More than 250 delegates from across Ireland and beyond gathered at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Athlone last week for the second annual conference of the Irish Sport and Exercise Sciences Association (ISESA).
Building on the success of its inaugural conference in Waterford in 2025, the two-day event brought together leading practitioners, researchers, academics, coaches, athletes, students, policymakers and representatives from sport and industry to share knowledge and explore emerging trends in sport and exercise science.
Established in 2023, ISESA serves as the representative body for Ireland’s sport and exercise sciences community. The all-island, not-for-profit organisation is also an associate member of the International Confederation of Sport and Exercise Sciences Practice.
The conference programme featured a wide range of panel discussions, symposia and workshops, alongside keynote presentations from four internationally recognised experts. Topics included health misinformation and poor scientific practice, performing under pressure, the growing influence of artificial intelligence in sports science, and the impact of online abuse in sport.
Keynote speakers included Dr Katie Liston, Prof Sam Robertson, Dr Josephine Perry and Dr Nick Tiller.
Alongside the academic programme, delegates also participated in a number of social activities, including a gathering at Sean’s Bar and a Friday morning fun run designed to encourage networking and community engagement.
“This year’s conference was an outstanding success and we at the ISESA are delighted with the engagement and community spirit that was so clearly evident throughout the two days,” said ISESA Chair Prof Tom Comyns.
“The conference facilitated the further development of our sport and exercise sciences community in Ireland.
“It’s only our second year so I can’t thank the ISESA conference team enough for the work that they have done on behalf of all our members and especially the work of Conference Chair, Dr Ciara Sinnott O’Connor, and TUS Athlone and Dr Aoife Lane for being such fabulous hosts.”
“We are delighted with the outcome from the 2026 ISESA conference,” added Conference Chair Dr Ciara Sinnott-O’Connor.
“The feedback has been extremely positive and for us the key success was the sharing, learning, networking and collaboration that was so clearly evident throughout the two days. We truly have an engaged and vibrant sport and exercise sciences community in Ireland.
“Finally, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners, and we look forward to building towards next year’s conference already, which will take place in UCD in May 2027.”
The continued growth of the conference reflects the increasing importance of sport and exercise science within Irish sport, health and performance environments, with ISESA now firmly established as a focal point for collaboration and professional development across the sector.
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