Whilst our work across our Research Centres is impactful, the main areas of focus for REF2021 will follow Physical Activity and Mental Health.
Physical Activity for Health
Research by Marie Murphy at the Centre for Physical Activity and Health Research, Ulster University has had wide-reaching influence in setting public health guidelines for physical activity in the UK and worldwide. Murphy’s research into the health effects of brisk walking led the UK government to develop a mobile app, Active 10, to encourage inactive people to exercise more.
Informing the development, implementation and evaluation of the Wellbeing in Sport Action Plan for Northern Ireland 2019-2025
The impact associated with this case study is as follows: delivery of a Sport for Mental Health Action Plan, the development of a nationwide website on the promotion of mental health in sport, integration of mental health and well-being programmes into coaching qualifications across all major sports in Northern Ireland, a statutory requirement for all sport associations and governing bodies to update their safeguarding and welfare protocols, the introduction of a Sport Census, the appointment of wellbeing ambassadors, and the financial support to deliver these actions.