Current Research

Research Summary

Research in the School of Health Sciences encompasses the areas of Health Promotion, Occupational Therapy, Podiatric Medicine and Speech and Language Therapy. Current research in the School is aligned with the University’s Strategic (2025-2030) research pillars of Innovation for Health and Creativity, Culture and Society. 

Research activity for each of the Disciplines can be found on the links below. 

Health Promotion Research Centre (HPRC) 

The HPRC brings together researchers from the Discipline of Health Promotion. The Centre has a dynamic multidisciplinary research team with expertise in Mental Health, Community Health, Health Literacy, Bullying, Nutrition, Child & Adolescent Health, Sexual Health Promotion and more. The Centre is a designated World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Health Promotion Research. 

Discipline of Occupational Therapy  

Research interests span neurorehabilitation and mental health, with a focus on acquired and traumatic brain injury, dementia, cognitive impairment, and multiple sclerosis. Key areas include intervention development and evaluation, cognitive and community-based rehabilitation, and support for older adults and individuals with childhood disabilities. Emphasis is placed on occupational science, family-centred practice, knowledge translation, and involving patients and the public in research. 

Discipline of Podiatric Medicine 

The Discipline of Podiatric Medicine is grounded in a strong research ethos, supported by robust national and international collaborations with NGOs and industry partners. Our research priorities span critical areas such as diabetic foot disease, wound care and tissue viability, podiatric sports and musculoskeletal medicine, paediatrics, and pedagogical innovations in teaching and learning. We are particularly recognised for our strengths in evidence synthesis and interventional clinical trials, contributing to the advancement of both clinical practice and academic scholarship in podiatric medicine. 

Discipline of Speech and Language Therapy 

Research interests centre on communication and swallowing disorders, neurodevelopmental conditions, and patient-centred approaches in healthcare. Areas of focus include healthcare education, instrument development, and multilingualism, with an emphasis on narrative inquiry and qualitative research methods. 

Dissemination including publications on RTÉ Brainstorm and other media channels are available at: Dissemination Examples.