The Center of Competence in Molecular Diagnostics (CEKOM) was established with the aim of a joint presence in the global market for molecular diagnostics development in personalized medicine through the integration of scientific research capacities, production capabilities, and KET technologies, with the goal of developing and commercializing new methods, services, products, and biomarkers. The project aligns with the objectives of the S3 Smart Specialization Strategy, whose main strategic goal is to direct knowledge and innovation capacities toward areas with the highest potential for Croatia, in order to enhance competitiveness and socio-economic development and to transform the Croatian economy through effective research, development, and innovation activities.

The project is implemented under TPP 1 “Health and Quality of Life”, and consists of four main individual activities: the development of methods for glycan analytics, the development of kits for personalized medicine, glycan biomarkers in the prediction and correction of impaired health, and genetic predispositions for sport and changes in aging biomarkers due to recreational physical activity. The Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, implements the fourth activity within the CEKOM project. The objectives of this activity are the establishment of a system for assessing initial status (initial glycan age and genetic predispositions for sport), personalized optimization of recreational exercise, and monitoring the effects of the intervention on the general condition of the individual.

The overall long-term goal of the project is to raise awareness about the importance of recreational physical activity, which directly impacts the general health of the population and reduces healthcare costs by preventing the development of various diseases associated with insufficient physical activity and poor nutrition (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc.).