News & Events

Start of the Large-Scale MENTUPP Intervention Project

Press Release

MENTUPP Press Release 24-06-2022

The EU-funded project MENTUPP, Mental Health Promotion and Intervention in Occupational Settings, is delighted to announce that a large-scale testing of the MENTUPP Hub is currently under way in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the construction, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and healthcare sectors across Europe and Australia.

The MENTUPP Consortium aims to help SMEs build mentally healthy workplaces. Via the MENTUPP Hub, managers and employees can learn how to promote peer support, as well as improve their individual and organizational wellbeing. The MENTUPP Hub is an online and interactive training platform where users can follow a progress journey to improve both non-clinical aspects - job stress, wellbeing and burnout - and clinical aspects of mental health - depression and anxiety disorders - while learning how to communicate about mental health difficulties.

Materials available on the MENTUPP Hub have been developed by experts in the field of mental health and occupational psychology and are based on current evidence on creating healthy workplaces. The MENTUPP Project takes a multi-level approach which means that tailored materials are available for employees, managers and the entire workplace. Users can anonymously access all materials in the MENTUPP Hub in their local language and they can do an exercise, take a quiz, watch a video or read a session as many times as they like. We spend one-third of our life at work and how mental health issues are addressed in our workplace significantly affects our mental health, quality of life and wellbeing.

Mentally unhealthy workplaces can lead to an increase in employees taking sick leave and being unable to work, as well as a reduction in employees’ productivity. MENTUPP supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal: Good Health and Wellbeing by strengthening the capacity of all countries for prevention, early warning, and risk reduction of mental health issues. Opportunities to Participate The MENTUPP Intervention Project is currently conducted in Ireland, Germany, Finland, Spain, Kosovo, Albania, Hungary, The Netherlands, and Australia. There is still the opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Construction and Information and Communication Technology to join the MENTUPP Intervention Project.

We invite all SMEs with less than 250 employees in the health, construction, and ICT sectors across Europe and Australia to make mental health a priority in their workplace by joining the MENTUPP project. Interested in participating in or knowing more about MENTUPP and its benefits?

Check our website at https://www.mentuppproject.eu/ or email mentupp@eaad.net

  • Interested in studying Public Health? The CAO Change of Mind deadline is 1 July at 5:15pm!

    15 Jun 2022
    Interested in studying Public Health? The CAO Change of Mind deadline is 1 July at 5:15pm!

    UCC’s CAO Change of Mind Live Q&A Sessions will take place from 22 June - 25 June

    As the CAO Change of Mind deadline approaches, UCC is preparing to host a series of live Q&A sessions to inform and assist prospective students as they make their all-important third-level course choices.
     
    The sessions will be held, via Pubble, through the UCC Admissions Office webpage.
     
    To participate in the sessions, simply click on www.ucc.ie/cao and follow the guidelines.

     

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  • EPICC launch Chronic Disease Burden Report - May 2022

    31 May 2022
    EPICC launch Chronic Disease Burden Report - May  2022

    Chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes are the most common causes of death throughout Europe, including Ireland. The rise in chronic disease is increasing demand on health systems worldwide and is extremely costly for governments. In addition to this increasing demand, there is a widening gap between available resources and healthcare costs. The costs will continue to increase unless governments can find a better way to prevent and treat these diseases.

     

     

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  • SPH News - Spring 2022

    03 May 2022
    SPH News - Spring 2022

    As we near the end of a very busy and productive 2021/2022 academic year, we are delighted to bring you updates about the School's most recent achievements, our research publications, introduce you to new staff members and let you know about both past and upcoming events. 

    To find out more about our School, Staff and Students, just click on the link below to view our Spring Newsletter.

    SPH News - Spring 2022

    Dr Ana Contreras Navarro, Editor

    Read more
  • Congratulations to our MSc Occupational Health Graduates!

    13 Apr 2022
    Congratulations to our MSc Occupational Health Graduates!

    It was wonderful to see Students and Staff celebrating at the MSc in Occupational Health Conferrings. 

    Sincere congratulations to all our graduates and welcome to the School of Public Health’s Alumni Community!

    The MSc in Occupational Health provides our graduates with the expertise and key skills required to effectively address health & safety issues in all workplaces and promote employees’ wellbeing - a skillset in constant demand by organisations around the globe.

    This multidisciplinary course is delivered by academics, industry experts and professionals with national and international experience. Health and safety lie at the heart of an organisation’s commitment to its workforce and makes good business sense. Looking after the safety, health and wellbeing of employees help to reduce costs and build a healthy, resilient and motivated workforce.

    Interested in enhancing your career with an MSc in Occupational Health? Find out more by visiting https://www.ucc.ie/en/publichealth/undergraduateandpostgraduatecourses/postgraduate/mscinoccupationalhealth/

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  • Webinar: Providing connection during COVID-19: Exploring the implementation of Friendly Call Cork (26th May 1-2pm)

    10 May 2022
    Webinar: Providing connection during COVID-19: Exploring the implementation of Friendly Call Cork (26th May 1-2pm)


    Fiona Riordan and Tanya van de Water will present findings from the LINK (Learning how to create Integrated community Networks through Knowledge exchange) project, funded by an Irish Research Council New Foundations Award.

