Ulster University recently welcomed staff, students, alumni and healthcare leaders to a special event reflecting on the past, present and future of physiotherapy education, as the University prepares to mark 50 years of its Physiotherapy degree programme later this year.
Guests included Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for Northern Ireland, Professor Michelle Tennyson, representatives from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, distinguished alumni, current students and staff from across the School of Health Sciences.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Seawright opened the event, welcoming attendees and reflecting on the impact Ulster University graduates and staff have had on physiotherapy, healthcare and research over the past five decades.
The afternoon featured keynote talks and discussions exploring the evolution of physiotherapy education and the future of the profession.
Professor Phil Glasgow, Head of Performance Support with the IRFU, shared reflections on his career in elite sport, including his experiences working at Olympic level and helping establish physiotherapy and sports science support through the Sports Institute Northern Ireland during its time at the Jordanstown campus.
Professor Brenda O’Neill, physiotherapy lecturer and researcher at Ulster University, reflected on her own professional and research journey, alongside the continued development of physiotherapy education and practice at the University.
A panel discussion chaired by Katy Pedlow explored how physiotherapy education has changed over the years and how the profession may continue to evolve in the future. The panel featured Esther-Mary D’Arcy, Chair of the European Region of World Physiotherapy, Professor Chris Bleakley from Ulster University and final year physiotherapy student Conor O’Hagan.
Throughout the event, speakers shared personal reflections from their time as students at Ulster University, recalling memorable first days, influential mentors and experiences that helped shape their careers.
The event concluded with an inaugural Professorial Lecture from Professor Danny Kerr, Head of the School of Health Sciences, who reflected on his journey from Ulster University physiotherapy student and alumnus to lecturer, researcher and Head of School.
Guests also heard from Danny’s daughter, Paige Kerr, currently a second year physiotherapy student at Ulster University, who shared her own experience of studying on the programme and what inspired her to pursue a career in physiotherapy.
A programme of anniversary activity will continue throughout the year as Ulster University prepares to formally celebrate the 50-year milestone later in 2026.
