Nikola Utvić | Health Professions | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Nikola Utvić | Health Professions | Young Scientist Award

Dr at Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Priština – Kosovska Mitrovica, Leposavić, Serbia

Nikola Utvić, Ph.D. in Physical Education and Sports, is a dedicated researcher and practitioner in physical culture, sports, and adapted physical activities. He graduated from the University of Priština and earned his doctorate from the University of Niš in 2023. With extensive experience as a conditioning coach for football, handball, and volleyball teams, he has significantly contributed to sports training and development. He is the founder and instructor at the “Giga” Sports Academy and president of the Sports Alliance for Persons with Disabilities, promoting inclusivity in sports. Nikola has participated in international academic exchanges and published over 20 scientific papers in national and international journals. His expertise includes adaptive sports, training methodologies, and exercise science. With strong leadership in coaching and research, he is a promising candidate for the Young Scientist Award. However, expanding his research collaborations and high-impact journal publications could further strengthen his profile for broader scientific recognition.

Professional Profile 

Education

Nikola Utvić pursued his education in Physical Education and Sports, earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Priština. His passion for sports science and training methodologies led him to further his studies, culminating in a Ph.D. from the University of Niš in 2023. Throughout his academic journey, he focused on physical culture, adapted physical activities, and sports performance, gaining in-depth knowledge in exercise science and conditioning techniques. His research explored innovative training approaches, particularly in adaptive sports and athletic development. Nikola actively participated in international academic exchanges, broadening his expertise through collaborations with researchers and institutions worldwide. His education not only provided him with strong theoretical foundations but also equipped him with practical skills, which he applies as a conditioning coach and instructor. His academic background, combined with hands-on experience, positions him as a leading expert in sports science, committed to advancing knowledge in physical education and adapted sports.

Professional Experience

Nikola Utvić has extensive professional experience in sports science, physical conditioning, and adapted physical activities. He has worked as a conditioning coach, specializing in optimizing athletic performance through tailored training programs. His expertise extends to working with both professional athletes and individuals with special physical needs, helping them enhance their mobility, endurance, and overall fitness. Nikola has also served as a lecturer and researcher, contributing to the academic field of sports science through studies on exercise adaptation and injury prevention. He has collaborated with international institutions, sharing his knowledge on advanced training methodologies. Additionally, he has been actively involved in coaching teams and organizing workshops to educate athletes and trainers on effective conditioning strategies. His hands-on experience, combined with his academic background, allows him to bridge the gap between research and practical application, making a significant impact in the fields of physical education, sports performance, and adaptive training techniques.

Research Interest

Nikola Utvić’s research interests focus on sports science, athletic performance optimization, and adapted physical activities. He explores the physiological and biomechanical aspects of training, aiming to enhance endurance, strength, and injury prevention strategies. His work includes studying the effects of specialized conditioning programs on athletes across various sports disciplines. Additionally, he is deeply involved in research on adapted physical activities, developing innovative training methodologies for individuals with disabilities or special physical needs. Nikola is also interested in the role of technology in sports science, particularly the use of wearable devices and data analytics to monitor performance and recovery. His research integrates evidence-based approaches to improve training effectiveness and athlete well-being. Through collaborations with academic institutions and sports organizations, he contributes to advancing the understanding of exercise physiology, rehabilitation, and sports performance, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application in the field of physical education and training.

Award and Honor

Nikola Utvić has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to sports science, athletic performance optimization, and adapted physical activities. His research and practical applications in conditioning training have earned him accolades from academic institutions and professional sports organizations. He has been honored for his innovative approaches to athlete development, injury prevention, and rehabilitation techniques. Nikola has also received distinctions for his work in adapted physical activities, helping individuals with special physical needs improve their mobility and fitness. His contributions to the field have been acknowledged through research grants, invitations to speak at international conferences, and awards for excellence in sports science research. Additionally, his role in mentoring young researchers and athletes has been recognized by various educational institutions and sports federations. His achievements underscore his dedication to advancing sports science, bridging academic research with real-world application, and making a lasting impact on athletic performance and physical education.

Research Skill

Nikola Utvić possesses exceptional research skills in sports science, focusing on athletic performance optimization, conditioning training, and adapted physical activities. His expertise includes designing and conducting empirical studies, utilizing advanced statistical analysis, and applying evidence-based methodologies to improve training effectiveness. He is adept at integrating biomechanics, physiology, and sports psychology to develop innovative approaches for enhancing athletic performance and injury prevention. His research also extends to adapted physical activities, where he explores strategies for improving mobility and fitness in individuals with special needs. Nikola excels in data interpretation, literature review, and developing research frameworks that bridge the gap between theory and practical application. His ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and implement cutting-edge technology in sports science demonstrates his forward-thinking approach. Through his research, he has contributed valuable insights that influence coaching strategies, rehabilitation techniques, and overall athlete development, making a significant impact on the field of sports science.

Conclusion

Nikola Utvić is a strong candidate for the Young Scientist Award due to his academic achievements, international exposure, research contributions, and societal impact in sports science and physical education. His work in adaptive sports and physical activities for individuals with disabilities highlights both scientific innovation and community engagement.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: An analysis of the statistical parameters of goalball matches which might provide team advantage
    Authors: B Jorgić, M Aleksandrović, D Živković, N Utvić, I Popović
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 6

  • Title: The effects of exercise-associated flexibility in elderly persons: systematically examined research
    Authors: N Utvić, A Pejčić, R Arsenijević, L Lilić
    Journal: Homo Sporticus 1 (2), 11-19
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Connection of anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities in the selected shoot speed at goalball: Pilot study
    Authors: N Utvić, R Arsenijević, L Lilić
    Journal: Zbornik radova Učiteljskog fakulteta Prizren-Leposavić, 189-199
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Effects of application of goalball at classes of physical education on some motoric abilities and physical constitution of school age boys
    Authors: N Utvić, L Lilić, VP Dubey, M Nikolić, M Aleksandrović
    Journal: Homo Sporticus 24 (1)
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 2

  • Title: The influence of Paralympic and special programs in children without disabilities: Systematic review research
    Authors: N Utvić, I Simijonović, DV Prakash, M Glišić, M Aleksandrović
    Journal: Physical Education and Sport through the Centuries 9 (1), 31-42
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Impact of local knee heating and the use of a neoprene knee sleeve on static and dynamic balance among young male athletes
    Authors: A Mazniku, VP Dubey, N Utvić, V Trivedi
    Journal: Sporto mokslas= Sport Science. Kaunas: Vytauto Didžiojo universitetas
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 1

Johannes Lässing | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Johannes Lässing | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Post doc at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany

Dr. Johannes Lässing is a distinguished researcher in sports medicine and exercise physiology, currently serving as a research associate and head of sports medicine at Martin Luther University, Halle (Saale). With a Ph.D. (Dr. rer. med.) from the Medical Faculty of Leipzig, awarded magna cum laude, his research focuses on physiological adaptations to exercise, rehabilitation, and preventive healthcare. He has led multiple research projects on chronic metabolic diseases, post-COVID-19 return to sports, and dental protection in athletes. A prolific academic, he has reviewed for top-tier journals such as the European Respiratory Journal and Plos One, further establishing his credibility in the field. Dr. Lässing has also contributed to clinical trials and holds certifications in medical research ethics. His expertise extends to teaching biochemistry, physiology, and pathology in sports. With a strong research foundation, he continues to advance innovative solutions in sports science and rehabilitation.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Johannes Lässing has a strong academic background in sports medicine and rehabilitation. He earned his Dr. rer. med. (Doctor of Medical Science) from the Medical Faculty of Leipzig in February 2022, achieving magna cum laude distinction. His doctoral research focused on the impact of individualized dental protection on cardiopulmonary, hormonal-metabolic parameters, and athletic performance. Prior to his Ph.D., he completed a Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Prevention from 2013 to 2016, further strengthening his expertise in sports medicine and health sciences. His education is complemented by specialized certifications, including advanced and basic courses for clinical investigators under the German Medical Association (AMG), as well as training in study direction for clinical trials. This robust educational foundation, combined with extensive research experience, has equipped Dr. Lässing with the knowledge and skills to contribute significantly to sports medicine, exercise physiology, and preventive healthcare.

Professional Experience

Dr. Johannes Lässing has extensive professional experience in sports medicine and research, currently serving as a research associate and head of sports medicine at Martin Luther University, Halle (Saale), since July 2022. Previously, he was a research associate at the Institute for Sports Medicine and Prevention (2017–2022), where he led multiple projects, including studies on acute physiological adaptations to dental protection, exercise interventions for chronic metabolic diseases, and telemonitoring-based health programs for cancer patients. He also spearheaded research on return-to-sport diagnostics after SARS-CoV-2 infection and strength training adaptations. From 2015 to 2020, he worked as a student and scientific assistant at the same institute, contributing to diabetes research. Additionally, he has served as a lecturer, teaching biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, and pathology in sports science. With expertise in clinical trials and medical diagnostics, Dr. Lässing continues to make significant contributions to exercise physiology and rehabilitation research.

Research Interest

Dr. Johannes Lässing’s research interests lie at the intersection of sports medicine, exercise physiology, and preventive healthcare. His work focuses on understanding the physiological and metabolic adaptations to exercise, with particular emphasis on rehabilitation, chronic disease management, and athletic performance. He has conducted research on exercise interventions for metabolic diseases, post-COVID-19 return-to-sport diagnostics, and the role of dental protection in physiological responses. Additionally, his studies explore the effects of strength training on acute physiological adaptations and the use of telemonitoring for cancer rehabilitation. His expertise extends to clinical trials, where he investigates innovative approaches to improving health outcomes through exercise-based interventions. Dr. Lässing is also interested in biochemistry and pathology in sports, aiming to bridge the gap between medical diagnostics and performance optimization. Through his research, he contributes to advancing knowledge in sports science, rehabilitation strategies, and preventive healthcare applications.