    COVID-19 has focused more attention on befriending services to support people who may be vulnerable and experiencing loneliness. However, there is limited research on how befriending services work. Friendly Call Cork is a service based in Cork City which addresses isolation and loneliness through a daily phone call to older people and individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

    To register visit https://lnkd.in/e8vzTmaM

    The LINK project aimed to understand how the service is implemented, how it links in with healthcare services, how people who use the service (clients) and volunteers experience the service, and lastly how the service adapted during the pandemic.

    You can find out more about the LINK project here: https://lnkd.in/efp8MPUF

     

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  • The MENTUPP Consortium proudly supports International Workers’ Day 2022

    01 May 2022
    The MENTUPP Consortium proudly supports International Workers’ Day 2022

    To support decision-makers to place greater focus on mental health in occupational settings, a team of international experts has designed an evidence-based online mental health promotion tool.

    The EU-funded project MENTUPP, Mental Health Promotion and Intervention in Occupational Settings, aims to improve mental health of employers, managers and employees in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It addresses both non-clinical aspects such as stress, wellbeing and burnout, and clinical aspects such as depression and anxiety disorders, as well as reducing stigma related to mental health.

    The MENTUPP project is coordinated by Prof. Ella Arensman, who states that “Limited capacities for mental health promotion and provision of adequate occupational mental health programmes for employees are a concern shared by most decision-makers in SMEs”.

    A large-scale implementation and evaluation project will start in June 2022. We invite all SMEs with less than 250 employees in the health, construction, and ICT sectors across Europe and Australia to make mental health a priority in their workplace by joining this MENTUPP project.


    Read more
  • National Workplace Wellbeing Day 2022

    29 Apr 2022
    National Workplace Wellbeing Day 2022

    Ibec's 8th National Workplace Wellbeing Day takes place on Friday 29th April 2022. Never has embedding a sustainable, long-term approach to health and wellbeing been so important as the world of work continues to evolve following the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Today, companies are encouraged to focus on the social, mental and physical wellbeing of their employees. 

    UCC's MSc Occupational Health attracts students from a range of organisations, sectors and countries, across the globe. 

    There is a continuous and growing demand for experts trained in the area of occupational health, safety and wellbeing, resulting in many career opportunities across a range of sectors.

    Some of the organisations where our graduates have worked show the breadth of opportunity available to occupational health graduates.

     

     

    Read more
  • Lectureship Opportunity in Public Health

    27 Apr 2022
    Lectureship Opportunity in Public Health

    UCC wishes to appoint an experienced academic to the above role. Reporting to the Head of School, the post holder shall teach and examine, establish and maintain a competitive Epidemiology and/or Public Health research programme, undertake administrative duties and carry out other duties appropriate to the post under the general direction of the Head of the School of Public Health.

    Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

    For an information package including full details of the post, selection criteria and application process, please click HERE 

    Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Tuesday, 17th May 2022.

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  • Announcing our KICK-OFF SEMINAR 2022

    27 Apr 2022
    Announcing our KICK-OFF SEMINAR 2022

    Preventing suicide and self-harm via improving awareness and care for people with depression.

    Speakers will include mental health and healthcare professionals, people with lived experience, the HSE Cork and Kerry Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention and researchers.

    Further information about the seminar can be found here PDF EAAD Kick off seminar

    Click HERE to register.

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  • Exciting Lectureship Opportunities in Occupational Health!

    12 Apr 2022
    Exciting Lectureship Opportunities in Occupational Health!

    Lecturer in Occupational Health x 2   

    School of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health

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  • Launch of HIV Psychosocial Care Survey

    14 Mar 2022
    Launch of HIV Psychosocial Care Survey

    A national survey is being launched to identify the barriers and facilitators to psychosocial care for people living with HIV in Ireland.

    The short survey (approximately 5 minutes) is available in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese.

    Psychosocial health extends beyond physical well-being, encompassing the mental, emotional, and social wellbeing of a person. The past two decades have seen significant advancements in our understanding and treatment of HIV, meaning that psychosocial needs have become increasingly central to care. People living with HIV are disproportionately affected by psychosocial stress, and research shows HIV-related stigma still persists in Ireland; a known barrier to engagement in healthcare, associated with poor social and psychological health.

    The fully anonymous survey will collect vital information on how people living with HIV in Ireland view social support, service accessibility, HIV status disclosure, COVID-19 etc. The survey outcomes will be used to inform future research and development.

    The survey is open until June 20th 2022.

    Read more
  • Exciting Lectureship Opportunity - Application Deadline is 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Thursday, 31st March 2022.

