South East Technological University (SETU) recently welcomed three academics from the Catholic University of Valencia (UCV) for a two-day visit focused on strengthening research collaboration and academic exchange.
Dr Florentino Huertas, Dr Alejandro Sanz Bayo and Mr Rafa Martinez Requena from UCV’s Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science visited SETU on Monday 9 February and Tuesday 10 February. The visit was coordinated by Dr Paul Byrne, SETU researcher and TU RISE Sabbatical candidate.
Exploring shared research interests
On Monday, the UCV delegation met with Dr Sharon Kinsella, Head of Department of Health and Sport Sciences, to explore areas of shared research interest. Discussions centred on potential collaboration opportunities aligned with sport science, physical activity, and health-related research.
On Tuesday, the academics met with Dr Michael Harrison, Head of Department of Sport and Exercise Science, alongside colleagues Dr Brona Kehoe and Dr Laura Finnegan. This meeting focused on developing collaborative research initiatives, particularly in relation to fall risk in older adults and the use of exercise in the management of cancer.
Student engagement and knowledge exchange
As part of the visit, the UCV academics delivered a research seminar to fourth-year undergraduate students across Sport Science, Strength and Conditioning, and Sport, Business and Coaching programmes. The session included presentations on their research areas, followed by an open discussion on research pathways and professional opportunities in Spain.
The delegation also met with SETU researchers, including Dr Paula Rankin, Dr Sharon Kinsella, Dr Michael Harrison, Dr Brona Kehoe, and Dr Laura Finnegan, providing further opportunity to discuss potential research partnerships in an informal setting.
Future research opportunities
On Tuesday afternoon, the UCV academics engaged with lecturers from SETU’s Health and Sport Sciences department to examine future research possibilities. These discussions included potential projects related to physical conditioning programmes and research involving adolescents participating in competitive sport.
Reciprocal ERASMUS-funded visit
Dr Paul Byrne and Dr Colin Coyle (Department of Health and Sport Sciences) undertook a reciprocal visit to the Catholic University of Valencia (UCV) the following week as part of an ERASMUS-funded exchange. During the visit, the researchers engaged with UCV academic staff, toured specialist teaching and laboratory facilities, and explored opportunities for collaborative research and student placement pathways. The visit also included meetings with practitioners working in applied sport and exercise settings, further strengthening links between the two institutions.
The visit was highly productive, and the future of this partnership is very promising."
Dr Paul Byrne, SETU
The visits at SETU and UCV also supported ongoing international collaboration. The UCV academics and Dr Byrne discussed a current research study involving Carlow GAA, conducted in partnership with Carlow GAA and UPMC. UCV researchers are active collaborators on this project.
University perspective
Dr Sharon Kinsella explained the wider context, saying, “This visit reflects SETU’s continued commitment to fostering international partnerships that enhance research, promote knowledge exchange, and support collaborative approaches to addressing challenges in health, sport, and physical activity.”
Dr Paul Byrne explained the initiation of the collaboration and the strengthening of ties with the three academics from UCV, saying, “This collaboration between SETU and UCV began in February 2024. Our engagement with Dr Huertas, Dr Sanz and Mr Martinez has been extremely valuable, leading to joint research projects, including work with the Carlow GAA academy. We are now exploring opportunities to expand this collaboration further. The visit was highly productive, and the future of this partnership is very promising.”
Dr Paul Byrne’s research sabbatical is funded by SETU-TU RISE, co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–27.
