University of Limerick at leading edge of research into health and physical activity

University of Limerick at leading edge of research into health and physical activity. University of Limerick President’s Excellence Awards – Catherine Woods, Professor of Physical Activity, and Chair of Physical Activity for Health Research Centre with the Health Research Centre Team, receiving the outstanding collaboration award from Professor Ann Ledwith, Interim Provost and Deputy President at UL. Picture: Alan Place

A research centre at UL has been recognised for its contribution to making the Irish population healthier through physical activity

Researchers in the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAfH) at UL have been awarded the Outstanding Collaboration Award at this year’s President’s Research Excellence and Impact Awards, one of total of 14 awards presented at a special event on campus.

These awards recognise staff at all University levels who have made outstanding contributions in the excellence and impact of their research beyond academia.

They showcase the depth and range of fundamental and excellent research being carried out across the faculties in UL, research that is having a positive and lasting impact on society.

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Congratulating the winners, Acting President Professor Shane Kilcommins said, “At University of Limerick, we are deeply committed to advancing research that not only pushes the boundaries of knowledge but also has a profound and lasting impact on society.

“The President’s Research Excellence and Impact Awards celebrate the exceptional talent and dedication of our researchers who are at the forefront of innovation and discovery. These awards highlight the breadth and depth of research excellence across our institution, showcasing the remarkable contributions of our faculty and staff.

“The recognition of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre with the Outstanding Collaboration Award is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and the importance of collaboration in addressing critical health challenges. Their work exemplifies how research at UL is driving positive change, informing policy, and improving the well-being of communities.

“Our research strategy, ‘Wisdom for Action,’ underscores our commitment to excellence, societal impact, and the nurturing of research talent. We are proud of the vibrant research community at UL, whose skill and ingenuity continue to elevate our institution’s reputation on the global stage. Together, we are building a brighter future through research that matters.”

Researchers from PAfH have been instrumental in guiding government policy, affecting behavioural change and the use of physical activity and exercise as medicine.

Among the PAfH research projects are:

Every Move Counts – involved in the development of the new national physical activity and sedentary guidelines for Ireland
ISCycle – examining the impact of electric bikes (ebikes) on transport behaviour, physical activity, and the environment, aimed at promoting inclusive ebike uptake and sustainable use.
UL MedX – offers structured physical activity opportunities to individuals living with cardiac conditions, type 2 diabetes or respiratory conditions to become more active
PARC (Irish – Physical Activity Research Collaboration) – bringing together researchers, policy makers and practitioners from physical activity in order to develop a systematic method for identifying examples of effective physical activity interventions and effective implementation strategies.
Active Schools – research into the design of school uniforms, which currently are not conducive for pupils to engage in physical activity

Collaborators include government departments, HSE, Sport Ireland, national governing bodies of sport, local authorities, Local Sports Partnerships, UL Hospitals Group, as well as academics worldwide.

Reacting to the award, Professor Catherine Woods, Chair of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre said: “I think the acknowledgment first and foremost is massive. The acknowledgment within our own institution of the excellence and the excellent work that members of PAfH are doing. I think also what it does is it galvanises our commitment to ensuring that physical activity is underpinned by excellence in research, by excellence in teaching and interprofessional education, and by excellence in terms of capacity building and reaching out to our local community.”

Kate Morris, Head of Engaged Research, Societal Impact, Irish Universities Association and an external reviewer for the Outstanding Collaboration Award said: “The scope and impact of Professor Wood’s research is truly remarkable. Her team places the public at the centre of solving this critical policy challenges, the rise of sedentary lifestyles driven by technological, social, and workplace shifts.

“Engaging those most affected – from policymakers and practitioners to individuals across all life stages, their research fosters collaboration and inclusivity. Professor Wood’s work goes beyond expectations, providing robust scientific evidence to shape national and EU policies, ensuring public funds are best directed toward initiatives with lasting impact. Her team is helping pave the way for healthier, happier, and longer lives for all.”

The Awards are organised and administered by the Office of the Vice President Research at UL to champion and celebrate the pursuit of research excellence while nurturing research talent, which is among the strategic goals of UL’s research strategy.

Professor Norelee Kennedy, UL Vice President Research said: “I am delighted to congratulate the winners of the 2024 President’s Research Excellence and Impact Awards – each of them has shown a commitment to the highest quality in their research and to ensuring that their research makes a significant contribution to new knowledge. Across the categories of the awards the standard of research is evident and signals the strong foundations for research in UL.”

PAfH aims to build an international hub of excellence in the area of physical activity and health research, while addressing some of sustainable development goals as outlined by the United Nations. These include SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals.

Professor Woods explained: “The Physical Activity for Health Research Centre is operational now for just under five years, so the future is bright. We are really only getting started. We have a wonderful team of core members, research staff, postgraduate students, over 30 of them at the moment, and where we would like to see the research centre going in the next decade or two decades even, is building our core capacity, building our research excellence, building our international renown and reputation as the place to go.”

There were 13 other awards presented to researchers at UL who are excelling in their fields creating and publishing excellent research which is having a positive impact on society.