Faculty of Life and Health Sciences

Dr Greg Kelly Ulster Launches Pioneering Sensory Integration Degree 29th December 2011.
 The University of Ulster has unveiled an initiative that will help the treatment of people who have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). SPD is a condition that prevents sensory messages in the brain from being organised into appropriate responses. more>>
Dr Mickey Keenan Funding Boost For Pioneering Autism Project. 5th December 2011
An autism treatment initiative developed by parents and University of Ulster researchers is getting wide European exposure, thanks to Leonardo da Vinci. more>>
Professor Christian Holscher Ulster’s Dementia Research Wins Chinese Support . 5th December 2011
In a double boost for Ulster, neuroscience expert Professor Christian Holscher has been honoured by a top university in Shanxi Province and Chinese authorities will fund collaboration there on development of a new element in his dementia research. more>>
Professor Ed Cairns Top Appointment for Dr Sonja McIlfatrick. 29th September 2011 University of Ulster Reader, Dr Sonja McIlfatrick, has been appointed Head of Research at the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC). more>>
Norbrook chair Ulster To Establish Norbrook Chair in Pharmaceutical Science. 21st March 2011
An internationally-renowned pharmaceuticals company is partnering with the University of Ulster to establish an endowed Chair in Pharmaceutical Science with a £1 million donation.
Prof Sheila Lennon Ulster Research To Aid Stroke Patients. 7th March 2011
Researchers from Ulster’s Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Research Institute (HRSRI) are examining the effects of an innovative treatment called constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) on attention, memory, self-awareness and arm movement recovery on stroke patients. more>>
professor John McCloskey, one of the world's leading experts on earthquakes Science A Hot Topic in Café Society
29th November 2010:
Café Scientifique, the popular science chat forum, is coming to town and has lined up University of Ulster professor John McCloskey, one of the world’s leading experts on earthquakes, to speak at its opening night. more>>
‘My Boobs and Me!’ booklet Ulster Expert Produces Breast Cancer Booklet
29th November 2010:
A booklet to help women with learning disabilities to understand what breast cancer is and the importance of breast mammography has been launched at the University of Ulster. more>>
Professor Strain, Co-Director of Centre for Molecular Biosciences Dietary Advice for Pregnancy ‘Needs Reviewed’
25th November 2010:
Current dietary advice for pregnant women in some countries may need review after researchers at the University of Ulster found that eating more fish during pregnancy can be beneficial to a child’s development. more>>
Leanne Breslin Researchers Look For Lupus Solution
25th November 2010:
Researchers at the University of Ulster are searching for a solution to a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects predominantly women of childbearing age. more>>
Professor Hugh McKenna

