Experts in the fields of sports and health gathered to discuss at the 6th annual international scientific conference, subtitled “Physical Activity, Health, and Quality of Life,” organized by the Institute of Physical Education and Sports at UPJŠ in Košice. The conference took place on September 23-25, 2026, at UPJŠ in Košice, in collaboration with other international partners: Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, the University of Pécs, and the University of Rzeszów.
The first day of the conference began with a tour of the city of Košice and a roundtable discussion focused on new perspectives in international scientific cooperation. The official opening ceremony took place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the Historic Auditorium at the Rectorate of UPJŠ in Košice. Prof. MUDr. Daniel Pella, PhD, Rector of UPJŠ, welcomed the conference participants and wished them a pleasant stay in Košice. In his speech he highlighted the importance of interdisciplinarity in science and research by pointing out the intersections between sports and cardiology. The guests were also welcomed by Mgr. Alena Buková, PhD., Associate Professor, Director of the UPJŠ Institute of Physical Education and Sports; Prof. Mgr. Josef Mitáš, Ph.D. from Palacký University in Olomouc and the Institute of Physical Education and Sports at UPJŠ; and Mgr. Mário Švec, Head of the Department of Sports and Youth of the City of Košice.
The conference provided a forum for experts from various academic disciplines who study physical activity in the context of the physical, mental, and social health of individuals, communities, and society. Emphasis was placed on the interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge and experience, linking research with practice, and discussing the current challenges of modern lifestyles. “We believe that the conference, as in previous years, has provided a suitable opportunity for professional dialogue and a joint search for solutions aimed at a healthier and higher-quality life. Physical activity, including sports, is a significant tool for promoting health and quality of life amid the growing physical, mental, and social demands of modern society,” said Alena Buková, director of the Institute of Physical Education and Sports at UPJŠ in Košice.
Following the official opening of the conference, the program continued with plenary lectures by prominent experts who accepted our invitation:
- prof. Mgr. Josef Mitáš, Ph.D. – Palacký University Olomouc / P. J. Šafárik University Košice;
- prof. Dr. Pongrác Ács – University of Pécs;
- Mgr. Jarosław Herbert, Ph.D., Assistant Professor – University of Rzeszów.
We would like to thank all participants and organizers for another inspiring year.
