Academic Profile

Prof. Dr Gözde Ersöz Ay is a Professor at Marmara University Faculty of Sport Sciences. Her current academic responsibilities include leadership in the Psychosocial Fields in Sport and departmental management within Physical Education and Sport Education. Her research spans sport and exercise psychology, motivation, physical-activity behaviour, health behaviour, women and sport, sociology and sport management.

She graduated from Manisa Celal Bayar University in Sport Management, completed her master’s degree in Psychosocial Fields in Sport, and received her PhD from Ege University in 2011. In 2012–2013 she conducted postdoctoral research at Florida State University through a TÜBİTAK international fellowship, focusing on exercise motivation and related behavioural processes.

Research & Professional Contribution

Prof. Ersöz Ay has an extensive academic record that includes journal articles, books and book chapters, congress presentations, scientific projects and editorial activity. Her work addresses how psychological and social factors influence exercise participation, motivation, adherence and health-related behaviour.

She has also contributed to professional and scientific organisations connected with sport, exercise psychology and athlete development. Her experience provides an important behavioural-science dimension to the education of fitness and movement professionals.

Contribution to EFWA

Within EFWA, Prof. Ersöz Ay contributes expertise in exercise motivation, behaviour change, adherence, learner engagement and the psychosocial dimensions of long-term participation in physical activity. This strengthens EFWA’s approach by connecting exercise prescription and movement education with the human factors that influence whether people begin, continue and benefit from exercise.