From April 30th to May 3rd, Joana Cruz, ciTechCare integrated member and Nádia Hipólito, PhD student, were hosted by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS): Midlands, at the Athlone Campus in Ireland, within the scope of the Regional University Network – European University (RUN-EU), which includes the Polytechnic of Leiria.

This visit was focused on promoting joint work between institutions which integrates the RUN-EU consortium, more specifically on the organization of a Short Advanced Programme (SAP). This kind of study programmes enables students of the RUN-EU to connect with students from all over Europe, while studying interdisciplinary learning units and adding ECTS credits.

This programme, co-organized by both institutions, will focus on promoting healthier lifestyles in populations with various chronic diseases and will be represented at the Technological University of the Shannon, by researchers Fiona Skelly, lecturer in the areas of Physical Activity and Health Sciences, who holds a PhD in exercise prescription for clinical populations and Claire McDermott, Lecturer in Physical Activity and Health Science and Sports Science with Exercise Physiology, who holds a PhD on the efficacy of a home-based technology-enabled cardiac rehabilitation program for patients with cardiovascular disease.

In addition to getting to know the campus and the research team, Joana and Nádia were able to participate in the SHE research event, where several PhD students from the research centre presented their work in the areas of Sports Performance, Exercise and Health, and Nutrition and Health. During this event, Joana Cruz also had the opportunity to present ciTechCare, in particular, the laboratories, research projects and PhD students.