Aine Kearns

Dr. Aine Kearns is an Associate Professor at the School of Allied Health, University of Limerick. She holds a PhD in Medicine and Health (2015) from University College Cork, an MSc in Clinical Therapies (2009) from the University of Limerick, and a BSc in Speech and Language Therapy (2001) from the University of Ulster.

• PhD, University College Cork (2015)
• MSc, University of Limerick (2009)
• BSc, University of Ulster (2001)

Áine's research focuses on inclusive communication in healthcare and justice systems, aphasia rehabilitation, digital technology adoption, and supported conversation training. Her recent work includes the ENSPIRED project, addressing social exclusion risks for people with communication disabilities.

Her 2024–2025 publications span topics such as late-life depression networks, digital aphasia rehabilitation, and aspiration pneumonia in nursing literature, reflecting interdisciplinary collaboration between health and justice domains.

• Health Research Board Fellowship (€158,714, 2016)
• Health Research Board KEDS Grant (€15,733, 2017)
• North-South Research Programme ENSPIRED (€199,999.81, 2022)

Áine collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across Ireland and contributes to education through the Professional Diploma in Intermediary Studies and MSc Speech and Language Therapy Programme.