Date: 12 September 2025
Location: Ulster University, Belfast Campus

iREACH Health was proud to have a strong presence at the 2025 NI Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Research & Innovation Conference. As Northern Ireland’s flagship AHP research event, the conference gathered over 250 AHP practitioners, managers, academics, and healthcare innovators to explore this year’s theme: “Transforming Care Through Collaboration.”

iREACH Health’s Contribution

• Conference Engagement
  The programme featured a plenary keynote lecture from Professor Michelle Tennyson, Chief Allied Health Profession Officer for Northern Ireland, alongside diverse presentations spanning clinical innovation, digital tools, and service redesign—all areas where iREACH contributes expertise and collaborative momentum.
• Thought Leadership
  Following a presentation by Professor Bronwen Connolly (QUB AHP Professor), highlighting success of 3 Physiotherapy led multicentre trials all of which will be practice changing, Professor Judy Bradley (QUB AHP Professor & CEO, iREACH Health), joined Professor Connolly and Professor Brenda O’Neill (UU AHP Professor) to discuss challenges and opportunities for AHP research delivery. Their contributions also highlighted the importance of collaboration between Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast, demonstrating how cross-university partnerships can strengthen research capacity, broaden opportunities for AHPs, and drive innovation across the health and social care system.

Left to right:  Professor Brenda O’Neill (UU AHP Professor), Professor Bronwen Connolly (QUB AHP Professor) and Professor Judy Bradley (QUB AHP Professor & CEO, iREACH Health) take questions from the audience on how AHPs can grow their capacity and capability in research

 

• Research Skills Stream
  Dr Katherine O’Neill, iREACH Health’s Change Project Manager, in her role as co-lead of the Community for Allied Health Professionals in Research (CAHPR) NI Hub, partnered with Dr Sonyia McFadden (Ulster University) to host and run a dedicated “Research Skills” stream at the conference. This stream offered targeted sessions to help AHPs strengthen their research capability and embed research more deeply into practice.

Dr Sonyia McFadden (Ulster University) and Dr Katherine O’Neill (iREACH Health’s Change Project Manager, QUB) co-host the Community for Allied Health Professionals in Research (CAHPR) NI Hub “Research Skills” stream at the conference.

 

• Spotlight on Research Opportunities & Clinical Trials Infrastructure
  During its lunchtime session, iREACH highlighted its upcoming clinical trials infrastructure (opening 2027)—featuring a purpose-built trials centre, a link bridge to Belfast City Hospital for medical and emergency cover, and integrated operational and digital support to enable trial success.
  The session also raised awareness of opportunities for AHPs to get involved through infrastructure roles, placements, mentoring, education pathways (modules, Masters), and supporting patients to “Be Part of Research.”

Advancing iREACH Health’s Mission

The conference aligned closely with iREACH Health’s mission to:

• Strengthen AHP research capacity and capability
• Collaborate with local, regional, and global partners
• Accelerate medical breakthroughs
• Place people at the centre of research

📌 With its contribution at this year’s AHP Research & Innovation Conference, iREACH Health reinforced its role as a key partner in advancing AHP-led research and innovation across Northern Ireland and beyond.