    28 Feb 2022
    Exciting Lectureship Opportunity - Application Deadline is 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Thursday, 31st March 2022.

    The Role


    Lectureship in Epidemiology, School of Public Health


    Specific Purpose Whole Time Post (anticipated duration 5 years) 
     
    UCC wishes to appoint an experienced academic to the above role. Reporting to the Head of School, the post holder shall teach and examine, establish and maintain a competitive Epidemiology and/or Public Health research programme, undertake administrative duties and carry out other duties appropriate to the post under the general direction of the Head of the School of Public Health. 

    To find out more about this role, visit https://www.ucc.ie/en/hr/vacancies/academic/

    Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Thursday, 31st March 2022. 

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  • Seminar. Understanding the Lymph System: increasing Lymphoedema Awareness

    10 Mar 2022
    Seminar. Understanding the Lymph System: increasing Lymphoedema Awareness

    Rescheduled to a later date - details to follow once confirmed.

    Read more
  • Delighted to announce our 2022 Seminar Series kicks off on Tuesday 8th February!

    17 Jan 2022
    Delighted to announce our 2022 Seminar Series kicks off on Tuesday 8th February!

    The School invites you to attend our February Seminar.

    Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Global and National Perspective

    Presented by Professor Ella Arensman



     

     

    Read more
  • School of Public Health Newsletter - Winter 2022

    31 Jan 2022
    School of Public Health Newsletter - Winter 2022

    A new year has commenced and we are delighted to bring you updates about the School's latest achievements, our recent research publications, introduce you to new staff members and let you know about both past and upcoming events. 

    To find out more about our School, Staff and Students, just click on the link below to view our Winter Newsletter.

    School of Public Health Newsletter - Winter 2022

    Dr Ana Contreras Navarro, Editor

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  • CAO - Join UCC at our Live Q & A for Undergraduate Applicants!

    09 Jan 2022
    CAO - Join UCC at our Live Q & A for Undergraduate Applicants!

    Live Q&As (19 January 2022 & 4 May 2022) are all about you!

    They are your opportunity to ask our students and staff questions about life at UCC. Delve into our facilities and services and the overall student experience. Picture yourself at university and see if you'll be happy here. Get the answers you need before you apply via CAO (if you are an Irish/EU citizen) or via our UCCApply system (if you're coming from a non-EU country).

    By attending our Live Chat Q&As, you begin your journey at UCC and can lookind forward to joining a vibrant and diverse community of over 23,000 students from over 100 different countries if you join us in Autumn 2022.

    Find out if UCC feels right to you - visit https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/events/opendays/

     

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  • Irish Implementation Science Training Institute 2022

    15 Dec 2021
    Irish Implementation Science Training Institute 2022

    The Irish Implementation Science Training Institute 2022, is a training course in implementation science, hosted by the newly formed Health Implementation Research Hub at the School of Public Health, University College Cork.

    The course will have a blended format. Participants will complete asynchronous online introductory modules over four months so you can work at your own pace followed by a 3-day face-to-face workshop facilitated by international experts in implementation science.

    Click here for more details on the course and how to apply.

    Also, we are delighted to welcome the Health Implementation Research Hub to Twitter!

    Looking forward to seeing all the interesting information they will share with their followers at 
    @HIRH_Ireland 

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  • December Postgraduate Research Seminar

    09 Dec 2021
    December Postgraduate Research Seminar

    Join outgoing Masters Students from the School of Public Health as they present their dissertation research.

    Tuesday 14th December 1pm - 2pm

    Venue: MS Teams

    Please complete the Google Forms link HERE to register and receive the MS Teams link to the Research Seminar.

    Google Forms will close for Registration at 17:00 Monday 13th December.

    All are welcome.

     

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  • The Next Pandemic

    25 Nov 2021
    The Next Pandemic

    How bad might things get? How should we prepare?

    UCC's School of Public Health is delighted to partner with Dr Greg Martin, Specialist in Public Health Medicine and Clinical Lead for Contact Tracing in Ireland, on his 'The Next Pandemic' video, just released on his Global Health You Tube Channel.

    If you are interested in global health or public health – this channel is for you – and will help you gain the knowledge required to become an effective public health practitioner.

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  • UCC project on Early Identification of Suicide and Self-Harm Risk awarded €1.5m HRB funding

    22 Nov 2021
    UCC project on Early Identification of Suicide and Self-Harm Risk awarded €1.5m HRB funding

    A project hosted at University College Cork (UCC) that will increase research and training on earlier intervention in suicide and self-harm risk has been awarded €1.5m in funding from the Health Research Board (HRB).

    Early Identification of Suicide and Self-Harm Risk and Comorbid Mental and PHysical Disorders: An INterdisciplinary TrAining, Research and InterventioN Programme (MHAINTAIN) hosted at UCC has been awarded under the Collaborative Doctoral Awards (CDA) 2021 scheme, which provides for structured training for up to five PhD candidates. 

