Gráinne Hayes is a Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at the University of Limerick, specializing in physical activity, health promotion, and sports sciences. With a Ph.D. in Physical Activity and Health Promotion, she researches how lifestyle changes affect youth health, particularly regarding cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Since 2012, she has taught and mentored students across multiple health and science programs, while also leading impactful research projects aimed at improving physical wellbeing through education and policy.
Gráinne Hayes’ Educational Foundation: A Career Built on Excellence
Gráinne’s academic journey began at the University of Limerick, where she earned a First Class Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Exercise Sciences in 2012. Her passion for understanding human movement and health further intensified, leading her to pursue a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Physical Activity and Health Promotion, which she completed in 2018.
Under the mentorship of Prof. Alan Donnelly and Dr. Ciaran MacDonnacha, her doctoral research focused on tracking behavioral changes in physical activity from adolescence into young adulthood. This investigation explored how lifestyle shifts affect health markers like cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndromes, while also delving into the psychosocial factors influencing these behaviors. Her work has profound implications for public health policies aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among young populations.
A Versatile Educator and Researcher at the University of Limerick
Since joining the Physical Education and Sport Sciences Department in 2012, Gráinne has become a core pillar in teaching and research at the University of Limerick. She delivers a wide range of courses across disciplines such as:
- Motor Skill Acquisition
- Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Human Physiology
- Biomechanics
Her interdisciplinary approach ensures that students not only understand the science behind human movement but are also prepared to apply it in clinical, athletic, and educational settings. She currently supervises several final-year undergraduate projects, fostering evidence-based inquiry and practical skill development among her mentees.
Gráinne Hayes’ Career Timeline: From Intern to Lecturer
Gráinne’s professional timeline reflects a steady ascent through academia and applied research roles:
- 2022–Present: Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, University of Limerick
- 2021–2022: Assistant Lecturer in Activity, Workout, Health and Wellbeing, Technical School of the Shannon
- 2020–2021: Project Manager, Physical Activity for Health Research Cluster
- 2018–2019: Research Assistant, Move for Life Study
- 2017–2018: Research Assistant, Mary Immaculate College
- 2014–2016: Teaching Assistant, UL’s Physical Education and Sport Sciences
- 2014–2015: Research Assistant, Student Activity and Sports Study Ireland
- 2012–2013: Research Intern, Limerick Smarter Travel
In addition to her academic posts, Gráinne has also engaged with social service roles such as her position at NOVAS as a Tenancy Sustainment Worker, underlining her holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
Research Impact: Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Public Health
Hayes’ research addresses one of the most pressing issues in modern health: sedentary lifestyles and their impact on metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. Through large-scale studies and community-based interventions, she seeks to identify how transitions in life—particularly from adolescence to adulthood—can influence physical activity levels and health trajectories.
Key objectives of her research include:
- Detecting early behavioral shifts that contribute to chronic illness
- Understanding personal and environmental barriers to physical activity
- Designing interventions to foster lifelong healthy habits
- Influencing health policies at institutional and governmental levels
Her academic contributions have been integral to the Physical Activity for Health Research Cluster at UL, positioning her as a key thought leader in this arena.
Personal Background: Nationality, Origin, and Life Beyond Academia
While Gráinne Hayes is widely recognized for her professional and academic contributions, her personal background remains rooted in Ireland, where she was born and raised. A proud Irish national, she exemplifies the values of academic integrity, community service, and health promotion. Although much of her public profile centers on her academic and research endeavors, she maintains an active role in shaping student experiences and promoting wellness both within and beyond the university setting.
Why Gráinne Hayes Remains a Relevant Figure in Exercise Physiology
Gráinne continues to be highly regarded within academic and public health circles for several reasons:
- Her Multidisciplinary Expertise: Bridging physiology, psychology, and public health
- Her Commitment to Student Development: Guiding future leaders in health science
- Her Policy-Oriented Research: Directly influencing health guidelines and interventions
- Her Local and Global Relevance: Addressing both Irish and international health challenges
Her scholarly work and teaching continue to evolve, ensuring she stays at the forefront of exercise physiology and health research.
Conclusion
Gráinne Hayes embodies the ideal of a modern academic: deeply rooted in evidence-based research, passionately committed to teaching, and acutely aware of the societal implications of her work. As health concerns around physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles continue to grow globally, experts like Gráinne play a critical role in shaping a healthier, more active future for generations to come. With her continued contributions at the University of Limerick and beyond, Hayes is not only informing science—but inspiring change.
FAQs
1. What inspired Gráinne Hayes to pursue a career in exercise physiology?
Gráinne Hayes found her passion for understanding human movement and health during her undergraduate studies, which motivated her academic journey in physiology.
2. Where does Gráinne Hayes currently work and what subjects does she teach?
At the University of Limerick, Gráinne Hayes teaches courses in physiology, biomechanics, motor skill acquisition, and exercise psychology.
3. What makes Gráinne Hayes’ research significant in public health?
Her research focuses on lifestyle transitions, especially in youth, to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes through activity interventions.
4. How does Gráinne Hayes support her students’ academic development?
She actively supervises undergraduate research, encourages critical thinking, and provides hands-on mentoring across diverse sport and health science disciplines.
5. What sets Gráinne Hayes apart in the field of health promotion?
Gráinne blends academic expertise with practical health strategies, making her work influential in shaping community health policies and wellness programs.