Ulster Research Probes NI Suicide Rate
18th November 2010
A more pro-active multiagency ‘outreach’ approach to preventing suicide is needed, according to research released today.Researchers at the University of Ulster teamed up with QUB and the University of Maine, USA, to undertake research funded by the Research and Development Division of the Public Health Agency. more>>
UK Top Three Accolade For Academic
12th October 2010
Dr Stephen McClean from Ulster’s, School of Biomedical Sciences was recently selected as finalist for ‘Ed Wood Teaching Award’ from the Higher Education Academy’s UK Centre for Bioscience. more>>
Professor John McCloskey, from Ulster’s Environmental Sciences Research Institute has been named in the inaugural Eureka 100 list published by The Times. more>>
Ulster Nurses’ Air Disaster Role
13th September 2010:
University of Ulster nursing students got the opportunity to put theory into practice when they took part in a mock emergency ’air disaster’ exercise at the weekend. more>>
photo: Dr Mickey Keenan New Approach To Autism Treatment
13th September 2010:
A shortage of professionals trained to international standards in the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis(ABA) to help people with autism has prompted the development of a multimedia package to teach the science. more>>
photo: dmrs conference Midwifery Under The Spotlight At Ulster
31st August 2010: World experts in midwifery, obstetrics, epidemiology and information technology are coming to the University of Ulster this week to examine some of the biggest issues in childbirth at the First Global Research Conference of the Doctoral Midwifery Research Society. more>>
photos : es divers Ulster Divers Train At New Facility In Egypt
5th May 2010
University of Ulster divers have been training maritime archaeologists in the historic Egyptian port of Alexandria. Staff from Ulster’s Centre for Maritime Archaeology (CMA) at the Coleraine campus, recently took part in a training workshop hosted by Alexandria University’s new Centre for Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Heritage. more>>
photo: mrsa More Effective Communication Needed to Allay MRSA Fears
15th April 2010
Facts about hospital bugs such as MRSA need to be communicated more effectively to reduce the fear of infection among the general public, according to University of Ulster research. more>>
photo: Dr Richard Owusu-Apenten Natural Treatment For Uncontrolled Weight Loss
8th April 2010:
A natural food component found in milk, soybeans, fish and yeast may help treat weight loss in seriously ill patients, according to a new book by University of Ulster food and nutrition lecturer. more>>
The 32nd Annual Congress of Psychology Students
1st March 2010
The 32nd Annual Congress of Psychology Students is to be held here at the University of Ulster in Coleraine, on the 16th and 17th of April 2010. The event is annually supported by both the PSI and NIBPS and well attended by students from all over the island and from a number of institutions. Registration
Gaa research image Presidential Recognition for Ulster Research
8th February 2010:
Dr David Hassan, from the University of Ulster’s Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute (SESRI), was the guest of President Mary McAleese at her home Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin today. more>>
photo Professor Courtney Lyder Ulster Researchers Team Up With UCLA
5th February 2010:
PODCAST: Professor Courtney Lyder, Dean of the School of Nursing at UCLA, visited the University last week as part of an intensifying relationship between UCLA and Ulster in the field of rehabilitation science. more>>
Ulster To Inspire Opportunities of Sport for Life
22nd January 2010:
The University of Ulster’s School of Sports Studies today launched the ‘Sport for Life’ project, encouraging primary school children to participate in physical activity for life. more>>
Boost For Ulster Alzheimer’s Disease Research
19th January 2010:
Groundbreaking research by University of Ulster scientists could lead to a major breakthrough in the treatment of people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). more>>
Research Reveals High Levels of Eye Defects in NI Children 1st January 2010:
Children in Northern Ireland are up to three times more likely to be long-sighted than children living in other parts of the world, according to new University of Ulster research. more>>
Prof Bendan McCormack Ulster Research To Improve Care In Nursing Homes 28th December 2009 University of Ulster healthcare experts have joined a new international partnership that aims to translate research into real patient care. Ulster’s Institute of Nursing Research has begun work on a four-year EU funded study into continence care in nursing homes. more>>
