21st and 22nd May 2026
TUS Athlone
ISESA 2026 Conference
Welcome
The 2nd ISESA Conference will take place on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd May 2026 at Technological University Shannon Athlone. Building on the outstanding success of the inaugural conference at South East Technological University Waterford in 2025, ISESA looks forward to continuing to grow, connect, and strengthen the Sport and Exercise Sciences community.
Informed by feedback from our first event, the programme will feature a mix of symposia, oral and poster presentations, discussions, and workshops, creating a space for students, academics, researchers, practitioners, and industry partners to showcase their work and exchange ideas.
Connection will be central to the conference experience, with dedicated opportunities to network throughout the programme. This includes a BBQ with live music on Thursday at Sean’s Bar and an optional early morning run on Friday, offering relaxed ways to connect beyond the formal sessions.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Abstract Submissions
Members of the Sport and Exercise Sciences community are warmly invited to submit proposals across a range of formats. Your contributions will help shape a diverse and engaging programme that brings together collaborations across academia, practice, research, and industry, highlighting innovative and impactful work. All those presenting if accepted must be a registered delegate of the conference to attend and present.
Please note not all proposed symposia, panel discussions, oral presentations or workshops may be accepted for inclusion in the programme. The conference committee will endeavour to include a range of Sport and Exercise Science disciplines, HEI’s, organisations, industries and genders. Only complete applications can be considered.
Abstract Deadline: Wednesday, 4 March, before midnight.
Outcomes of all abstract submissions will be communicated by 30th March 2026.
Self-Organised Symposium
Thank you for your interest to the Irish Sport and Exercise Association Conference 2026. We are looking forward to your contributions to the conference.
Please insert all relevant details for your proposed self-organised symposium in the form. It will require an overall integrative statement and up to 3 abstracts.
This session will take the format of a designated 60 minute slot on a specific area relevant to Sport and Exercise Science. It can include up to 3 presentations (3 presenters; 2 minimum) totalling 45 minutes with 15 minutes discussion.
All those involved in the symposium if accepted must be a registered delegate of the conference to attend and present.
Thank you for your interest to the Irish Sport and Exercise Association Conference 2026. We are looking forward to your contributions to the conference.
Please insert all relevant details for your proposed panel discussion on a focused topic in the form.
This session will take the format of a facilitated interactive panel discussion with up to 4 panel members in a designated 45 minute slot on a specific area relevant to Sport and Exercise Science.
One Chair and up to 4 panel members can be included.
All those involved in the panel discussion if accepted must be a registered delegate of the conference to attend and present.
Thank you for your interest to the Irish Sport and Exercise Association Conference 2026. We are looking forward to your contributions to the conference. Please insert all relevant details for your proposed oral presentation on a focused topic in the form.
These presentations are ringfenced for academics, researchers or practitioners who want to present their work. Postgraduate students will have 5 minute allocated presentation slots and should submit their abstract through the relevant link “Postgraduate Oral or Poster Presentation”.
These presentations are full length 15 minutes slots (10 minute presentation with 5 minutes of discussion). They will be themed accordingly with other similar submission areas.
Abstract submissions must be no longer than 250 words.
All those accepted for a presentation must be a registered delegate of the conference to attend and present.
Thank you for your interest to the Irish Sport and Exercise Association Conference 2026. We are looking forward to your contributions to the conference. Please insert all relevant details for your proposed interactive workshop on a focused topic in the form.
This session will take the format of a practical session in a designated 45 minute slot on a specific area relevant to Sport and Exercise Science.
All those involved in the workshop if accepted must be a registered delegate of the conference to attend and present.
Thank you for your interest to the Irish Sport and Exercise Association Conference 2026. We are looking forward to your contributions to the conference.
These presentations are ringfenced for postgraduate students only. There are opportunities to apply for an oral presentation (5 minute) or poster presentation. Completed research, preliminary findings or proposed research may be considered.
Abstract submissions must be no longer than 350 words (excluding title, author/affiliations, references). Please fill out the appropriate sections in the form and then also upload a word document formatted as per exemplar provided. Only complete applications can be considered.
All Postgraduate students must be a registered delegates of the conference to attend and present.
ISESA will liaise directly with HEI members where 3 undergraduate students from each member HEI will have the opportunity to present their research completed as part of their undergraduate degree.
Exhibitors & Sponsors
We are inviting you to consider supporting the ISESA’s annual conference through direct sponsorship, by promoting your organisation with an exhibitor stand, or providing prizes.
Perform Nutrition
Timing Ireland
BLK BOX
Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI)
HRIG
Conference Exhibitor
Perform Nutrition
Perform Nutrition is one of Ireland’s leading sports nutrition brands. Manufacturing a range of Informed Sport Tested supplements on the west coast of Ireland. Fuelling some of Ireland’s best athletes such as Kate O’Connor, Aoife O’Rourke, Galway United and many more.
Conference Exhibitor
Timing Ireland
Timing Ireland delivers cutting-edge sports performance analysis systems trusted by clubs, schools, universities, and elite sporting bodies across Ireland and Europe. We specialise in precision timing, athlete monitoring, and real-time performance data that helps coaches make smarter decisions and athletes train better. From electronic timing and photo-finish systems to jump analysis, speed gates, LED scoreboards, and data-driven testing solutions, our technology turns performance into clear, actionable insight. Backed by expert support and deep knowledge of sport, Timing Ireland helps teams measure what matters, track progress with confidence, and unlock real performance gains at every level.