Award and Honor

Dr. Johannes Lässing has been recognized for his contributions to sports medicine and exercise physiology through various academic honors and research grants. He was awarded a prestigious research scholarship (Promotionsstipendium) from the European Social Fund (ESF) between 2017 and 2020, supporting his doctoral research on the impact of individualized dental protection on physiological and metabolic parameters in athletes. His Ph.D. from the Medical Faculty of Leipzig was conferred with magna cum laude distinction, highlighting the excellence of his research. Additionally, his work has been acknowledged through invitations to review for high-impact journals, such as the European Respiratory Journal and Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. His leadership in multiple research projects at Martin Luther University further demonstrates his academic influence. With his growing impact in sports science and rehabilitation, Dr. Lässing continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of medical research in exercise and preventive healthcare.

Research Skill

Dr. Johannes Lässing possesses a diverse set of research skills in sports medicine, exercise physiology, and clinical trials. His expertise includes designing and leading interdisciplinary research projects focused on physiological adaptations to exercise, rehabilitation, and preventive healthcare. He is proficient in conducting clinical studies, with experience in medical diagnostics, telemonitoring, and self-management programs for chronic diseases and cancer rehabilitation. Dr. Lässing is skilled in data collection and analysis, utilizing advanced physiological and biochemical assessment techniques to study metabolic responses and performance adaptations. His ability to critically evaluate scientific literature is reflected in his role as a reviewer for high-impact journals. Additionally, he has strong teaching and mentorship skills, educating students in biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, and pathology in sports science. With certifications in clinical trial management and medical research ethics, he continues to contribute innovative insights to the field, advancing knowledge in sports science and healthcare interventions.

Conclusion

Johannes Lässing is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on his extensive contributions to sports medicine and physiology research. His leadership in research projects, publication record, and expertise in clinical trials make him a highly competitive nominee. Strengthening international collaborations, increasing first-author publications, and securing more independent research grants would further elevate his profile.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Repetition‐dependent acute cardiopulmonary responses during intensity‐matched squats in males
    Authors: Johannes Lässing, Sonja Hummelmann, Maxi Kramer, Ulrich Laufs, Sven Fikenzer, Roberto Falz
    Year: 2025
    Citation: DOI: 10.1113/EP092363

  • Title: Effects of postoperative physical exercise rehabilitation on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer – a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Authors: Beyer Mailin, Bischoff Christian, Laessing Johannes, Gockel Ines, Falz Roberto
    Year: 2024
    Citation: DOI: 10.1007/S00432-024-06064-Y

  • Title: Effect of home-based online training and activity feedback on oxygen uptake in patients after surgical cancer therapy: a randomized controlled trial
    Authors: Roberto Falz, Bischoff C, Thieme R, Tegtbur U, Hillemanns P, Stolzenburg JU, Aktas B, Bork U, Weitz J, Lässing J, et al.
    Year: 2023
    Citation: DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03010-6

  • Title: Intensity-dependent cardiopulmonary response during and after strength training
    Authors: Lässing J, Maudrich T, Kenville R, Uyar Z, Bischoff C, Sven Fikenzer, Busse M, Roberto Falz
    Year: 2023
    Citation: DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33873-x

  • Title: Implantation of an Intraaortic Balloon Pump for Preoperative Cardiogenic Shock SCAI Stages B to C: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis
    Authors: M. Vondran, K. von Aspern, J. Garbade, M. Schmidt, J. Lässing, T. Ghazy, A. Rastan, M. A. Borger, T. Schröter
    Year: 2022
    Citation: DOI: 10.1055/S-0042-1742844

  • Title: Repeated cardiopulmonary performance measurements in young competitive handball players with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection
    Authors: Johannes Lässing, S. Kwast, C. Bischoff, N. Hölldobler, M. Vondran, R. Falz, M. Busse
    Year: 2022
    Citation: DOI: 10.1186/s13102-022-00591-2

  • Title: Motor control strategies differ between monoarticular and biarticular quadriceps muscles during bipedal squats
    Authors: Tom Maudrich, Tapper P, Clauß M, Roberto Falz, Lässing J, Rouven Kenville
    Year: 2022
    Citation: DOI: 10.1111/sms.14230

  • Title: Effects and duration of exercise-based prehabilitation in surgical therapy of colon and rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Authors: Roberto Falz, Bischoff C, Thieme R, Dr. Johannes Lässing, Mehdorn M, Stelzner S, Busse M, Gockel I
    Year: 2022
    Citation: DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04088-w

  • Title: Is implantable cardioverter defibrillator surgery in patients with an implanted left ventricular assist device safe under uninterrupted oral anticoagulation?
    Authors: Vondran M, von Aspern K, Garbade J, Lässing J, Kiefer P, Rastan AJ, Borger MA, Schroeter T
    Year: 2022
    Citation: DOI: 10.1111/aor.14217