With strong national and international partnerships, SETU is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer care
South East Technological University (SETU) has reinforced its position as a national leader in the health and exercise sciences, hosting an exercise oncology conference that brought together world-leading researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates to advance the role of exercise in cancer care.
The event showcased cutting-edge global research demonstrating that structured exercise can improve treatment outcomes, enhance quality of life, and, in some cases, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Speakers included Professor Kathryn Schmitz, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and President of the International Society of Exercise Oncology, Professor Anna Campbell, Professor at Edinburgh Napier University and Dr Ciarán Fairman, Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina.
Exercise Oncology Speakers, etc. Pictured L-R: Anne Marie Power, Cancer Survivor; Dr Tina Thea Nielsen; Professor Kathryn Schmitz; Dr Patricia Sheehan, SETU; Cllr Adam Wyse, Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford; Professor Michael Harrison; Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, SETU VP for Research, Innovation and Impact; Dr Ciarán Fairman, Professor Anna Campbell; and Dr Kira Murphy, UPMC. Photo: Patrick Browne
Opening the conference, Professor Michael Harrison, SETU Head of Department of Sport and Exercise Science, highlighted the growing body of evidence positioning exercise as a critical component of cancer treatment and recovery pathways, while also showcasing SETU’s own research contributions in improving patient outcomes through targeted exercise interventions. Dr Tina-Thea Nielsen, University of Southern Denmark then presented on the impactful ‘Football as Medicine’ initiative which was launched in Denmark.
The conference, entitled ‘From Evidence to Action; Building Exercise Oncology into Everyday Cancer Care in Ireland’, underlined the urgent need to translate evidence into practice, to make exercise a standard of care for all who have received a cancer diagnosis. Discussions focused on developing scalable, inclusive models of care, strengthening workforce capacity, and integrating exercise into standard cancer treatment pathways across Ireland.
SETU researchers played a central role throughout the event, demonstrating the University’s commitment to impactful, patient-centred research. From pioneering studies in fatigue reduction and physical function in prostate cancer, to collaborations with international partners, SETU continues to drive innovation in exercise oncology.
Conference organiser Dr Patricia Sheehan, Lecturer and active researcher in exercise oncology at SETU, emphasised the importance of collaboration in advancing the field, while Dr Kira Murphy of the UPMC Ireland, highlighted the need for action, noting that “real change happens in what we do next.”
With strong national and international partnerships, SETU is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer care—ensuring that research translates into meaningful improvements in patient outcomes and quality of life.
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