University of Limerick rewards researchers at awards ceremony
There were 13 other awards presented to researchers at UL
A RESEARCH centre at University of Limerick has been awarded for its work in “making the Irish population healthier through physical activity”.
Researchers in the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAfH) 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 an on-campus event.
Among the research projects that PAfH is involved in are Every Move Counts, ISCycle, UL MedX, PARC, and Active Schools.
Collaborators include government departments, the HSE, Sport Ireland, local authorities, local Sports Partnerships, UL Hospitals Group, and academics worldwide.
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.”
Professor Catherine Woods, chair of PAfH, 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.