Transdisciplinary research integrates knowledge across academic disciplines and with non-academic stakeholders to address societal challenges. Recently, Dr. Healy has extended beyond the promotion of physical activity among people with disabilities, to working with diverse teams to address some broader societal health challenges for people with disabilities. For example, in December 2023, Dr. Healy completed work with a diverse research team, funded by the HSE, that examined barriers to health screening among people with disabilities in Ireland. This work involved researchers from various health-related disciplines, members of Ireland’s health screening services, and members from multiple Disabled People Organizations. The team’s efforts culminated in the publication of a national report published by the HSE and Ireland’s National Screening Service (link). This work reflects the need for complex challenges (i.e., lack of access to health screening) that may have environmental, social, and economic causes, to be tackled by collaboration between diverse groups.
Similarly, Dr. Healy recently led a research team to successfully acquire funding from Special Olympics International to examine health outcomes and healthcare access among people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland – this project will be officially launched in February. Again, the issues at the heart of this research [health and healthcare access disparities] are highly complex. Effective solutions will require a multipronged approach that likely integrates perspectives from various disciplines. Therefore, Dr Healy has gathered an expert team that includes researchers from UL (Dr Owen Doody), RSCI, DCU, and Trinity, stakeholders from Special Olympics Ireland, multiple HSE staff members, and adults with intellectual disabilities. Complex societal challenges will require transdisciplinary solutions. PESS researchers often-times lead the way in exemplifying this approach.
Dr. Sean Healy, is an Associate Professor of Physical Activity and Sport Participation, Policy and Practice.
Contact: sean.healy@ul.ie ResearchGate Google scholar
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