Psychology and Health Research Centre

Our Aim

The aim of the Psychology and Health Research Centre (PAHRC) is to shape global research at the intersection of psychology, health, and wellbeing to improve health outcomes across the life course and reduce health inequities.

How We Fit with ILAS?

PAHRC aligns with the mission and ethos of ILAS, as a collaborative research centre that promotes high-quality research, community engagement and health equity across the life course. PAHRC contributes to this overarching mission through the following objectives:

Lead the Global Psychology and Health Research Agenda:  Identify and spearhead international research priorities in health and psychology research, utilizing evidence-based theory to develop, evaluate, and scale complex interventions that address pressing global health challenges.
Advance Methodological Innovation for Health:  Drive psychological science by developing and refining novel research methodologies and implementation science frameworks, ensuring research is both scientifically rigorous and practically applicable.
Advance Evidence-based Policy and Practice:  Serve as a primary knowledge source and feedback hub for policymakers and healthcare providers, translating high-quality psychological research into tangible health improvement strategies and guidelines to improve population health and reduce health inequities.
Foster Global Excellence and Capacity:  Build a world-class, collaborative research environment by nurturing a critical mass of researchers across all research career stages and establishing strategic international partnerships that enhance the centre’s global impact and reach.
Empower Through Engagement:  Lead participatory research initiatives that involve patients, the public, and diverse communities and stakeholders across the life course, ensuring that research and interventions are inclusive, equitable, and effective in improving real-world health outcomes.

Director

Jenny McSharry | Co-Director

Dr Jenny Mc Sharry is a Health Psychologist and Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Galway. Jenny leads a programme of research that aims to take a systematic approach to behaviour change to address current health priorities and healthcare challenges. Jenny has a particular expertise in evidence synthesis and implementation science approaches and was a previous Evidence Synthesis Ireland Fellow. Jenny has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed journal publications and has secured competitive research funding from national and international funders including the Health Research Board, Irish Research Council, Irish Cancer Society, and the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research. Her research has been recognised through awards including the Fulbright-Health Research Board Health Impact Award (2022) and the International Behavioral Trials Network New Investigator Award (2022). Jenny has held national and international leadership roles, including Chair of the Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology and National Delegate for Ireland to the European Health Psychology Society. She is currently the Psychology Representative on the National Screen.

Gerry Molloy | Co-Director

Professor Gerry Molloy is Professor of Psychology at the University of Galway. His research focuses on understanding and improving health-related behaviours across the lifespan, with expertise in medication adherence, chronic disease management, and the appropriate use of medicines. He leads interdisciplinary research that applies psychological theory and behavioural science to major public health challenges, including cardiovascular disease and antimicrobial resistance. His research has informed international clinical guidelines, health policy, and healthcare practice, particularly in relation to improving medication use in hypertension. He has published extensively in leading international journals and secured significant competitive research funding. He is an elected Fellow of the European Health Psychology Society, a former Chair of the Division of Health Psychology of the Psychological Society of Ireland and currently serves as Deputy Head of the School of Psychology and Chair of the School of Psychology Research Strategy Committee at the University of Galway.