Joca Zurc, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Methodology and Sports Pedagogy at the Department of Pedagogy, Faculty of Arts, University of Maribor, Slovenia. She is a methodologist specializing in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research. Her research focuses on creating an inclusive school environment that empowers students' cognitive, mental, social, and physical well-being. She is also committed to research in health pedagogy, the ethics in youth sports, and the research quality assessment. In recognition of her outstanding research work, she was honoured with the MSA Female Researchers Award 2025.