Dr C Liddle NI Fuel Poverty Increasing - Ulster researcher Professor Christine Liddell has warned that levels of fuel poverty are expected to increase in Northern Ireland as improvements in energy efficiency are negated by increasing fuel costs. more>>
Dr Mateus Webba da Silva News Release Untying The Knots Of DNA To Fight Disease: 30th November 2009
Scientists at the University of Ulster are undertaking groundbreaking DNA research, which could help in the treatment and prevention of diseases. more>>
Kudos For Top Knowledge Transfer Partnerships : A sales boosting partnership between Ulster and healthcare firm James Leckey Design is in the running for a prestigious national prize for excellence. more>>
Roche award Ulster Student Wins Prominent Research Award
11th November 2009:
A University of Ulster student has picked up the prestigious Roche Research Award. more>>
Couples Say Relationships Damaged By Stroke 2nd November 2009: Suffering a stroke can lead to significant changes in how couples relate to each other on both a physical and emotional level, according to new University of Ulster research. more>>
Cross-Border Research Alliance to Tackle Diabetes Cross-Border Research Alliance to Tackle Diabetes 3rd November 2009 Scientists at the University of Ulster and NUI Galway have joined forces with HSE West and the Western Health and Social Care Trust to create a collaborative cross-border partnership in diabetes-related research. more>>
Ulster Experts Give MLAs Health Checks
13th October 2009:
Physical activity and health experts from the University of Ulster have been promoting healthy living, by testing Northern Ireland’s MLAs at Stormont. more>>
Professor Vyvyan Howard, a pathologist and toxicologist and Dr Christian Holscher, an expert in Alzheimer's disease are leading this groundbreaking research into whether human engineered nanoparticles can induce neurodegenerative disease. Groundbreaking Research Into Nanoparticles And Alzheimer’s Disease
24th August 2009:
Scientists at the University of Ulster are investigating a link between some man-made nanoparticles, such as those found in sunscreens and Alzheimer’s disease. more>>
Prfo S McDonough Acupuncture Good For Lower Back Pain - Ulster Research
19th August 2009:
Needles in the ear - or ’auricular acupuncture’ - may be useful in helping to ease some debilitating back pain, according to University of Ulster research. more>>
Dr Maurice Stringer Integrated Schooling Could Defuse Sectarianism – Ulster Research
3rd August 2009:
A University of Ulster research project into the effects of integrated and segregated schooling in Northern Ireland shows that sectarianism could be defused if more Catholic and Protestant children were sent to mixed-religion schools. more>>
Professor Hugh McKenna American Academy Honours Ulster Nursing Expert 21st May 2009
Professor Hugh McKenna of the University of Ulster has been appointed an International Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, an accolade that has been accorded to just two other academics in Europe and only sixteen across the world. more>>
Dr Cooper Ulster Research Highlights Impact of Climate Change
1st May 2009:
Climate change is dramatically damaging our oceans and sea life but is also creating new opportunities for the tourist industry here – these are the findings of new University of Ulster research published this week. more>>
sports research Sports Researchers Examine Marathon Impact
1st May 2009:
The University of Ulster’s sporting experts are carrying out research to find out if taking part in large-scale exercise events encourages people to take up healthier lifestyles. more>>
Dr Christian Holscher Alzheimer’s Research in Focus
1st May 2009:
The importance of developing an Alzheimer’s research centre of excellence will be highlighted at an annual public meeting this month. more>>
Dr Yasser Abdel-Wahab Diabetes: Ulster Scientists Probe Plant Bark Secrets :11th March 2009
Scientists at the University of Ulster have been investigating how a Himalayan plant bark could help in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.more>>
science in society The University of Ulster has been awarded a grant for research into why so many women with learning disabilities fail to attend breast cancer screenings. more>>
S Martin Funding Research To Improve Life for Elderly People 10th February 2009
The Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI) has unveiled a cross-border grants programme at an event at the University’s Jordanstown campus. more>>