Conference Exhibitor
BLK BOX
At BLK BOX, we don’t just manufacture equipment; we empower coaches, gym owners and athletes to elevate their facilities and performance. With over a decade of experience, driven by our Pursuit of Better ethos, we engineer world-class strength equipment trusted by global brands including Nike, Adidas, FC Barcelona and the majority of English Premier League teams. We’re the leader in UK manufacturing, with our products designed and manufactured in Northern Ireland using cutting-edge technology.
Sponsorship by
Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI)
Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI) is the professional body for Certified Athletic Therapists in Ireland. ARTI’s objective is the promotion of the highest standards of professional conduct, care, and education of Certified Athletic Therapists in Ireland.
Certified Athletic Therapists are highly trained allied health professionals specialising in neuromusculoskeletal medicine through the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and management of injury and illness. Certified Athletic Therapists provide specialised care for a diverse range of populations from general population to sporting athletes.
Sponsorship by
HRIG
HRIG LTD develops precision isometric hamstring assessment technology designed to support clinicians, therapists, and performance professionals in accurately measuring hamstring strength and imbalance. Our device delivers reliable, repeatable data to aid injury prevention, rehabilitation monitoring, and return-to-play decision-making. Built for clinical, research, and elite sport environments, HRIG combines biomechanical insight with user-friendly design to enhance objective muscle assessment. We are committed to improving outcomes, reducing injury risk, and advancing evidence-based hamstring evaluation worldwide.
SPONSORSHIPS
Sponsorship & Exhibitor Categories
We are inviting you to consider supporting the ISESA’s annual conference through direct sponsorship, by promoting your organisation with an exhibitor stand, or providing prizes.
You can find the 2026 Sponsorship Proposal here.
OVERALL SPONSOR
€5,000
The sole sponsor of the ISESA Conference will be named and acknowledged
in all conference material, opening address, ISESA website and social media as the
ISESA Conference Sponsor. Logo shared on all conference material.
Exhibitor stand and up to four Complimentary Passes per organisation.
2-Day Catering Sponsor
€2,500
The lunch sponsor for the conference will be acknowledged in the opening address,
and the logo and name will be shared on opening slides, social media and website.
Exhibitor stand and up to two Complimentary Passes per organisation
KEYNOTE SPEAKER SPONSOR
€1,500
Sponsors will be named on the programme and the ISESA website.
Acknowledgment in opening address.
Exhibitor stand and up to two Complimentary Passes per organisation.
INVITED SPEAKER (SYMPOSIUMS) SPONSOR
€750
Sponsors will be named on the programme and the ISESA website.
Acknowledgment in opening address.
Exhibitor stand and up to two Complimentary Passes per organisation.
WORKSHOPS / PANEL DISCUSSIONS SPONSOR
€500
The four sponsors will be named on the programme, ISESA website and social
media. Acknowledgment in opening address.
One Complimentary Pass per organisation.
EXHIBITOR
€500
Named in programme under exhibitor list.
Exhibitor Stand and Two Complimentary Passes per organisation.
SOCIAL EVENT (MORNING RUN)
SPONSOR PRIZES
Sponsors will be named on the programme and the ISESA website.
Acknowledgment in opening address.
Exhibitor stand and up to two Complimentary Passes per organisation.
SPONSOR PRIZES FOR CATEGORIES
€750
Best Post Graduate Oral Presentation
Best Post Graduate Poster Presentation
Best Undergraduate Poster PresentationThe sponsors will be named in the programme.
One Complimentary Pass per organisation.
Conference Team
Dr. Ciara Sinnott O’Connor
Sport Ireland InstituteHead of Performance Physiology
Dr Barry Horgan
Sport IrelandResearch Manager | Sport Science
Dr Gráinne Hayes
University of LimerickAssociate Professor Exercise Physiology, Course Director Msc. Sports Performance | Exercise Physiology
Dr Gerard McMahon
Ulster UniversityLecturer | Physiology & Biomechanics
Jonathan Harris-Wright
Sport Ireland InstituteDeputy Head of Service/ S&C Consultant
Dr Marion Geary
Technological University of the ShannonLecturer and researcher| Sport and performance psychology
Sarah Fagan
South East Technological University
Dr SarahJane Cullen
DCU/Sport Ireland InstituteAssociate Professor/Sport Physiologist | Sport and Exercise Physiology
Annemarie Sullivan
Administrator
Emma Kielty
Sport Ireland InstitutePlan Your Visit
Location:
The Conference will take place at Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus
Registration at Mary Ward Centre of Science, Athlone Campus, Eircode: N37 HD68.
Social Evening:
Step into a living history with a visit to Sean’s Bar, officially the oldest pub in Ireland!
Legendary tales, great pints and timeless craic await in the pub that’s been on the go in the heart of the country for over 1,100 years.
Location: Sean’s Bar, 13 Main Street, Athlone,Co. Westmeath, N37V2C4
Time: Doors open at 7pm.
With your ISESA social evening ticket, you can join us for live music and a BBQ.
Social Morning Run:
Friday morning social run, details to be confirmed soon.
HOTEL:
Our partner hotel will be the Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone, Northgate Street, Athlone, Co.Westmeath.
The Radisson Blu is kindly offering the promotion code CORP10 for the ISESA Conference attendees.
Please use the following link when booking your room