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Introduction
UL is proud of the vibrant and progressive research community of faculty and students in the School of Allied Health. This dynamic environment fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative thinking, and impactful research that addresses real-world health challenges.
Key areas of research strength include ageing, cancer, physical activity across the lifespan, mental health, chronic conditions, and speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties across the lifespan. We are one of the very few Schools internationally with a research focus on the history and anthropology of the Allied Health Professions. Our research is underpinned by the meaningful involvement of patient and public partners (PPI), interprofessional practice and implementation science.
We have an excellent track record of securing competitive research funding from national and international funding bodies, including the Health Research Board, the Irish Research Council and EU funders. We currently collaborate with over 85 international institutions.
The School has a large number of postgraduate MSc and PhD students and together with a growing body of postdoctoral and research staff, we offer excellent support for future researchers in the Allied Health Professions. Whether you're a prospective student, research partner, or healthcare professional, we invite you to explore the exciting work happening across our research community.
Healthy Society
The health and wellbeing of the populations that we serve is central to our research identity at the School of Allied Health. Our research on the development, implementation and evaluation of new or augmented models of healthcare for people across the lifespan is critical to supporting a healthier and more sustainable health service for all communities.
Research Spotlight: Prof Kieran O’Sullivan
Sustainable Society
The delivery of sustainable, safe, effective, equitable, timely and cost-effective healthcare is a core focus of our programme of research. Our interdisciplinary research ecosystem ensures that robust and contemporary methodological approaches underpin the development, evaluation and reporting of our research activities; thus supporting the development of a sustainable community of evidence-based practice in the region.
Inclusive Society
Key to the successful implementation of innovations in healthcare is the building of relationships, trust and respect across disciplines, institutions and health and social sectors – this ethos underpins SAHs research collaborations. We value creativity, curiosity and excellence in our inclusive community which is committed to social good. The inclusion of dedicated Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) panels of service users and those important to them ensures that their voice is central to research activities in SAH.
Research Spotlight: Dr Aoife Gallagher
Smart Society
In response to major global challenges in health, our interdisciplinary research has led to significant changes in healthcare delivery, particularly in the fields of ageing, neurology, chronic musculoskeletal conditions, physical activity and data science. By sharing a collective ambition to reorientate health services to meet the needs and preferences of the populations that we serve, we aim to strengthen our creativity to foster a sustainable, resilient, healthy, and smart society.
Research Spotlight: Prof James Green
Director of Research
The current Director of Research is