    MHAINTAIN will address the need for doctoral training and career paths to improve early identification and intervention in suicide and self-harm risk. It will comprise four research projects with the following focus areas:

    1. Early identification of risk of self-harm and suicide and comorbid mental disorders among people diagnosed with cancer and chronic respiratory illnesses
    2. The impact of an improved Cognitive Behaviour Therapy programme on self-harm patients in terms of neuropsychological and biological markers
    3. Early identification of risk factors for repeated self-harm in children and adolescents aged 10-18
    4. Services and supports to minimise risk of suicide, self-harm and comorbid mental and physical health outcomes during public health emergencies.

     

     

     

     

     

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  • HRB Ones2Watch 2021

    16 Nov 2021
    HRB Ones2Watch 2021

    Congratulations to Jennifer Pallin and Katarzyna Gajewska who were selected as finalists for the 2021 HRB Ones2Watch Competition. Jennifer and Kate were two of the four selected finalists who had their videos showcased at the HRB Ones2Watch conference on the 7th October.

     

     

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  • School of Public Health Newsletter - Autumn 2021

    29 Oct 2021
    School of Public Health Newsletter - Autumn 2021

    Welcome to the Autumn 2021 edition of SPH Newsletter.

    The School has had a busy and eventful Summer and start of term and there is much to celebrate as we embark on a new academic year.

    I am very grateful to all our staff for their commitment to the core work of the school, despite the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is great to see our students again in the Western Gateway Building, albeit behind masks!

    Just click on the link below to view our Autumn Newsletter.

    School of Public Health Newsletter - Autumn 2021

    Professor Ivan Perry, Dean of School.

     

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  • Summer Research - Student Seminar 26th October

    31 Oct 2021
    Summer Research - Student Seminar 26th October

    During Summer 2021, a group of talented public health sciences and medical students carried out research with the School of Public Health or with staff affiliated to the School.

    On Tuesday 26th October, these students presented their research which can now be viewed below.

     

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  • Proud & Delighted!

    20 Oct 2021
    Proud & Delighted!

    The School is delighted and proud to have been awarded an Athena Swan Bronze Award at today's National Athena Swan Ireland Award ceremony with Minister Simon Harris.

    Sincere thanks to all those who worked together to help our School reach this important milestone.

    To find out more, visit https://www.ucc.ie/en/publichealth/athenaswan/

     

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  • UCC Community Week 2021

    28 Sep 2021
    UCC Community Week 2021

    As part of UCC’s Community Week, running from the 11-17th of October, the School of Public Health in collaboration with Cork Healthy Cities has organised three webinars that you may wish to attend.

    Below are the online events and links to their Eventbrite registration pages and we would love if you could join us.

     

     

     

     

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  • Master of Public Health (MPH) Studentship

    23 Jul 2021
    Master of Public Health (MPH) Studentship

    School: School of Public Health

    College: College of Medicine & Health

    Contract Type: Fixed Term Whole-Time
     
    Job Type: Research

     

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  • Lectureship Opportunities in the School of Public Health

    18 May 2021
    Lectureship Opportunities in the School of Public Health

    CLOSING DATE - Before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) Tuesday 15th June 2021.

     
    Lectureship (x2) in Health Protection – Infection Prevention and Control, School of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health

    Specific Purpose Whole-time Posts (anticipated duration of 3 years).

    UCC wishes to appoint to the above Lectureships (2 posts). In accordance with the University’s strategic objective as a research led institution, the duties of all academic staff will include research, research-led teaching and contributions to the university, the discipline and the community. The academic staff member shall teach and examine, undertake administrative duties and carry out other duties appropriate to the post under the general direction of the Head of the School of Public Health.
     
    For an information package including full details of the post, selection criteria and application process please click here.  
     
    Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr. Maura Smiddy at m.smiddy@ucc.ie
     
     

     

     
     

     

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  • ASPHER

    04 Jun 2021
    ASPHER

    The Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) is the key independent European organisation dedicated to strengthening the role of public health by improving education and training of public health professionals for both practice and research.

    The School of Public Health UCC is proud to be a member of ASPHER, a membership organisation of institutions, spread across EU and wider across WHO European Region. It promotes activities which foster exchange of information and best practices amongst its members in an effort to achieve high standards of public health education and training across Europe.

    The main functions of the Association are:

    To support the professionalisation of the public health workforce in Europe, whilst respecting the diversity of national and regional contexts in which each school of public health operates, and thus:

    To sustain capacity building in public health, so that it balances with national and European population health challenges and threats, and is supported by best standards of public health education and training, scientific research, and practice.

     

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  • Hear what Shane Creagh Piper had to say during European Public Health Week

    19 May 2021
    Hear what Shane Creagh Piper had to say during European Public Health Week

    Shane Creagh Piper, a graduate in BSc Public Health Sciences and a current Masters of Public Health student in UCC, was one of the speakers during European Public Health Week 2021.

    Shane is a Team Lead at the Cork Contact Tracing Centre (Cork CTC) for Covid-19.

