Dr. Paul Donnelly stands at the forefront of sport management, sport development, and physical activity, with an influential research portfolio that prioritises mental health and well-being in sport. With a PhD from Sheffield Hallam University, where his groundbreaking work examined physical activity and wellness levels among adults in Northern Ireland, Dr. Donnelly’s expertise is both academically rigorous and deeply relevant to the evolving landscape of sports science. His academic journey, which began with a BSc in Applied Psychology from Ulster University, has been marked by continuous achievement, including a postgraduate diploma and MSc in Sport, Exercise, and Leisure, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice. In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, a testament to his excellence in teaching and scholarship.

With over 20 years of professional experience, Dr. Donnelly has significantly shaped sport policy, strategy and practice. As the former Head of Policy, Planning, and Research at Sport Northern Ireland and Regeneration Director for the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), he has held pivotal leadership roles that have influenced sports development across the region. His contributions extend beyond the classroom, with prominent positions such as Chairperson of the Camogie Association’s National Development Plan Implementation Committee, board member of Community Sports Network and board member of the Northern Ireland Sports Forum, driving impactful change at both the grassroots and strategic levels.

A leader in high-impact research, Dr. Donnelly has spearheaded initiatives such as the Northern Ireland Adult Sport and Physical Activity Survey, which provided critical data to inform policy decisions. His leadership of the Mental Health and Wellbeing in and Through Sport Steering Group at Sport Northern Ireland produced essential insights that continue to shape regional strategies and policies, especially in the context of athlete/player welfare and mental health.

Internationally recognised for his work, Dr. Donnelly’s research is published in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals, and he has a proven track record of securing significant research funding. His collaborations with key stakeholders like the Department for Communities, Sport Northern Ireland, Sport Ireland, GAA, Ulster Hockey, and the International SPLISS Consortium reflect his commitment to driving evidence-based change in sport policy.

In his role at Ulster University, Dr. Donnelly has transformed the learning experience for students in the MSc Sport Coaching and Performance and BSc Sport Studies programmes, where his research-led approach has deepened industry engagement and prepared the next generation of sports leaders. His mentorship of PhD researchers has resulted in a growing cohort of graduates making meaningful contributions to sport policy, strategy, and practice.

Dr. Donnelly’s enduring impact in the realms of research, teaching, and policy ensures his place as a leading figure in both academic and professional sports sectors, where his work continues to shape the future of sports development