Health & Wellbeing

Health and wellbeing are central to an inclusive and vibrant society.  Although the health of the population has improved markedly over the past century in Ireland as it has in other developed countries, we face major challenges in the 21st century including epidemic levels of overweight and obesity in children and adults, high rates of alcohol and other drug misuse, mental health issues, widening social inequalities and anthropogenic climate change.

UCC has a strong health and social wellbeing research portfolio and a wealth of interdisciplinary activity that links researchers throughout the university.  Led by the APC Microbiome Ireland, the Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), and other world-leading research units, key areas of focus include the human gut microbiome in health and disease, food and health, public health, perinatal health, gerontology and health services research. 

Researchers at UCC also investigate the causes and prevention of obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, HIV and suicide, in addition to developing and applying technological solutions to the wide range of health and wellbeing challenges in modern society.

“Climate change represents the most important threat to the health and wellbeing of the population in the 21^st century with significant potential for health benefits from mitigation strategies such as reduced burning of fossil fuels, environmental change to support walking, cycling and public transport and a nutrition transition towards plant-based diets.”

Professor Ivan Perry, School of Public Health

Health & Wellbeing Institutes & Centres