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  • Edel Burton talks about her role as a Pharmacist Vaccinator

    28 May 2021
    Edel Burton talks about her role as a Pharmacist Vaccinator

    My Role as a Pharmacist Vaccinator/ On-Site Pharmacist in a Cork Mass Vaccination Centre

    When the call came earlier this year from the HSE for suitable healthcare professionals to apply for the role of vaccinator in their mass vaccination clinics, I was delighted to apply. As a pharmacist I am one of the professionals who can operate as a vaccinator in these clinics.

    Vaccination is a vital component of public health practice. I thoroughly enjoy my role as a pharmacist vaccinator, administering the four COVID-19 vaccines available on the Irish market and counselling the patient on this medication.

    Furthermore, I am now also the on-site pharmacist (when on shift) in Cork City Hall Vaccination Centre. This means that I am responsible for medication management on site.

    With both roles I can unite my clinical knowledge and skills with my understanding of public health research and practice. However, I also get to witness human compassion, perseverance, and resilience.  It is an honour to work alongside an incredible team of motivated and dedicated individuals throughout this pandemic.

    Read more
  • A Careers Evening for MSc in Occupational Health Students and Alumni

    17 May 2021
    A Careers Evening for MSc in Occupational Health Students and Alumni

    More details to follow shortly.

    Read more
  • Launching your Career in STEM! Health and Medical Technologies Career Insights Thursday 27th May 14.30 – 16.00

    24 May 2021
    Launching your Career in STEM!
Health and Medical Technologies Career Insights
Thursday 27th May 14.30 – 16.00

    MONDAY 24TH - THURS 27TH MAY 

    We are delighted to invite UCC students to attend STEM Career Insights Week 2021 – the first event series of its kind.

    Eight sector-specific sessions will be hosted between Monday and Thursday with insights from our keynote speakers and UCC graduates on launching a career in STEM.

    The aim of the events is to highlight the range of career paths STEM graduates can pursue and inspire our current students to consider the broad career options available to them.

    Health and Medical Technologies Career Insights

    Thursday 27th May 14.30 – 16.00

    While this event is targeted at STEM cohorts, we encourage all students with an interest in any of the below events to attend.

    Learn more about our keynote speakers and alumni speakers.

     

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  • European Public Health Week 2021 May 17 - 21

    20 May 2021
    European Public Health Week 2021 May 17 - 21

    The School is delighted that Shane Creagh Piper, a graduate in BSc Public Health Sciences and a current Masters of Public Health student in UCC, will be one of the speakers during European Public Health Week.

    Shane is a Team Lead at the Cork Contact Tracing Centre (Cork CTC) for Covid-19 and previous clinical/non-clinical Contact Tracer. His field of work in Contact Tracing is closely linked with his academic background in epidemiology and health protection. Shane’s interest in epidemiology sparked during a three-month placement with National Cancer Registry Ireland where he contributed to national reports as an assistant data analyst.

    To register for the Seminar please click HERE by 17:00 Wednesday 19th May.

    To find out more about European Health Week 2021 visit https://eupha.org/EUPHW and follow @EUPHActs

     

     

     

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  • School of Public Health Researchers awarded Irish Research Council New Foundations Funding

    06 Apr 2021
    School of Public Health Researchers awarded Irish Research Council New Foundations Funding

    Dr Sheena McHugh (Principal Investigator) and Dr Fiona Riordan (Co-investigator) have been awarded funding to conduct a project in partnership with Friendly Call Cork/Cork City Partnership.

    The project ‘Learning how to create Integrated community Networks through Knowledge exchange’ (LINK) was one of 76 projects funded as part of the Irish Research Council New Foundations scheme which aims to connect researchers and community/voluntary organisations.

     

     

     

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  • National Workplace Wellbeing Day 2021

    30 Apr 2021
    National Workplace Wellbeing Day 2021

    Today, companies are encouraged to focus on the social, mental and physical wellbeing of their employees. A sustainable approach to employee wellbeing has never been so important to organisations as they support their staff through the pandemic and back into the workplace. 

    UCC's MSc in Occupational Health - attracts students from a range of organisations, sectors and countries, across the globe

    There is a continuous and growing demand for experts trained in the area of occupational health, safety and wellbeing, resulting in many career opportunities across a range of sectors.

    Some of the organisations where our graduates have worked show the breadth of opportunity available to occupational health graduates.

     

    Read more
  • MENTUPP proudly support National Workplace Wellbeing Day 2021

    30 Apr 2021
    MENTUPP proudly support National Workplace Wellbeing Day 2021

    On April 30th, 2021, the EU-funded project MENTUPP Mental Health Promotion and Intervention in Occupational Settings, proudly supports the National Workplace Wellbeing Day 2021. On this day, the MENTUPP Consortium would like to highlight the need to invest in mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and announce the launch of the MENTUPP Pilot Study, which will start in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Europe and Australia on May 1st.

