The project introduces a modern, interdisciplinary approach that combines theoretical knowledge with artificial intelligence (AI), practical project experience, and cooperation with diverse stakeholders. It aims to equip students with essential skills for future scientific and professional challenges through innovative educational practices. Key activities include two elective courses—Methodology of Scientific Project Preparation, focusing on grant writing and project implementation, and AI in Sports Science, introducing AI tools and ethical aspects in kinesiology research. Extracurricular activities involve Modern Technologies Training, offering hands-on experience with diagnostic equipment (funded by the Croatian Science Foundation), and Active Project Participation in real research projects (e.g., HRZZ IP-2020-02-3366, Erasmus+ TALENT). Expected results include improved student competencies in research and technology use, enhanced curricula with new elective courses, strengthened academic and NGO partnerships, and a sustainable, transferable model for interdisciplinary education.

Short professional biography (CV)

Dr. Marijana Čavala is a researcher specializing in kinesiology and sports science. She holds a position at the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Croatia. To date, she has published over 100 scientific and professional papers in both international and domestic journals and conference proceedings. Her scientific work spans a broad spectrum of kinesiology disciplines and methodological approaches.

She has explored various methodologies, including the effects of kinesiology transformation processes on anthropological status, the influence of anthropological characteristics on sports performance, kinematic analyses of sports activities, situational efficiency in team sports, and kinesitherapy procedures.

Dr. Čavala has served as a research assistant on two scientific projects funded by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia:

Talent Identification in Sports (Project No. 315-0000000-1811)
Anthropological Research of Biomotor Development and Kinesiology Activities (Project No. 315-0000000-3410)

She has also contributed to other research projects, including: