Dr. Papacosta is an assistant professor of Exercise Physiology at Frederick University. She is the coordinator of the undergraduate program in Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Chair of the Department of Life and Health Sciences and additionally has served as a Member of the Council of the Cyprus Sports Organization, the highest sports authority in Cyprus, between 2021-2024. Dr Papacosta obtained her PhD and MSc in Exercise Physiology from Loughborough University in the UK, after obtaining her BSc at the Kapodistrian University of Athens. He teaches various courses in the fields of anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, sports nutrition, exercise and health, and sports training. Her research coincides in the field of exercise immunology, physiology, nutrition and biochemistry, and health-enhancing physical activity. Currently, Dr Papacosta participates and coordinates in research projects funded by the European Commission's Erasmus+ Sport programme, Sports for All programmes at the Cyprus Sports Organisation and project coordinator of a nationally funded programme commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth on the physical fitness assessment of secondary school pupils. He has a number of published works in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentations in scientific conferences with more than 500 citations.

Andreas Constantinides (Ph.D) is an Associate Professor with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics, the director of the MSc in Web and Smart Systems and the director of the Mobile Devices Laboratory (MDL) with the Frederick University. He holds a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering from University of Essex, UK. His research work focuses on Mobile Computing, Web and Smart Systems (IoT), Computer Networks, as well as Multi-Objective Optimization using Artificial Intelligence with specialization in Evolutionary Computation. His work is published in more than 80 esteemed academic journals and international conference proceedings and he served as a referee for several scientific journals as well as a committee member on various international conferences. Dr. Constantinides participated/participating in >20 national (e.g., RPF Restart 2016-2020, RIF Bridge 2021) and EU funded projects (e.g., FP7, H2020, EU Just, EU Life, Erasmus+), in three (3) of which as a Coordinator/Principal Investigator, with a total budget of ~30M euro (around 2.5M funding for MDL). He directs and supervises a research and development group of two Post-Doctoral researchers, four PhD students, seven software developers, two project managers and two graphic designers/digital marketeers. He has also established collaborations with several software companies and public organizations securing in this way various industrial grants and public procurements with a total budget of around 0.5M euro. He was recently awarded the national Educational Leaders award for his contribution to the society via technological innovations. Dr. Constantinides is also the director of the Horizontal thematic area “Digital Transformation” for Limassol city in Cyprus that has been awarded the EU Mission label for the “100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030”. Finally, Dr. Constantinides is a board member of directors of the Nicosia Tourism Board (NTB) as a representative of higher education and research centers based in the Nicosia region, members of NTB.

Charalambos Tsorbatzoudis is professor at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in "Sports Psychology". He teaches Sport Psychology, Pedagogy and Educational Psychology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and has supervised many Post-Doc, Master, and PhD theses. In addition, he has participated in over 30 research projects that have been funded by various domestic (ESPA, IKY) and international scientific bodies (European Union, World Anti-Doping Agency WADA, International Olympic Committee IOC, etc.). He is a member of many scientific societies, reviewer in more than 30 international scientific journals and has published more than 160 scientific papers, which have received more than 7000 references.

Stylianos Georgiou is a Software Developer and Researcher at the Mobile Devices Laboratory (MDL), specializing in full-stack development (ASP.NET MVC/Core), database design (MySQL, SQL Server), and native Android application development (Java). He has been actively contributing to software solutions and research projects since 2019, focusing on web and mobile technologies. Beyond development, he served as a Teacher Assistant (2021-2023) at Frederick University, instructing and grading undergraduate courses in programming, databases, mobile computing, and graphics (Unity Engine). Additionally, he worked as a Peer Tutor (2019-2021), mentoring students in mathematics and programming fundamentals. With a strong foundation in software engineering, research, and academic mentorship, he is passionate about developing innovative solutions and supporting the next generation of engineers.

Dr. Petroula Mavrikiou is an Associate Professor of Statistics in the Department of Business Administration at Frederick University and the Director of the Gender Equality and Inclusion Research Unit. With over two decades of academic and research experience, she has led multiple European projects, including Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, as well as nationally funded initiatives. Dr. Mavrikiou is the leading Statistician for the CYFIT Project.

Dr. Anthi Xenofontos has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and professional distinction throughout her career. She earned her BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees with high distinction from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, specializing in Sport Science, Physical Education, and Quality of Life. Her academic pursuits have been complemented by extensive hands-on experience, including her role as a Clinical Biomechanist at the Center of Rehabilitation for the Disabled (ELEPAP) and as a course content developer for the AUTh Online Open Courses (MOOCs). Dr. Xenofontos’s impact extends to the healthcare sector as a Licensed Clinical Exercise Physiologist, holding a medical license from the Supreme Council of Health, Qatar. During her tenure at the Exercise Medicine Clinic of Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, she played a pivotal role in developing evidence-based rehabilitation programs tailored to diverse populations. Her expertise in exercise science and rehabilitation procedures has been showcased through impactful lectures in academic and clinical settings alike. Prior to joining Frederick University, Dr. Xenofontos distinguished herself as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), a globally prestigious institution ranked 25th in the QS World Rankings. At HKU, her innovative teaching methodologies led to the development of award-winning and highly popular courses, aligning seamlessly with contemporary higher education practices.Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at Frederick University, Dr. Xenofontos focuses on Neuromechanics. Her dedication to teaching excellence has been recognized through the prestigious Michalis Frederick Excellence Teaching Prize. Her pioneering research, consistently supported by funding from the State Scholarship Foundation of Cyprus (I.K.Y.), the Cyprus Government, and international bodies, drives vital projects that enhance the well-being of local and global communities. Dr. Xenofontos’s contributions have earned her international acclaim. She currently serves as an external examiner for postgraduate programs at universities abroad and coordinates the region’s first distance-learning Master’s degree in Sports, Exercise, and Health. This prestigious program aims to promote the use of exercise as medicine across diverse age groups, health conditions, and populations, solidifying her status as a leader in advancing education and research in healthcare through exercise science.

Dr. Barkoukis is a Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He holds a Master's degree from the Democritus University of Thrace in coaching with an emphasis on psychological processes related to performance enhancement. He holds a PhD from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in the application of interventions for the modification of socio-cognitive variables and performance in physical education and a PhD from the University of Sheffield in the psychology of performance enhancement. His research interests include the study of socio-cognitive determinants of behaviors related to sport, physical activity and physical education, and he has published more than 170 research articles and 20 book chapters on these topics. He is co-editor of the first book on the psychology of doping. He has been coordinator, national coordinator or research associate in 40 research projects funded by the European Union, 10 by the World Anti-Doping Agency and 4 by the International Olympic Committee.

Theoti Pourou for the last three years has been serving as a Physical Education Inspector at the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth for Secondary General Education. She has 31 years of experience as a Physical Education teacher in Private and Public schools. She holds Master’s degrees in "Educational Sciences - Educational Leadership and Policy" and in Sports Management. She is a First Aid instructor and examiner for the St. John Ambulance, a non-profit organization that undertakes the training of teams in First Aid. She was a member of the Organizing Committee of School Games organizing the District and Pancyprian Games. She was a member of the "Sports and Women" committee of the Cyprus Olympic Committee (KOE) and an administrative member of the Cyprus Amateur Athletics Federation (KOEAS). As a Physical Education Inspector, she undertakes the inspection of secondary general education schools and the inspection, guidance and evaluation of PE teachers. She actively participates in the organization and conducting educational conferences and training courses. She undertakes administrative and/or other special duties, such as coordination, planning, program development, educational studies, research, examinations, guidance and career guidance. Under the guidance of the Physical Education Inspectorate, the Physical Education department plans and implements numerous National programs related to student health, the promotion of exercise, Sports and Olympism. She has recently been elected to the Committee of the European School Sport Federation (ESSF), in the position of Vice-President.

Anna Poiriazi serves as a Physical Education Consultant at the Ministry of Education, Sport & Youth. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management and has fifteen years of experience in secondary education consultancy. She is the appointed National Focal Point for Cyprus in the EU HEPA Focal Points Network and the national coordinator of the fitness assessment program for secondary education students, “Aristotelis–CYFIT.” She has been nominated as the Member State representative to the EU Open Method of Coordination (OMC) expert group on “Fight Against Hate Speech in Sport.” Anna is the national coordinator for the Erasmus+ project titled “European School Sport Day”, she has contributed to several EU-funded initiatives and she served as the coordinator of the Cyprus team in the Erasmus+ KA220-HED-23388 research project INTERCOMP – “Development of Educators’ Intercultural Competencies.” Her professional interests include the design, organization, and coordination of national school-based HEPA initiatives such as Running for My Health, Going Green in Sports, Students’ Sport Budget – Schools’ Sport Budget, All Equal – All Different in Football, among others. She is an experienced trainer of Physical Educators on a variety of topics and is frequently invited as a lecturer at seminars and workshops. She is the Deputy Chair of the Integrity Committee of the International School Sport Federation (ISF) and a member of the Cyprus Sports Organisation committee “Gender Equality in Sport,” where she previously served as Chair.

Ioannis Ioannou serves as an Inspector of Informatics and Computer Science in Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Cyprus, bringing extensive experience in teaching, school leadership, and educational planning. He holds a PhD in Educational Technology from the University of Cyprus, a Master’s degree in Education (Leadership and Management) from the Open University of London, and a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Macedonia. Throughout his career, he has served as a Computer Science teacher, Informatics advisor, advisor to the Directorate of Secondary Education, member of the Cyprus Council of Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KYSATS), and school headmaster. His professional and research interests focus on Educational Technology, Computer Science Education, STEM education, authentic assessment, and curriculum development, aiming to support innovation and the meaningful integration of technology in teaching and learning.

Louis Chatziloizou is a Physical Education teacher and Advisor to the Physical Education Inspectorate at the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, with extensive experience in Physical Education, school sport, and educational policy. He has a broad professional background across both the public and private sectors, as well as substantial coaching experience in Tennis and Athletics at developmental and competitive levels. He holds a Master’s degree in Special and Inclusive Education and has actively contributed to the authorship of approved educational textbooks, research studies, honoring publications, and policy-oriented reports in the fields of Physical Education, Athletics, and Olympic Education. He has participated in and coordinated national programs focusing on the physical fitness and health of children and adolescents in Cyprus. His work is distinguished by a consistent commitment to inclusion, health promotion, safety, and the continuous qualitative enhancement of Physical Education and school sport.

Petros Papapetrou is a Physical Education educator with extensive teaching, administrative, and scholarly experience in international educational settings in the United States and Cyprus. He holds a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction in Physical Education from Columbia University, New York, and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Queens College, City University of New York. He has served as a Physical Education teacher in New York City, Head of the Physical Education Department, and IB CAS Program Coordinator at the American International School in Cyprus, as well as in the public education sector. In parallel, he has worked as a strength and conditioning coach for professional first-division football teams competing in the Cypriot National Championship. His academic and professional interests include Physical Education pedagogy, Sports Science, Health Education, curriculum design and implementation, and the scientific support of athletic performance. He holds certifications in educational competency and health and safety, actively participates in international scientific conferences and professional development programs, and is a member of international professional organizations.

Marios Charalambous graduated as valedictorian from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at Democritus University of Thrace (BSc), with a specialization in Adapted Physical Education and the Rehabilitation of Individuals with Chronic Conditions. He holds two postgraduate qualifications: an MSc in Sport Science from the European University Cyprus and a Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) in Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology from the University of Wales (Bangor). From the early years of his studies, he demonstrated strong scientific and professional interest in the field of health. He actively participated in the preparation of research projects and dissertations, as well as in scientific conferences, and worked with patients both within and outside hospital settings. Following the completion of his studies, he was engaged in research programs at the European University Cyprus focusing on the rehabilitation of individuals with chronic conditions, including Type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis. He subsequently worked for several years in the fitness sector, while also assuming responsibility for the rehabilitation division for individuals with diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. In this role, he was responsible for liaising with physicians, as well as for the design and implementation of specialized exercise protocols for patient rehabilitation. He later served as a Physical Education Supervisor at the University of Cyprus and participated in educational programs of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, in both Primary and Secondary Education, for a period of approximately eight years. Since 2020, he has been serving as a permanent Physical Education Teacher in Secondary Education schools under the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth. Over the past two years, he has been a member of the District Organizing Committee for School Sports in the Larnaca District, and for the past year he has been seconded to the Physical Education Office, serving in an advisory capacity.

Mattheos Polykratis is a graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, with a specialization in Basketball Coaching. He holds an MSc degree (with Distinction – “Excellent”) in Coaching Science from the Democritus University of Thrace and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Cyprus, Department of Education, in the field of Assessment and Effectiveness in Education. He has authored numerous presentations at international scientific conferences and has published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, accumulating 97 citations (heteroreferences). He currently serves as Assistant Director Grade B in the public education system, with 32 years of service (16 years in the Greek mainland education system and 16 years in the Cyprus education system). He has repeatedly served as a member of the subject-matter expert panel appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture (Cyprus) for the competitive examinations of candidate teachers. Furthermore, he maintains an extensive record of professional development activity, both as a trainer/ instructor and as a participant in numerous scientific conferences and continuing education programs in the field.