    We spend one-third of our life working. How mental illness is addressed in our workplace can have a significant impact on our mental health, quality of life and wellbeing. When not addressed, mental illness can have harmful impacts, such as use of alcohol, other substances or self-harm. In the workplace, this can lead to absenteeism and poor productivity. A negative working environment can exacerbate mental illness. Since its outbreak, COVID-19 has had major negative psychosocial impacts, with ongoing challenges related to lockdown restrictions and forced quarantine.

    The EU-funded project MENTUPP, coordinated by Prof. Ella Arensman, aims to improve mental health of employers, managers and employees in SMEs in Europe and Australia.

    It addresses both non-clinical aspects such as stress, wellbeing and burnout, and clinical aspects such as depression and anxiety disorders, as well as reducing stigma related to mental health.

     

     

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  • Launch of Horizon Europe

    27 Apr 2021
    Launch of Horizon Europe

    The Health Research Board (HRB) hosted the online national launch of Horizon Europe on Tuesday April 27th and the School of Public Health's Professor Ella Arensman contributed to this event.

    Running from 2021-2027, Horizon Europe will be the most ambitious Research and Innovation programme in the world. 

    The launch event provided an overview of the Horizon Europe Health Cluster, and offered practical advice for researchers submitting proposals.
     
     
     
     
     
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  • See our new BSc Public Health Sciences video!

    16 Apr 2021
    See our new BSc Public Health Sciences video!

    Do you want to be at the heart of society’s organised efforts to prevent disease and to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of the population? Yes?

    Study BSc Public Health Sciences in UCC - the only undergraduate degree in public health sciences in Ireland. Find out all about the BSc PHS by watching our new video - part of the College's Prep for Medicine and Health Day 2021.

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  • UCC has announced the appointment of Ireland’s first Professor of Public Mental Health

    06 Apr 2021
    UCC has announced the appointment of Ireland’s first Professor of Public Mental Health

    Prof Ella Arensman, who will continue in her current role as Chief Scientist at the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF), will lead important and groundbreaking research on suicide and self-harm within UCC’s School of Public Health.

    Having spent over three decades working in the field of suicide prevention research and public mental health, Prof Arensman said demand for research-based public mental health policy has never been greater, in light of the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

    Professor Ivan Perry, Dean of the School of Public Health, welcomed the appointment;

    "Professor Ella Arensman is a global leader in public mental health who has made an enormous contribution to work on the causes and prevention of self-harm and suicide in Ireland and internationally.  She has an exciting vision for capacity development and research in Public Mental Health and my colleagues and I at the School of Public Health look forward to working with her to realise this vision," he said.

    Prof Arensman said. “It is a great honour to have been selected for the first professorial appointment in Public Mental Health in Ireland and it is very encouraging to see the endorsement of public mental health and suicide prevention research by UCC and the College of Medicine and Health.” 

     

     

     

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  • Getting ready for Prep for Health!

    26 Mar 2021
    Getting ready for Prep for Health!

    For the past 10 years, the School of Medicine has organised the very successful ‘Prep for Med’ day for transition year secondary school students.

    Aimed at TY students who may be considering a career in medicine, the day has proved very popular and now features widely among school diaries and social media.

    Prep for Med and Health.....virtually!

    As the day enters its tenth year, and particularly given the difficult year it has been for universities and secondary schools alike, this year the College of Medicine and Health will deliver this day remotely, on Wednesday 14th April.

    All schools that make up the College of Medicine and Health will be involved, with each School filming a video to show students what it is like to study and work in the various fields of medicine and health.

    Today was the School of Public Health's day to film with videographer Ger Griffin and Dr Janas Harrington in UCC's Western Gateway building.

     

     

     

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  • Interested in a PhD Opportunity?

    11 Mar 2021
    Interested in a PhD Opportunity?
  • The Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) European Union March 2021

    05 Mar 2021
    The Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) European Union March 2021

    Co-authored by Dr Janas M Harrington, School of Public Health, UCC 

    An assessment of EU-level policies influencing food environments and priority actions to create healthy food environments in the EU.

    Overweight, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health challenge in Europe.

    Suboptimal diets are key contributors to increasing the risk of these diseases and thereby affect the health and economic systems of all European Member States.

    In addition, in most European countries socioeconomic inequalities in obesity and dietary patterns are evident. Population diets are influenced by food environments in European Member States.

     

     

    Read more
  • COVID Conference 2021

    10 Feb 2021
    COVID Conference 2021

    We are delighted to announce that UCC's COVID Conference 2021 will commence on Monday 22nd February. 

    With numerous rapid and innovative advancements in many areas during the pandemic, including the development of vaccines, we are going to give those at the forefront of these developments a chance to share their stories with us.

    The week-long conference is being organised by five UCC societies:  

    UCC Biomedical Science Society 

    UCC Pharmacy Society 

    UCC Science Society 

    UCC Public Health Society 

    UCC Medical Research and Technology Society 

    Registration for these talks is via a google form.