Nursing research Nurses Need Better Mental Health Training - Ulster Researcher
15th December 2008:
Patients with depression are being let down at primary healthcare level because nurses are not trained sufficiently in dealing with mental health conditions, according to a University of Ulster researcher.more>>
Dr K Holscher £100k Boost For Alzheimer’s Research At Ulster
15th December 2008:
The Alzheimer’s Research Trust (ART), the UK’s leading dementia research charity, has awarded over £100,000 towards promising Alzheimer’s research at the University of Ulster. more>>
Dr Tara Moore Stay Safe and Stick Together In Party Season
12th December 2008:
Young women should put their safety first in the run up to the festive season - that’s the message from University of Ulster researchers who have just published a study into female sexual assault.more>>
Dr N McClenaghan European Life Sciences Enterprise Accolade For Ulster Trio 8th December 2008:
Three University of Ulster researchers have scooped a top prize in a pan-European enterprise competition that rewards experts who turn research into tangible reality.more>>
Dr M Keenan Ulster Autism Project to be Rolled Out Across Europe
15th December 2008:
An innovative support package to help parents of children with autism, which was pioneered in Northern Ireland, is to be rolled out across Europe.more>>
photo : University Says Thanks For TA's Helping Hands University Says Thanks For TA’s Helping Hands 4th December 2008:
The University of Ulster has paid tribute to the key role of a Londonderry-based TA unit in helping nurses and other healthcare professionals prepare for multi-casualty disasters. more>>
DR C Nugent Accolade For Leading Biomedical Researcher 1st December 2008: Dr Chris Nugent has been appointed Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the university. more>>
Dr Christine Liddel 50% Of NI Children Face Fuel Poverty - Ulster Researcher 1st December 2008:
Around half of all families with children in Northern Ireland could be living in fuel poverty this winter - according to a new report by Ulster researcher Professor Christine Liddell, commissioned by Save the Children.more>>
back pain trial Do you have low back pain? Would you like to take part in a trial that is investigating how well standard medical care works for people with low back pain? We are currently recruiting participants for this trial and would like to hear from you. Further information is available via the APEP website.
photo : Dr Mary Hannon-Fletcher Multi-Vitamins May Offer Hope to Kidney Disease Patients
17th November 2008:
Taking multi-vitamins could help improve the health of kidney disease patients undergoing blood dialysis - according to new research from the University of Ulstermore>>
Mary Slevin, Researcher in the School of Biomedical Sciences Research to Explore Benefits of Calcium Supplements on Bone Health 27th October 2008: Researchers at the University of Ulster are investigating the benefits of taking natural calcium supplements on bone health - and they are looking for local women to help.more>>
Dr Barbara Stewart-Knox, from the Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE) Gene Tests Get Thumbs Up – Ulster Research 22nd September 2008: More than two-thirds of Europeans would be happy to undergo genetic tests to establish the likelihood of developing illnesses like coronary heart disease and Type-2 diabetes in later life – according to new research. more>>
photo : Dr Maria Barnes, of the School of Biomedical Sciences, No Sun Is No Fun For Your Health - Ulster Researcher 18th September 2008: The dull Irish summer may have stopped many people getting enough Vitamin D - and that could have long-term health implications, according to a University of Ulster nutritionist.more>>
Dr Marie Murphy University of Ulster Sport Strikes Gold 8th August 2008: The University of Ulster has been named as an organiser of the world’s greatest sports science gathering, to be held just days before the London 2012 Olympic Games.more>>
Dr Owen Barr Ulster Expert Calls for Consistency in Antenatal Screening 6th August 2008: A leading healthcare researcher at the University of Ulster has called for expectant mothers to be given earlier and better information about antenatal screening for Down’s syndrome.more>>
Laura Gargan Cousteau Award Honours Marine Science Student 4th August 2008: Laura Gargan is this year’s winner of the prestigious Cousteau Society annual award for best academic achievement in Marine Sciences at Ulster. more>>
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 The June edition of the Faculty Newsletter is available as a pdf file (opens in new windows)
Prof Hugh McKenna