Evandros Votsis is currently a physical education teacher in public education. He is the president of the Arion Sport Club of Nicosia, and a member of the District Organizing Committee of School Sports. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the CBF and president of the TC of the CBF (2014-2024). He was champion in Cyprus (1993-1997), champion in Greece (2001) and an international athlete (1993-2003) in the sport of Badminton. He later served as a national coach (2008-2011). He worked in public and private education as a teacher/consultant at all three levels and specializes in racket sports. In addition, he is an international tutor of level 1 and 2 coaches from BWF and participates in several coaching schools. He holds a master's and doctoral degree in Human Performance and Health from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. During the undergraduate and postgraduate cycles, he was a scholar from the IPS and the research committee of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki due to academic excellence. In his research field he was involved in different training methods to improve motor and psychological parameters in the sport of badminton with 3775 reads & 84 citations. He has been a research associate in 10 projects and combines research writing and administrative work in the field of sports.

Michalis Polycarpou has been serving as a Physical Education teacher at the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth since 2019, while his educational career in Cyprus secondary education (private sector) began in 2010. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with a main specialization in volleyball. He also holds a Master’s degree from Global College in Creative Arts and Facilitation, further strengthening his scientific and pedagogical background through contemporary, experiential, and innovative educational approaches. He maintains an active and multi-level role within the secondary education trade union movement. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Association of Physical Education Teachers – OELMEK, where he serves as Assistant General Secretary. Furthermore, he holds the position of General Representative of OELMEK, serves as President of the Refugee Committee, and he is President of the Association of Appointed Secondary Education Teachers. Through these roles, he consistently demonstrates his strong commitment to collective representation, the defense of educators’ rights, and the continuous strengthening of public education.

He was born in Limassol in March 1985. He holds a BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and an MSc in Rehabilitation from Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom. For over ten years, he has worked professionally in the fitness sector, providing both personal and group training services, while also gaining significant experience in gym and exercise facility management. Since 2022, he has been serving as a Physical Education teacher in secondary education, and from 2025 he has held the position of Head of Rehabilitation at the Limassol Sports School. In 2026, he was appointed by the Ministry of Education as the provincial coordinator of the national programme “Aristotle – CyFIT”, which represents the largest assessment of physical fitness among school-aged children and adolescents ever conducted in Cyprus. The programme is part of the National Strategy for Sport, under the pillar “Social Dimension of Sport”, aiming primarily to promote citizens’ health. Previously, he served as a scientific collaborator at the European University Cyprus in the field of Adapted Physical Education and is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the same programme. He served as Secretary General of the Cyprus Association of Physical Education and Sport Science (PA.SY.P.EF.A.A.) for eight years (2015–2023), holding key representative roles in councils and committees, most notably the Physical Education and Sports Science Registry Board, which is appointed by the Council of Ministers. Through this role, he also participates in the External Evaluation Committee of the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (DIPAE). He was a core member of the legislative drafting committee established by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth and the Law Commissioner, responsible for drafting the bill to reform the legislation governing the Physical Education and Sports Science professionals. In addition, he represents PA.SY.P.EF.A.A. at the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) and serves as a member of the Reflective Committee of the Cyprus Organisation for Standardisation (MC 1.04 Nutritional Supplements).

Dr. Dimitra Theoklītou is a Physical Education Teacher at the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth of Cyprus. She has extensive professional experience in the fields of exercise, health, and adapted physical education, both in Cyprus and Germany, where she has served in senior administrative and scientific positions in the fitness and personal training sector, as well as a therapeutic exercise trainer for oncology patients at the University Hospital of Cologne, in collaboration with the German Sport University Cologne. Dr. Theoklītou obtained her PhD from the German Sport University Cologne (Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln) in the field of Exercise and Cancer. She also holds a Master’s degree in Human Performance and Health from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with a specialization in School Physical Education. She is a graduate of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has additionally obtained an equivalent degree in Special Education from the University of Cologne. Her research and scientific interests focus on therapeutic exercise, exercise and cancer, motor development, psychological resilience, and the promotion of health through physical activity.

Maria Tsivika is a graduate of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and holds a Master’s degree in “Human Performance and Health”, with a specialization in Coaching (AUTH). Since 2006, she has attended a wide range of seminars and professional training programs, including Pilates, Yoga, Fitness Group Instructor, Personal Training, TRX, Fight Aerobics, Power Plate Training, Lifeguarding, Nutrition, and Volleyball Coaching. She has served as a coach in the youth academies of Panorama Thessaloniki, Aetos Toumpas, and THOI Avgorou, as well as an assistant coach for the women’s team of Aetos. She worked for seven years at the Koumis Personal Training Center for Maximizing Athletic Performance and Optimizing Physical Fitness and Health. She teaches Physical Education in Secondary General Education and is a Volleyball Coach at the Famagusta Sports High School (Paralimni). She is the Vice President of the Larnaca–Famagusta District Committee and a member of the Pancyprian Thalassemia Association, where she is actively involved and works as a volunteer.