    Register here for the Conference: https://forms.gle/BYo8BYNLtFiJw6HPA

    Talks are live and questions are welcome via the chat function.

    To find out more, please email Katie O’Brien biomed@uccsocieties.ie

    _______________________________________________________________________________________

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  • Recruitment for the role of Director - National Cancer Registry Ireland / Professor of Cancer Epidemiology, UCC.

    05 Feb 2021
    Recruitment for the role of Director - National Cancer Registry Ireland / Professor of Cancer Epidemiology, UCC.

    The NCRI is seeking suitable applicants for the role of Director, National Cancer Registry Ireland / Professor of Cancer Epidemiology, University College Cork.

    The Director will be responsible for the overall strategic leadership and management of the NCRI. She/he will manage the statutory functions of the NCRI and direct and oversee the operations of the organisation across all of its functional areas, including governance, financial management and human resources. The Director will facilitate the implementation of relevant recommendations of the National Cancer Strategy primarily through the provision of information and analysis to support policy development and service enhancement.

    The post will incorporate a role as Professor of Cancer Epidemiology in the School of Public Health at University College Cork. The School of Public Health in UCC is a large academic public health centre with over 100 staff, researchers and postgraduate students. In Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2020, the School is ranked within the top 150 Schools of Public Health globally.

     

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  • Vacancy - School Manager School of Public Health

    12 Jan 2021
    Vacancy - School Manager School of Public Health

    Permanent Whole Time Post

    UCC wishes to appoint an experienced administrator to the role of School Manager of the School of Public Health.

    Reporting to Dean of School, Professor Ivan Perry, the Manager will have responsibility, with the Dean, for co-ordinating and supervising the operation of all administrative and support functions in the School of Public Health.

    Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Tuesday 2nd February 2021. 

    Read more

Virtual Open Days - 4th & 5th December

When and Where?

This year, UCC's open days will take place over two days using our virtual environment.

To find out more about the courses available in the School of Public Health, click on the link below to sign up and get access to the Open Day system.

Sign up today 

  • Friday 4th December 2020, 1pm-6pm
  • Saturday 5th  December 2020, 10am-6pm

Staff and students from the School of Public Health will be available at the times outlined below and we look forward to telling you about the courses available and will answer any queries you may have.

FRIDAY

4th

NAME TIME
 

Colette Cunningham

Mary Cronin                                              

13.00 - 14.00
 

Janas Harrington

Alannah Gannon

14.00 - 15.00
 

John Browne

Maeve Mc Govern 

15.00 - 16.00
 

Elizabeth Keane

Linda O’Keeffe     

16.00 - 17.00
 

Justina Hurley

Janas Harrington                               

17.00 - 18.00       

 

SATURDAY

5th

NAME TIME
 

Sean Millar

Darren Dahly

10.00 - 11.00
 

Janas Harrington

Aine Bourke

11.00 - 12.00
 

Mary Cronin

Ivan Perry, Head of School

12.00 - 13.00
 

Mairead O’Connor

Janas Harrington

13.00 - 14.00
 

Fiona Mac Leod

Darren Dahly

14.00 - 15.00
 

Ivan Perry

Mairead O’Connor

15.00 - 16.00
 

Ali Khashan

16.00 - 17.00
 

Fiona Mac Leod

Ivan Perry

17.00 - 18.00

Why it's a good idea to come along!

Open Days are all about you. They provide an opportunity to ask our students and staff questions and to find out more about studying Public Health in UCC.

By attending our Open Days, you begin your journey at UCC. You will belong to a vibrant and diverse community if you join us in Autumn 2021. You will become the person you want to be.

To find out more, visit Virtual Open Day

Master of Public Health Fantastic Opportunity available via the Government's Jobs Stimulus Package

Closed for Applications since 13th November

The School of Public Health is pleased to announce that our Master of Public Health Programme (MPH) will open for new applicants during the current academic year under the Government's Jobs Stimulus package.

The Jobs Stimulus package aims to help get people back to work, upskill workers and build economic confidence while continuing to manage the impact of COVID-19. Please visit Gov.ie and the Higher Education Authority webpages for further information.

On the announcement, Prof. Ivan Perry, Dean of the School of Public Health, said:

This is an exciting opportunity for those returning to the workplace, those in employment, the formerly self-employed and recent graduates who wish to contribute to Ireland’s response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the most significant public health crisis in over 100 years. The Master of Public Health programme will provide you with the knowledge and skills to address other major global and national public health issues, including the health and societal consequences of climate change, tobacco control and the global obesity pandemic."

The new intake of students will complete first semester modules in a separate cohort and will then join the existing 20/21 cohort in the second semester. The MPH programme now open is normally offered as a Campus-based programme, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, all teaching will be online for the 2020-2021 academic year. 

Eligibility

Courses funded under the package will be open to returners to the workforce, those in employment, the formerly self-employed and recent graduates. All participants, with the exception of returners to the workforce, will contribute 10% of the course cost.

