UL professor appointed an honorary doctor by prestigious research institution

University of Limerick's Professor Ann MacPhail has been appointed an honorary doctor by the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH). The ceremony was held recently in Stockholm, Sweden, and recognised Professor MacPhail as one of the world's leading researchers in sports pedagogy and didactics.

The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH) is Sweden's leading centre for sports, performance development, physical activity, and health through excellence, innovation, and internationalisation.

Per Nilsson, Principal at GIH, said, "GIH's ambition is excellence, innovation, and internationalisation. Considering this priority, it is indeed a great pleasure for me to invite a leading international professor to be appointed as an honorary doctor."

Professor MacPhail is Co-Director of the Physical Education, Physical Activity, and Youth Sport (PEPAYS) Ireland Research Centre at UL and is recognised internationally for her work in enhancing physical education experiences for schoolchildren.

"We have built a centre over the years that encourages researchers to come together and work across disciplines. This collaboration helps stakeholders connect and provides a safe space for early-career researchers to share their research," she commented.

Professor MacPhail’s collaboration with GIH researchers on the EU-funded project PhysEd-academy, along with her extensive publication record of over 130 peer-reviewed articles, 30 book chapters, and five books, showcases her significant impact on the field.

She commented, "It is a great honour to receive recognition for the work I do. However, I did not imagine that I would become an honorary doctor at GIH. I have always held GIH colleagues, their work, and their extended team in the highest regard, which heightens the honour.”

Professor Norelee Kennedy, Vice President of Research at UL, noted Professor MacPhail's contribution to the field: 

“We are delighted to see Professor MacPhail’s world-leading research recognised by the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences. Ann is a research leader with an exemplary publication record in her field. This honorary doctorate recognises her immense contribution in the impactful field of physical education and sports sciences.”

The ceremony, which also awarded an honorary doctorate to Professor Benno Nigg from the University of Calgary, featured lectures by the honorary doctors, celebrating their significant achievements in the field.