Michael Harrison

Professor Michael Harrison is Head of the Department of Sport and Exercise Science at South East Technological University (SETU), formerly Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT). He has worked at SETU/WIT since 1999 and previously served as Dean of the School of Science and Computing. His academic leadership extends to chairing national working groups developing physical activity guidelines for chronic conditions, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Professor Harrison's research focuses on:

• Exercise interventions for clinical populations, particularly those with age-related frailty and prostate cancer
• Immune cell ageing and its effects on vascular disease
• Community-based physical activity programs, especially "pick-up football" initiatives targeting men's cardiovascular health

His work is conducted in collaboration with University Hospital Waterford and UPMC Whitfield, and he leads research within the Biomedical Research Group and Centre for Health Behaviour Research at SETU. Professor Harrison's research has significant implications for developing evidence-based exercise programs for special populations.

Professor Harrison has received the following scientific recognition:

• Fellowship from the American College of Sports Medicine

As an academic leader, Professor Harrison has served in various roles including:

• Principal Investigator for establishing a national framework for exercise professionals working with people with long-term conditions
• Chair of the group developing national physical activity guidelines for chronic conditions, pregnancy, and postpartum
• Former Chair of the Register of Exercise Professionals in Ireland
• Member of the Professional Standards Committee of the European Register of Exercise Professionals

Professor Harrison contributes to community health initiatives through his work with Exercise is Medicine Ireland National Centre and various national working groups focused on establishing community-based exercise services for individuals with chronic health conditions.