Eligible participants must have at least a Level 8 qualification or equivalent prior to acceptance onto the course.

Exact academic eligibility requirements for the MPH programme are outlined below:

  • All applicants will be required to write a 300-word statement demonstrating suitability to undertake a Master of Public Health.
  • All candidates are required to meet one of the following:

Possess a NFQ Level 8 degree in a relevant subject area (minimum 2H1).

OR

Possess a NFQ Level 9 postgraduate diploma in a relevant subject area (minimum 2H1).

Relevant subject areas are Biological Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Public Health and Social Sciences.

Eligible Applicants must also be ordinarily resident in Ireland and must meet the nationality and EU residency rules as aligned to Springboard as detailed here.

How to apply 

To find out more about our MPH programme, please visit the Master of Public Health webpage. 

Full details on eligibility, the programme and the application process can be found by clicking on the following https://www.ucc.ie/en/skills/

Please direct all enquiries to Ms Emily Lynch, MPH Course Coordinator: emily.lynch@ucc.ie 

The closing date for applications is Friday November 13th.

The programme will commence on Monday November 23rd.

The Programme has been fully subscribed and no further places are available for 2020/21.

 

 

 

UCC Staff Recognition Awards 2020

Warm congratulations to Colette Cunningham who has received the 2020 Impact Award!

Each year, UCC honours nominated staff members for their outstanding contributions to University life and the wider community.

Colette's response to the COVID-19 outbreak was exceptional

With the arrival of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ireland, Colette was one of the main instigators in the creation of a Contact Tracing Hub for Cork and Kerry HSE Occupational Health, in March 2020.

A nurse by profession, with an MPH and MA in Public Health, Colette normally lectures in UCC's School of Public Health. She has extensive knowledge/experience in the management of pandemics, epidemics and outbreaks having worked in 14 African countries.

Colette immediately took on an additional role with a sole focus of setting up an Occupational Health Hub to organise/manage healthcare workers. Having secured permission to use the Boole Hub in UCC, and based on her extensive experience in managing pandemics, she coordinated the workings of 3 teams:

1. Clinical Occupational Health Team – Nurses and Physicians

2. Occupational Health Telephone Support Team - mainly HSE redeployed staff

3. Contact Tracing Team – HSE redeployed staff and volunteers from UCC.

The creation of this model of working, and its success in track and tracing, has been recognised nationally as a very effective way of collaborative working, with the potential of providing a blueprint for how such hubs should operate. As a result, Colette has been invited to be on the steering committee to advise on the establishment of effective track and tracing teams.

An inspiration during a very challenging time

From the outset, Colette worked tirelessly, seven days a week, to ensure the smooth running of the Hub. Colette was inspirational in her work and leadership, totally selfless and went above and beyond for all. Colette’s communication skills and care of all staff ensured a safe and pleasant environment to work in, as well as having a huge impact on those frontline healthcare workers who were touched and/or troubled by COVID-19.

As we had never experienced pandemic of such enormity in Ireland, Colette’s impact was significant and widespread.

Colette upholds the mission and values of UCC through her creation, understanding and sharing of knowledge and applying it for the good of all, as well as her outstanding leadership, scholarship and service to the community at large.

Well done from all the team in the School of Public Health.

The UCC Research Awards ceremony can be viewed at the following link: https://www.ucc.ie/en/live/

Does what we eat as children affect our future health?

What our children are eating has become a major focal point in many of the discussions around food and health. 

In a recent Brainstorm episode on RTÉ Radio One, presenter Ella McSweeney and guest Janas Harrington (UCC), Liz O'Sullivan (TU Dublin) and Grace O'Malley (RCSI), look at what children should eat to give them the best chance in life. 

To find out more, click on the link below.

RTE Brainstorm Dr Janas Harrington

European Association for the Study of Obesity

New Investigator Award in Childhood Obesity 2020 awarded to Dr Karen Matvienko-Sikar

Dr Karen Matvienko-Sikar was awarded the prestigious European Association for the Study of Obesity New Investigator Award in Childhood Obesity at the 2020 European and International Congress on Obesity on 2nd September.

This award is highly regarded in the area and recognises ‘rising stars’ in the field of childhood obesity, through their contributions to the area.

Karen received the award in recognition of her development of a core outcome set for childhood obesity prevention interventions, as well as her work on the CHErISH infant feeding intervention to prevent childhood obesity.

Karen also delivered a presentation on her core outcome set research at the Congress as part of the award presentation.

EPINews Newsletter

The School's newsletter, EPINews, can be found here.

Seminars

For Seminars please see Seminars

All Island Obesity News

All Island Obesity News

SPHeRE Blog

SPHeRE Blog

Conferences

Conferences 

  • The Implementation Science Training Institute begins today

    05 Jul 2022
    The Implementation Science Training Institute begins today
    Read more

School of Public Health

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