After graduating from METU Physical Education and Sports Department and completed her doctorate in Hacettepe University Sports Sciences and Technology Department; Canan Koca awarded with her researches on sport and gender by Turkey Academy of Sciences (TUBA) Young Scientist Award Program (Outstanding Young PI), the Distinguished Scientist Award and the International Association of Physical Education and Sport for Girls and by Margaret Talbot Women . As a board member of the Sports and Physical Activity Association for Women, she conducts research and develops policies in national and international platforms to ensure the participation of women and girls in sports and physical activity in equal and reliable environments.