UCC Secures Competitive SOLAS Funding to Advance Health Literacy Education for Health and Social Care Students
28 May 2026
University College Cork (UCC) has secured research funding under the SOLAS Collaboration and Innovation Fund (CIF) to lead a new national project focused on enhancing health literacy education for undergraduate health and social care students.
The award was made following a highly competitive national call, reflecting the strength and impact potential of the proposal.
Led by Dr Michelle O’Driscoll and Prof Laura Sahm (School of Pharmacy, UCC), the project brings together key national partners including the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) represented by Dr Patrick Moynagh, Prof Frank Moriarty and Dr Caroline McCarthy, the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) represented by Lianne McAree Murphy, and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) represented by Caroline Moran.
The initiative will support the co-design, development, and pilot evaluation of a health literacy module aimed at undergraduate students across health and social care disciplines. Health literacy is a critical public health issue, with approximately 40% of adults in Ireland experiencing challenges in understanding and engaging with healthcare information. These challenges can affect access to services, treatment adherence, and overall health outcomes.
This project addresses an important gap in undergraduate health and social care education by developing a standardised, evidence-informed module to ensure that future healthcare professionals graduate with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to support patients effectively.
The project will include:
- National mapping of existing health literacy education
- Engagement with students and stakeholders through focus groups and workshops
- Co-design of module content, incorporating lived experience perspectives
- Pilot delivery and evaluation at UCC and RCSI
The module will initially be delivered to undergraduate students in 2026, with findings informing a future national rollout across higher education institutions.
Dr Michelle O’Driscoll, Principal Investigator, said:
We are delighted to receive this funding through the SOLAS Collaboration and Innovation Fund. This project represents an important step toward embedding health literacy into the core training of healthcare professionals. By equipping students with these essential skills early in their education, we can contribute to more equitable, accessible and effective healthcare for all.
Prof Laura Sahm said:
This project demonstrates the value of national collaboration in addressing a critical public health challenge. By working with partners across academia, policy and practice, we can develop a robust and sustainable approach to health literacy education that has real impact for patients and communities.
Health and social care workers who wish to upskill in the area of health literacy can consider taking UCC’s microcredential, “
Health Literacy for Health and Social Care Professions“ (PF5012)