The míde research consortium: Building a sustainable interdisciplinary community for research on women in sport, exercise, physical activity and health on the island of Ireland

Despite progress in policy commitments, investment, and research in women in sport, exercise, and physical activity (hereafter “women in sport”), there remains a need for deeper, sustained action and progress to bridge the gender gap in sport. This forms the backdrop for this paper, which describes and critically reflects on the development of míde, a cross-institute consortium for research on women in sport on the island of Ireland. Specifically, we present a case study of míde to support similar groups in research, policy, or practice who are working to prioritize underrepresented or marginalized groups and address key societal issues. Míde strives to shape approaches to, and undertake high-quality, interdisciplinary research to ultimately improve the participation and experiences of girls and women in sport. Míde has been grounded in and established by the people and projects advancing research on women in sport across Higher Education Institutes on the island of Ireland. Inclusion, collegiality, flexibility, and trust were foundational to míde with “early wins” in the form of a first publication, funding successes, a networking platform, and a well-received launch event helping to build credibility. There are challenges ahead, not the least in terms of funding a world leading, interdisciplinary research program and establishing míde as the focal point for research and expertise in women in sport on the island. However, with a growing commitment to women’s sport, reflected in dedicated strategies and policies, it is timely to unite and amplify efforts to drive meaningful change for girls and women.