Branka Protic – Gava, PhD

Branka Protic-Gava is currently working as Full Professor in the Kinesitherapy field at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad. She graduated at the same Faculty in September 1978. She then pursued her Postgraduate Studies in Physical Culture and Sports Sciences and obtained a MSc in Science of Physical Culture (1988) and a PhD in Science of Physical Culture (2007) at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Belgrade. Until 2008, her main field of expertise was Female Sports Gymnastics (Competitive, Teaching and Learning). She was the Director of Female Gymnastics throughout 1995/1996 of Yugoslav Gymnastics Federation and was an International Breve Judge for Female Gymnastics. From 2008, her main field of expertise are Children and Youth Postural Disorders, Corrective Exercises, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation, Physical Activity for Persons with Disabilities (Adaptive Physical Activity – APA). Prof. Protic-Gava has published more than 150 articles on physical activity, postural disorders, corrective exercises and adapted physical activity for persons with disabilities in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Her current research follows two main themes: (a) studying physical activity, nutrition and corrective exercises and their role on children and youth postural disorders; (b) analyzing physical activity and involving persons with disability on it. She has been reviewer of scientific papers, chapters and books. Recent projects she has been involved in include the Individual and Institutional Contribution to the Construction of the Cultural Identity of the Serbs of Vojvodina in the 19th Century – Professional and Educational Monument (2018-2019), Postural status, physical activity and nutrition of pupils in primary schools (2017-2018), Improving assessment of postural and spinal status – Spine Lab 2013-2014 (European Union). Prof. Protic-Gava is a member of  the Board of Fund for providing scholarships and facilitating progress of talented students and young researchers and artists at the University of Novi Sad, the Association of University Teachers and Scientists of Vojvodina, member of Antropological Societi of Serbia and member of the provincial and Novi Sad professional association of  Physical Education teachers. She was the President of the Council of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, and was serving as the Head of the Kinesitherapy Unit at the same Faculty. She has developed and delivered numerous professional training for PE teachers and coaches. She received many awards for her contribution to the development of sports and physical education in Serbia, Vojvodina and Novi Sad.