Birthday Honours for Ulster Academics : 14th June 2008
Two leading academics from the University of Ulster have received awards in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Professor Hugh McKenna, Dean of the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, becomes a CBE, in recognition of his services to healthcare and the community in Northern Ireland.more>>
HEALTHY OPTION: Dr Gareth Davison, MSc course director, Professor Hugh McKenna, Dean of the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Stephen Wilson, Senior Manager, Planning and Coordination at the HPA, Dr Marie Murphy, Head of the School of Sports Studies, and Professor I-Min Lee,from the Harvard School of Public Health

Health Promotion Agency Backs New Ulster Health MSc : 4th June 2008
With the increasing recognition that regular physical activity is essential to lifelong health and wellbeing, the University of Ulster is introducing a new postgraduate programme that will help shape the future for Northern Ireland’s health promotion professionals of tomorrow.more>>
Dr K Saunders

NI Children Risk Vision Loss - Ulster Research
Parents have been urged to ensure that their children get a full eyesight test from a qualified optometrist following University of Ulster research into NI children’s eyesight.more>>
Dr M Keenan

Research Report Probes Autism Services For Children 24th April 2008:
A hard-hitting research report on the lack of statutory services for children with autism and their parents and carers will be published this week.

more>>
diabetes research Awards for Ground-Breaking Ulster Scientists 8th April 2008:
Two University of Ulster academics have won prestigious awards in recognition of their cutting-edge research into diabetes.more>>
Photo : Professor Barbara Pierscionek Research Could Lead to Cataract Treatment Breakthrough : 2nd April 2008:
Research by University of Ulster academic Professor Barbara Pierscionek could lead to a major breakthrough in the treatment of cataracts - a leading cause of sight problems and one of the most common forms of blindness in the world. more>>
Prof F Smyth Research Breakthrough Could Help Identify People at Risk from Suicide:26th March 2008
Pioneering research by scientists at the University of Ulster and the University of Castilla-La Mancha at Cuidad Real, Spain could lead to an important breakthrough in helping to identify people at risk from suicide and self-harm.more>>
alt University Of Ulster In £2m R&D Partnership Project : 22nd February 2008
The University of Ulster is to be a key partner in a new £2 million research and development facility to be built at Altnagelvin Hospital. more>>
Ulster's Universities Unite To Battle Alzheimer's Ulster’s Universities Unite To Battle Alzheimer’s :20th February 2008
Northern Ireland’s first centre for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust Network, a partnership between the University of Ulster and QUB has been launched by Lady Sylvia Hermon MP.more>>
Sport Governing Bodies Back Ulster Coaching Degree :16th January 2008
The Irish Football Association and Sport NI have shown their commitment to university sport by sponsoring scholarships for the University of Ulster’s Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching.more>>
Boost for Ulster University’s Pharmacy Plans: 8th January 2008
The University of Ulster’s plans to introduce a pharmacy degree course at its Coleraine campus have been boosted by a donation from the Saad Group of Saudi Arabia.more>>
Distinguished Teaching Fellowship (Team Award). 19th December 2007
Over the past four years, a team led by Lecturer in Proteomics Dr Stephen McClean has sought to implement a number of new and innovative strategies to develop the undergraduate learning experience. more>>
Distinguished Research Fellowship: Dr Craig Brown 18th December 2007:
Dr Brown, who has been awarded a Distinguished Researsch Fellowship, previously held posts with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) prior to taking up his current lectureship in the School of Environmental Sciencesmore>>
Senior Distinguished Research Fellowship: Professor Roger Marchant 18th December 2007:
Professor Marchant, who has been awarded a Senior Distinguished Research Fellowship, has made an outstanding contribution to research in the field of microbial biotechnology in a career spanning more than 42 years.more>>
Top Up Your Vitamins For Winter Health 18th December 2007:
The sunny days of summer are long behind us and, according to University of Ulster researcher Maria Barnes - who graduates today - we all need to top-up our vitamins during the winter.more>>
Dr Tara Moore Distinguished Research Fellowship: Dr Tara Moore 18th December 2007:
Biomedical scientist Dr Tara Moore has been awarded a Distinguished Research Fellowship. Since her appointment to a lectureship, Dr Moore has played a key role in the Vision Sciences Research Group, part of the University’s 5* rated Biomedical Sciences Research Institute.more>>
Prof Bert Sakmann Nobel Prize-Winning Scientist Joins Ulster University
3rd December 2007:
Nobel prize-winning scientist Professor Bert Sakmann has joined the research team at the University of Ulster’s internationally-renowned Biomedical Sciences Research Institute. more>>

Latest News

In this issue of the Faculty Newsletter, we recognise and celebrate the contribution that Business, Community, Civic and Public Engagement is making to the Faculty’s core business of teaching and research.

Newsletter (pdf)