en
Slovenščina
Prof. Maja Pajek is a full professor of kinesiology at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport, where she currently serves as Vice-Dean for Scientific and Research. She is also the Head of the Doctoral Study Program in Kinesiology and chairs the Commission for Scientific, Research, and Development Work and Doctoral Studies. Her academic career has developed within the same institution, where she obtained her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in sport science. Additionally, she has completed further training in modern management, natural therapy, and professional psychotherapy.
Prof. Pajek has a longstanding record of academic excellence, having advanced from assistant professor (2009) to associate professor (2017) and finally to full professor (2021). She teaches and conducts research in courses such as fundamentals of movement, Pilates, and artistic gymnastics. Her academic roles are complemented by leadership in various scientific and organizational structures within the university and the broader sports community.
Internationally recognized for her work in sport for all, elite sport, and physical activity promotion, Prof. Pajek has held several prominent expert positions. She is Vice-President of the Sports Union of Slovenia and has served as Head of its Expert Council since 2019. She was member of the Expert Council for Sport of the Republic of Slovenia, the Gymnastics Association of Slovenia, and the Olympic Committee of Slovenia. As an expert in exercise for health and rehabilitation, she has also worked extensively with various vulnerable groups and populations with chronic diseases.
Prof. Pajek is highly active in international scientific collaboration and has contributed to numerous national and EU-funded research projects in the fields of physical activity, health promotion, and leadership. She is frequently invited as a speaker and expert to national and international scientific and professional conferences. Between 2014 and 2022, she chaired the Scientific Committee for the Slovenian Gymnastics Federation Congress and served as President of the Program Committee of the “Sports for All” congresses organized by the Slovenian Olympic Committee. In 2022, she led the Program Committee of the 27th TAFISA World Congress.
In parallel to her academic and professional engagements, Prof. Pajek is also the editor-in-chief of a scientific journal since 2009. She is a dedicated mentor to many master’s and doctoral students, and her bibliography includes numerous publications in national and international journals and proceedings.
Her work reflects a deep commitment to integrating science, education, and public service in the promotion of lifelong physical activity, health, and sports development.
ICHM 2025 – Invited Lecture Title: Connecting Research and Practice: Improving the Quality of Life in Kidney Patients through Physical Activity