Undergraduate Research

Research is an integral part of our work here in the University. It is a fundamental part of the undergraduate curriculum and is built into modules in the second, third and fourth years of the programme. Each student devises their own research proposal and with the help of a supervisor carries out all of the data collection, statistical analysis and write up in their final year of the programme.

Research ideas have varied greatly ranging from “Risk Factors Associated with Ingrown toenails: A Comparative Study Between Active and Non-Active Teenage Boys” to “An International Survey of Diabetes Knowledge levels between newly diagnosed Type II Diabetes patients in Galway and New York.” With an increasing bank of undergraduate research the potential for present students to build on previous research creates exciting opportunities going forward.

Staff Research Areas

There is a huge emphasis placed on the importance of research within the Discipline of Podiatric Medicine at the University of Galway and it is viewed as essential in developing our profession for the future. Many members of staff are research active with many receiving rewards for their endeavours. 

The list below depicts some of the interests we have as a discipline but is by no means exhaustive.

  • Tissue viability/ lower extremity wounds
  • Management of the at risk limb
  • Diabetic foot disease
  • Tissue stress
  • Foot and ankle biomechanics
  • Joint instability
  • Gait analysis
  • Orthotic therapy
  • Footwear
  • Evidence based practice
  • Interprofessional working in clinical practice.