Dr. Catherine Darker

Associate Professor Catherine Darker is a Health Psychologist and obtained her undergraduate psychology degree from Dublin Business School. She then undertook a full time two-year Masters of Health Psychology in National University of Ireland, Galway. She obtained her PhD from the School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Birmingham, UK. She joined the Discipline of Public Health & Primary Care, School of Medicine, in 2007. Her research interests lie in translating evidence into practice, in particular, using theories, evidence and methods for changing the behaviours of healthcare professionals, patients and the general public. This is known in Ireland and the UK as Implementation Science research. She has a particular expertise in applying and developing complex intervention methodology in the context of community based programmes and trials (including intervention design, outcome measurement, fidelity, feasibility, and process evaluation), for prevention related research (e.g., smoking cessation, alcohol, physical activity/sedentary behaviour). She has a proven track record in attracting research funds as PI or Co-Applicant (over 2.4 million euro). She has been PI and Co-PI on funded research by the Health Research Board (HRB) to undertake public health studies relating to COVID-19; a pilot cluster randomized trial of a community-based smoking cessation intervention for disadvantaged women in Ireland, and a a peer-to-peer motivational interview intervention for smoking, alcohol and physical activity among at risk adolescents in low SES communities. Professor Darker is routinely commissioned by the Health Service Executive to conduct outcome and process type evaluations of national programmes and services. All of her research has a clearly defined Knowledge Exchange Dissemination plan with recommendations to change policy and practice in the prevention and management of a range of chronic conditions. She has served as Head of Discipline of Public Health & Primary Care. She is the Director of Postgraduate Teaching and Learning within the School of Medicine. She is a senior member of teaching teams and develops and delivers innovative curriculum's for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She is an active member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (Chartered Health Psychologist) having held many roles within the governance of the Society. She is a member of the European Health Psychology Society. She was an inaugural member of the Healthy Ireland Council, and a Member of the Expert Committee on Prevention within the Irish Cancer Society. She is a strong advocate for the just and equitable distribution of and access to healthcare services. She has over 100 peer reviewed publications (h-index 20) and supervises and examines PhD and Masters students.

  Addiction research - alcohol   Addiction research - cocaine   Addiction research - opiates   Addictions   Adolescent Psychology   Alcohol/Alcoholism   Applied Psychology   Area & Population Studies/Services   Behavior Modification   Behavioral/Experimental Psychology   Behavioral/Social Studies/Services/Other   Behavioural change interventions   Clinical Psychology   Counseling/Guidance   Demography   Drugs/Drug Abuse   Health psychology   Health status and inequalities   Inner-City   Population based intervention trials   Population Studies   Population Studies--Developing Countries   Poverty and the Poor   Primary care   Prison   Psychology   Psychometrics   Public health   Public Planning/Policy   Smoking Behavior   Social Services Delivery   Social/Behavioral Science Planning/Policy   Socioeconomics   Substance Abuse   Surveys & Survey Research

I lead on three themes across my research: Theme 1. Conduct of applied behavioural change research: My expertise encompasses the conduct of applied research aimed at addressing real-world health challenges. I design and execute studies that bridge the gap between theory and practice, generating actionable insights to inform policy and practice. This involves formulating research questions grounded in behavioural theory, designing robust study methodologies, and collecting and analysing data rigorously. I prioritise interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement to ensure research relevance and impact. Through my research, I contribute valuable knowledge to the field of public health and support evidence-informed decision-making at various levels (e.g., smoking cessation, alcohol, physical activity) for the general public, people with chronic illnesses and healthcare professionals. Theme 2. Evaluation of health programmes and services: I excel in evaluating health policies, programmes, and services to assess their effectiveness and impact. Utilising both qualitative and quantitative methods, I conduct rigorous evaluations to determine whether interventions, programmes and services achieve their intended outcomes. This includes measuring changes in behaviour, health outcomes, and equity indicators. I also assess implementation fidelity, identify barriers and facilitators to success, and provide recommendations for improvement. My evaluations contribute to evidence-based decision-making, informing the refinement of existing policies and the development of new initiatives. My research has directly shaped and influenced clinical practice and health policy. For example, the result of my HRB funded brief intervention trial has changed the treatment of patients attending methadone services in Ireland. I routinely influence theory development and measurement. For example, my research demonstrated that the measurement of a popular theory in health psychology (theory of planned behaviour) is problematic for respondents to engage with; this has subsequently changed how researchers design this type of questionnaire. I incorporate evidence based processes into routine health practice and policy. For example, my process evaluation of the National Clinical Care Programmes in Ireland is shaping the reconfiguration of these Programmes nationally. Theme 3. Health policy implementation: My expertise lies in advising on policy implementation with a focus on using implementation science principles, by systematically studying the process of integrating evidence-based interventions into real-world settings. I help to identify barriers and facilitators, tailors strategies to context, engage stakeholders, and monitor progress, ensuring effective implementation and sustained impact of policies in diverse healthcare environments. I am far surpassing the Research Metrics of FHS for Associate Professor (minimum score of 7 points over 4 year period) with a personal score of 36.5 over a 4 year period; even with two maternity leaves). I have attracted over 2.4 million Euros in research funding to date, as PI or Co-Applicant, including HRB, IRC & HSE grants. I have published extensively in leading health journals (N=102 overall; N=73 as senior author; h-index 20). I have been cited 1842 times. My research has extensive reach and impact having been reported widely in print and broadcast media. For example, in the Irish Times and on national RTE radio. As a research leader I contribute significantly to the research reputation of the School and the College. I am a College leader in engaged research through a constant focus on Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) within my research. I use PPI from the design stage, improving the relevancy of the research and increasing its societal impact. I have supervised five PhD students to completion.