By Dr. Christodoula Gavriel
Lecturer in Psychology, University of Limassol
Principal Investigator of PERiFORM: Pushing Boundaries \u2013 Peripersonal Space as a Tool to Improve Sports Performance, funded by Cyprus\u2019s Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF).
Grant No. POST-DOC\/0524\/0011 \u2013 RESTART 2016\u20132020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The future of science is shaped not only by discovery but also by who is allowed to ask the questions that drive it forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of equity, innovation, and collaboration in scientific research. Building a more inclusive future in science requires creating environments where diverse perspectives are valued and where interdisciplinary approaches can thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Across disciplines, women continue to contribute to advances that shape how science addresses real-world challenges, particularly in areas where technology and human well-being intersect. One such area is the growing use of digital and immersive technologies in psychological research, where scientific theory and technological innovation are increasingly converging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This approach is at the heart of PERiFORM: <\/strong>Pushing Boundaries: Peripersonal Space as a Tool to Improve Sports Performance<\/em>, an interdisciplinary project funded by the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF). Led by Dr. Christodoula Gavriel<\/strong> at the University of Limassol (UoL), PERiFORM draws on expertise in cognitive psychology and performance science to advance research at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience, immersive technology, and applied performance science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A key component of PERiFORM is the use of Virtual Reality (VR)<\/strong> to study Peripersonal Space (PPS)<\/em>, defined as the space immediately surrounding a person, and how the brain integrates the individual and the environment during action. By examining movement, spatial perception, and sensorimotor control in controlled virtual environments, the project examines how changes in PPS are linked to improvements in athletic performance. This work aims to inform the development of evidence-based training approaches<\/strong> for fast-paced sports such as boxing and goalkeeping, while also contributing to a broader understanding of motor control and spatial awareness. In line with its commitment to inclusive research practices, PERiFORM also prioritizes balanced gender representation among participants to strengthen the validity and relevance of its findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Importantly, PERiFORM also reflects how targeted research funding can support the development of women and early-career scientists. By providing Dr. Christodoula Gavriel with the opportunity to lead an independent, interdisciplinary project, the grant supports scientific development, skills advancement, and active engagement in cutting-edge research that bridges theory and application. At the same time, it fosters collaboration across disciplines, including with researchers whose expertise, scientific excellence, and inspiring contributions significantly enhance the research’s quality, impact, and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building a more inclusive future in science requires creating environments where diverse perspectives are valued and where integrated research approaches strengthen both the scientific process and its outcomes. In this context, women’s involvement in research that incorporates psychology, neuroscience, and advanced technologies is particularly significant, as the visibility of women scientists in these fields plays a crucial role in challenging stereotypes and encouraging girls and young women to pursue careers in science and research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PERiFORM reflects a broader commitment to interdisciplinary, evidence-based research that values diversity, collaboration, and innovation. On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026, it highlights the importance of supporting research environments that empower women to contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement and to the development of a more inclusive future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Dr. Christodoula GavrielLecturer in Psychology, University of LimassolPrincipal Investigator of PERiFORM: Pushing Boundaries \u2013 Peripersonal Space as a Tool to Improve Sports Performance, funded by Cyprus\u2019s Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF).Grant No. POST-DOC\/0524\/0011 \u2013 RESTART 2016\u20132020. The future of science is shaped not only by discovery but also by who is allowed to ask 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Dr. Christodoula GavrielLecturer in Psychology, University of LimassolPrincipal Investigator of PERiFORM: Pushing Boundaries \u2013 Peripersonal Space as a Tool to Improve Sports Performance, funded by Cyprus\u2019s Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF).Grant No. POST-DOC\/0524\/0011 \u2013 RESTART 2016\u20132020. 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