Professor Elaine Murtaghs research interests are in physical activity and physical education. Her work focuses on developing and evaluating programmes to enhance physical activity opportunities for children and adults. She also examines the effect of physical activity on health. Elaine has co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles to date.Current projects include:Learning in Motion: embedding gender-responsive, play-based pedagogies in teacher education in PalestineShared Responsibility Across a Shared Island (SRASI): Teaching social justice in initial teacher educationSupporting Our Lifelong Engagement: Mothers and Teens Exercising (SOLE MATES)24-hour movement behaviours and associations with metabolic health, parental and family support in children

Professor Elaine Murtagh is Course Director of the BSc Physical Education programme in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences. Elaine was awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Physical Education) and a PhD from Ulster University. She also holds a Specialist Diploma in Teaching, Learning and; Scholarship from the University of Limerick. Elaine joined UL in March 2020. Prior to this appointment she was a lecturer in Physical Education at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick from 2008. Elaine also held the post of Athena SWAN Project Director at MIC and led the College's successful application for a Bronze Institutional award. Elaine is a Steering Committee member of HEPA Europe (WHO Europe network for the promotion of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity).