PESS

15/09/2026

📚 New PESS Research | Postdoctoral Development

Congratulations to Professor Ann MacPhail and co-authors on their new publication exploring academic, research and career development within a postdoctoral programme.

The research provides new evidence on the value of a structured and holistic approach to postdoctoral development, while offering practical guidance for universities, research leaders, researcher developers and policymakers looking to strengthen research talent pipelines through sustainable, equitable and impactful postdoctoral support.

📖 Striving for academic, research and career development in a postdoctoral programme
Journal of Research Management and Administration, 5(1), 1–25 (2026)

🔗 https://doi.org/10.18552/jorma.v5i1

14/09/2026

🌍 Welcome Back to PESS, Dr. Deniz Hünük!

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Deniz Hünük back to the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences (PESS) as a Postdoctoral Researcher.

Deniz was successful in securing funding from the Turkish Research Agency (TÜBİTAK) to undertake research at the University of Limerick for 10 months, from September 2026 to June 2027.

Working alongside Professor Ann MacPhail, Deniz will undertake the TÜBİTAK-funded research project:

“The Impact of Long-Term Participation in Social Learning Spaces on Teacher Educators’ Professional Development”

The research will be undertaken within PESS, with Ann supervising and supporting Deniz throughout the project.

Deniz previously spent time in PESS while undertaking her PhD, so it is fantastic to welcome her back to Limerick and have her rejoin the PESS community as a Postdoctoral Researcher.

Welcome back, Deniz! 💚

13/09/2026

My Co-op Experience at PESS: Ellie McCartney

My Co-op placement with the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences (PESS) has given me the chance to experience a completely different side of sport. Instead of being on the pitch or in the lab, I have spent my placement working behind the scenes, helping to promote the work, events and opportunities happening across the department. This has included highlighting research and new publications, staff and student achievements, awards, sporting successes, events, placements and career opportunities, giving me a real insight into the wide range of work taking place across PESS....

My Co-op placement with the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences (PESS) has given me the chance to experience a completely different side of sport. Instead of being on the pitch or i…

11/09/2026

🎓 Welcome to PESS!

A warm welcome to our BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences first years following their induction day! 👋

It’s the beginning of an exciting journey filled with learning, practical experiences, new friendships and plenty of opportunities to get involved in the world of sport and exercise science.

We’re delighted to have you as part of the PESS community. Here’s to a brilliant year ahead!

10/09/2026

🧬 PESS Staff Spotlight: John Noone & Brian Carson

Congratulations to John Noone and Brian Carson, who recently presented at Recent Advances in Nutritional Physiology: A Muscle-Centric Perspective, hosted by the University of Exeter and The Physiological Society.

John presented his work on molecular and mitochondrial responses to exercise in human skeletal muscle myotubes, while Brian discussed the co-regulators of muscle adaptation.

It was a fantastic opportunity for both to showcase their research and contribute to discussions at the forefront of nutritional and exercise physiology. 👏

Congratulations to John and Brian on their presentations!



TAG: John Noone, EHS, Brian Carson

09/09/2026

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ The Journey Starts Here!

Our BSc Physical Education Teaching First Years have officially arrived at PESS! 🎓

From the sports hall to the classroom, the next four years will be filled with learning, new experiences, friendships and plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Welcome to the PESS family — here’s to the start of an exciting four years!

09/09/2026

🎓 A Warm Welcome to PESS for the New Academic Year!

As we begin 2026/27, Dr John Perry, Head of PESS, extends a warm welcome to all our students and staff — with a special welcome to those joining us for the first time. 💙

From embracing student life and getting involved, to supporting one another and making the most of the opportunities ahead, John shares a message for the PESS community as we begin another academic year.

Here’s to a rewarding, enjoyable and successful year ahead! 🙌

📖 Read the full message on the PESS Blog:
https://pess.blog/2026/09/09/a-warm-welcome-to-students-and-staff-in-pess-for-the-new-academic-year-dr-john-perry/

09/09/2026

A great week of learning and collaboration at PESS! 🧠🏃‍♀️

It was fantastic to welcome participants to the PAfH Summer School at the University of Limerick, with sessions taking place in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences.

Thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to a brilliant programme. We’re delighted to have been part of the Summer School and to support the wider PAfH community.

08/09/2026

🏋️‍♀️ Thinking about your next step in sports performance?

The MSc Sports Performance at the University of Limerick is a research-informed programme designed to develop skilled and adaptable practitioners working in high-performance sport.

Combining theory, laboratory work and applied practice supported by highly experienced staff, the programme prepares graduates to work across a range of performance environments, including elite sport, applied performance and research settings.

📚 1 Year Full-Time | 2 Years Part-Time
🎓 90 ECTS | Master of Science
📅 January Start

Find out more and apply now:

https://www.ul.ie/study/postgraduate/sports-performance-msc

📖 Read more about the MSc Sports Performance programme on the PESS Blog:

https://pess.blog/2026/05/13/discover-our-msc-in-sports-performance-at-the-university-of-limerick-associate-professor-grainne-hayes-2/