MSK Research Group Visits Carlow for the SETU EVOLVE Research Group Summer Conference

The conference provided an excellent opportunity for the MSK Research Group to showcase its diverse research portfolio while engaging with colleagues from a range of disciplines. More importantly, it created space for meaningful discussions around athlete health, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and the broader role of research in improving practice. The event embodied the collaborative spirit that drives both the EVOLVE and MSK research groups.

Several members of the MSK Research Group contributed to the programme. Dr Ashley Jones delivered a presentation titled “Understanding and Reducing the Risk of Injury in Sport: Translating Knowledge into Impact,” exploring how research findings can be effectively translated into real-world changes that enhance athlete health and safety. Jon Bell presented “Understanding Injury Epidemiology Across Combat Sports: Insights from Muay Thai, MMA, Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,” offering valuable insight into injury patterns and risks across multiple combat sports disciplines.

Representing the group’s growing work in athlete welfare, Eleanor Travis presented “Safe on Paper, Risky in Practice: The Reality of Player Welfare in British American Football.” The presentation highlighted the challenges associated with implementing welfare policies and ensuring that athlete protection moves beyond policy documents into everyday practice.

The programme also featured a thought-provoking keynote from Professor Mark Johnson, “The Weird Reality of Being Human,” which encouraged attendees to consider the complexities of human behaviour and experience relating to pain. Later in the day, School of Health PhD student Ali Emery presented “Medical Governance, Injury Surveillance and Athlete Safety in UK Ice Hockey: Bringing Research and Practice Together,” demonstrating how robust governance structures and injury surveillance systems can support safer sporting environments.

Beyond the formal presentations, the conference offered invaluable opportunities to connect with like-minded academics and practitioners. Discussions throughout the two days generated new ideas, strengthened existing collaborations, and highlighted shared ambitions to produce research that delivers meaningful impact both within and beyond sport.

The MSK Research Group would like to thank the organisers at SETU and the EVOLVE Research Group for delivering such a welcoming and stimulating event. The conference was a fantastic example of how bringing together diverse perspectives can inspire innovation, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to improving health, performance, and wellbeing through research.