As part of the final event of the academic sports season, UniSport HR Finals book in Porec from May 29 to Sunday, June 1. Alongside the sports compositions, the international scientific conference “4 Healthy Academic Society” (4HAS) was held. The event was officially open on Thursday by Dr. Harris PavleticPresident of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation (CASF).
Now in its third edition, the conference brought together a diverse range of domestic and international experts, scientists, and academic community members to promote interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge, research, and innovation in the fields of sport, health, communication, and sport management.
On the first day, held at Hotel Parentium, participants had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Dr. Maja Baretić, specialist in internal medicine, endocrinology, and diabetology, titled “Metabolically Healthy Obese Individuals: Is ‘Fat but Fit’ a Myth?” The session was followed by Dr. Raúl Martínez-Santos, who delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled “Between ‘dual career’ and ‘side hustle’: facts, figures, and good news”, encouraging discussion on the future of sport and emerging trends such as e-sports.
After a short break, the focus shifted to health and healthy living, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Željko Jovanović and Academician Dr. Bojan Jelaković. The following scientific studies were presented:
- Behavioral Patterns and Their Contribution to Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Risk in the Student Population
- Stress as a Risk Factor in the Development of Cardio-Reno-Metabolic Diseases
- Gender Differences in Stress Perceptions and Eating Habits Among Students of the University of Split
- Perceptions of Physical Activity for Health Maintenance Among Croatian and International Students
- Exploring Student Awareness of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Risk Factors
- From Plate to Syndrome: Evaluating the Link Between Nutritional Behavior and Metabolic Health in Academics
- Effects of Percussive Therapy Frequency and Duration on Vastus Medialis Muscle Contractile Properties
These sessions offered numerous valuable insights — from the influence of stress and nutrition on the development of metabolic disorders, to the importance of physical activity, and the risks of excessive salt intake and undiagnosed high blood pressure, often referred to as the “silent killer.”
Day Two Focused on Leadership, Innovation, and Technology
The second day opened with a clear message: “Today, we shift our focus toward management, innovation, and transformation in sport, with special attention to technology, infrastructure, and the growing role of strategic leadership.”
A special highlight of the day was the first-ever visit of the President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), Mr. Leonz Eder, during the UniSport HR Finals.
Mr. Eder has been an active figure in international university sport for more than four decades and has consistently championed sport as a pillar of education, inclusion, and global cooperation. As FISU President since 2021, he has guided the organization through major transformations and continues to promote the values of university sport on a global scale.
His address was received with great interest and warm applause.
Later that day, the conference continued with lectures from distinguished international experts. A standout was Prof. Dr. Chad Witkemper from Indiana State University, who delivered a keynote titled “Mind, Body, World: The Holistic Impact of International Programs on Student Development & Building Successful Programs.”
His presentation emphasized the integration of knowledge and practice to ensure that sport, physical activity, and health become core elements of a high-quality academic lifestyle.
In symbolic preparation for the 2028 European University Games in Split, the conference as a host is a first-ever panel that is a university sport in Croatia. The panel brought together repressive from the Ministry, universities, and sports organizations to discuss investment models, management, and the long-term sustainability of future facilities.. Panelists included HASS President Dr. Harris Pavletic. Prof. Ash Ostojić, Vice-Rector for Arts, Culture, and Interuniversity Cooperation, Olympic judo gold medalist Barbara Matic. Prof. Dr. Ivan Samardzic, Rector of the University of Slavonski Brod, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeljko Sudaric, President of the Council of Polytechnics and Dean of the Lavoslav Rose Polytechnic in Vukovar.
The conference was officially closed by Prof. Dr. Sanja Ćurković, Chair of the Organizing Committee. The third edition once again confirmed the vital importance of connecting sport, healthcare, and science — and further strungthened Croatia’s role as a host country for internationally relevant academic initiatives.
Preparations are a great underway for the next edition of the conference, which is crucified to expand even further in its interdisciplinary dialogue and international collaboration among scientists, professions, and students from around the world.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all participants, reviewers, and speakers who contrasted to the Success of the Conference — and special recognition to the entire Organizing Committee, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sanja Ćurković and Dr. Harris Pavletic, President of HASS.
