Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dario Novak is a prominent Croatian kinesiology expert who serves as the President of FIEPS Europe (Fédération Internationale d’Éducation Physique et Sportive). He is also an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb and a research associate at the Institute for Anthropological Research in Croatia.

Key Roles and Leadership

• FIEPS Leadership: He serves as the regional President of FIEPS Europe, an international federation dedicated to physical education and sport science. He previously served as its General Secretary and co-founded the FIEPS New Leaders program in 2015.
• Academic Career: He teaches at the University of Zagreb, focusing on physical education, youth physical activity, and human health and performance.
• Elite Athletic Training: Alongside his academic work, he is a high-performance specialist and fitness coach on the ATP tennis tour, notably working with Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka.

Academic Background and Research

• Education: He earned his PhD in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Zagreb in 2010.
• Postdoctoral Research: He completed prominent postdoctoral fellowships in public health and physical education at both Harvard University and Columbia University.
• Publications: He has authored or co-authored over 200 scientific publications and conference papers, heavily advocating for holistic and integrated community approaches to health.
• Honors: He was recognized globally early in his career, winning the FIEP Europe Thulin Award in 2011 for his contributions to the development of physical education.