Sport Psychology Archives - Research Data Analysis

Prof. Vassilis Barkoukis | Human Behavior Modeling | Best Researcher Award

Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki | Greece

A distinguished scholar in Sport and Exercise Psychology, this academic serves as an Associate Professor at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Holding dual PhDs—one in Human Performance and Health from Aristotle University (2001) and another in Social and Sport Psychology from the University of Sheffield (2018)—their work bridges psychology, education, and athletic performance. With extensive teaching experience across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels in Greece and Romania, they have contributed courses in sport psychology, pedagogy, research methods, and curriculum development. Their research focuses on motivation, teaching climates, physical activity pedagogy, health promotion, and psychological aspects of sport performance and behavior. The scholar has participated in 37 funded national and international research projects, published over 150 peer-reviewed papers and proceedings, and contributed to 18 book chapters and 4 edited volumes. Recognized with multiple awards, including the “Researcher of the Year” (2022) and National Scholarship Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, their work has achieved significant global impact with over 4,111 citations, an Documents 144, and an i10-index of 34. Their career reflects a deep commitment to advancing sport science, education, and health promotion through innovative, evidence-based research and teaching excellence.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Barkoukis, V., et al. (2025). Transforming anti-doping education with web-based interactive programs and applications: A scoping review. Emerging Trends in Drugs, Addictions and Health. (Open access).

Barkoukis, V., et al. (2025). Enhancing preschoolers’ motor creativity through playfulness and social engagement. Children. (Open access).

Barkoukis, V., et al. (2025). The role of school environment on the sustainable development of pre-schoolers’ motor creativity. Sports. (Open access).

Barkoukis, V., et al. (2025). Athletes from Great Britain report greater doping likelihood than Greek and Italian athletes: A cross-sectional survey of over 4,000 athletes. Performance Enhancement and Health. (Open access, 1 citation).

Barkoukis, V., et al. (2025). Evaluation of a sports integrity course for university students. Performance Enhancement and Health. (Open access).

Barkoukis, V., et al. (2025). A whole-school approach for the promotion of physical activity: An evaluation of stakeholders’ and educators’ perceptions about education in six European countries. Education Sciences. (Open access, 1 citation).

Dr. Thomas Nikodelis - Biomechanics of human movement - Best Researcher Award

Arisottle University - Greece

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Thomas Nikodelis embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Sports Science from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where he specialized in swimming. During this time, he developed foundational skills in data acquisition and analysis, laying the groundwork for his future research endeavors. His commitment to excellence was evident early on, as he engaged deeply in his studies and embraced opportunities to enhance his knowledge in biomechanics and sports science.

Following his undergraduate studies, Nikodelis pursued a Doctoral Degree at the Biomechanics Laboratory of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Here, he delved into advanced research, focusing on data analysis and overseeing Master's students' work. This period marked a significant phase in his academic growth, where he honed his research skills and began making notable contributions to the field of biomechanics.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Nikodelis's professional journey is characterized by diverse experiences across academic, sports, and business sectors. From serving as a Swimming Coach at various prestigious institutions to assuming roles as a Professor in Physical Education in the Greek Public School system, his career trajectory exemplifies versatility and expertise. His tenure as a Seconded Professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and his role as an Instructor at the Military School of Corps Officers underscore his ability to impart knowledge effectively across different domains.

Moreover, Nikodelis's involvement in seminars conducted by esteemed organizations such as the Swimming Federation of Greece and the General Secretariat for Sport highlights his commitment to knowledge dissemination beyond traditional academic settings. His contributions as a Biomechanist at the Laboratory of Gait Analysis, Hellenic Society for Disabled People, further demonstrate his dedication to leveraging biomechanical principles for societal benefit.

Contributions and Research Focus On Biomechanics of human movement

Throughout his career, Nikodelis has maintained a steadfast focus on biomechanics, particularly in the context of swimming and gait analysis. His research endeavors, spanning from his doctoral studies to his current role as a Laboratory Staff at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, reflect his passion for advancing understanding in these areas. Whether it's conducting gait analysis for individuals with disabilities or investigating the biomechanics of swimming strokes, Nikodelis's work has contributed significantly to both academia and practical applications.

Additionally, his proficiency in programming languages such as Python and MATLAB underscores his ability to apply cutting-edge tools and methodologies to his research. This interdisciplinary approach has enabled him to tackle complex biomechanical problems and generate impactful insights that resonate across various sectors.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Nikodelis's contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades and awards, including the Excellence in Education award from the Ministry of Education. His prolific publication record, extensive conference presentations, and participation in funded projects underscore the significance of his work within the academic community. Furthermore, his citation metrics on platforms like Google Scholar and Scopus serve as a testament to the impact and influence of his research on the broader scientific community.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Nikodelis's work has had a profound impact on the fields of biomechanics and sports science, shaping our understanding of human movement and performance optimization. Through his teaching, research, and leadership roles, he has inspired countless students, athletes, and colleagues to pursue excellence in their respective endeavors. His dedication to education and research has not only advanced scientific knowledge but has also fostered innovation and progress in practical settings, from athletic training to rehabilitation programs.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Nikodelis continues to make strides in his career, his legacy as a trailblazer in biomechanics and sports science is already firmly established. Looking ahead, he remains committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and driving positive change through his research, teaching, and leadership. His enduring impact will be felt for generations to come, as he continues to shape the future of biomechanics and inspire the next wave of scholars and practitioners in the field.