Implementation Science Conference 2026
Making It Work: The Practice and Power of Implementation Science
Titled “Making It Work: The Practice and Power of Implementation Science,” this international conference took place at the University of Limerick from 3 to 5 June 2026. It featured traditional abstracts and presentations, alongside practical workshops and a practical think-tank component. These interactive sessions provided the participants with the opportunity to explore real-world implementation challenges and develop actionable solutions. The conference was designed for a local and international audience, with delegates travelling from 14 different countries.
The Book of Abstracts of the conference has been published, and a DOI is available:
Programme
| 18:00 Welcome reception and digital poster - Live music. Food. Drinks & More - The Pavilion Restaurant |
Venue: The Kemmy Business School
| 9.00 Registration and welcome tea & coffee |
10.00 Welcome address: Professor Shane Kilcommins, President, University of Limerick Keynote speaker: Professor Geoffrey Curran, Director of the Center for Implementation Research, University of Arkansas |
11.10 Think thank parallel sessions: Think tank 1 – Theme: Ethics in Implementation Research Think tank 2 – Theme: Evidence Synthesis in Implementation Think tank 3 – Theme: Implementation Research and Policy Think tank 4 – Theme: The Challenges of Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare |
| 13.00 Lunch and poster walk-through |
14.00 Parallel sessions Implementation Clinic 1 - Chair: Professor Allison Metz, Director of Implementation Practice, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Workshop 1 - "How to optimise interventions within intellectual disability populations underpinned by Behavioural Change and Implementation Science". Facilitated by Professor Laurence Taggart and Dr Gary McDermott, Queen's University Belfast Workshop 2 - "Unlocking the Last Mile: Place-Based Leadership for Effective Implementation". Facilitated by Dr Rob Worrall, RWC Ltd. |
| 15.30 Comfort break |
15:40 Parallel sessions Conference abstract presentations 1 |
| 17:00 End of day 1 |
| 19:00 Conference Dinner - The Terrace Restaurant |
Venue: The Kemmy Business School
9:30 Opening Address Professor Anne MacFarlane, UL Participatory Health Research Co-Director Keynote speaker: Professor Carl May, Professor in Health Systems Implementation, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine |
| 10:30 Coffee break |
11:00 Think tank parallel sessions (continuation and conclusion of day one thematic sessions) Think tank 1 – Theme: Ethics in Implementation Research Think tank 2 – Theme: Evidence Synthesis in Implementation Think tank 3 – Theme: Implementation Research and Policy Think tank 4 – Theme: The Challenges of Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare |
| 12.30 Lunch and poster walk-through |
13.30 Parallel Sessions Implementation Clinic 2 - Chair: Professor Allison Metz, Director of Implementation Practice, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Conference abstract presentations 5 |
| 14:30 Alice Coffey Prize** Ceremony & Closing Address: Emeritus Professor Alice Coffey |
Abstract submission
Abstract submission is closed. Abstract guidelines
Registration Fees:
2-day ticket and pre-conference welcome reception: €160
2-day ticket and pre-conference welcome reception, student fee: €60 (must register using student email)
Conference dinner: €65 (Eventbrite add-on)
Fee waivers for participants travelling from low‑income countries
To support inclusive and equitable participation, we are offering a limited number of registration fee waivers for participants travelling from low and lower‑middle‑income countries. This initiative aims to reduce financial barriers to attendance and to encourage broader and equitable international participation. Eligible participants may request consideration for a fee waiver by sending an email to circul@u.ie and including:
- The country from which the participant is travelling
- Organisation
- Motivation to participate in the conference (100 words)
Fee waivers are granted subject to availability and eligibility criteria.
Deadline: 8th May 2026
Accommodation
There are limited on-campus rooms available at our beautiful villas and stylish apartments (photos above). The price per night is €88 and includes a hot breakfast served at one of the on-campus restaurants. Accommodation is approximately a 7-minute walk from the conference spaces.
Reserve your on-campus accommodation using this link.
If you have any questions regarding on-campus accommodation, please contact our colleagues at conference@ul.ie
Off-Campus options:
Castletroy Park Hotel: reservations@castletroypark.ie |+353 61 335566 | www.castletroypark.ie
Travel Lodge: +353 61 603500 | Travelodge | Limerick Castletroy
Kilmurry Lodge Hotel: info@kilmurrylodge.com | 353 (0)61 331133 | www.kilmurrylodge.com
Travel to the University of Limerick
From Shannon airport:
Public transport:
- Bus Éireann Expressway 51 from Shannon Airport → Limerick Colbert Station. At the Colbert station, you take bus Éireann/TFI 304A
- Bus Éireann 343 from Shannon Airport → City centre. Then take bus 304 to the University.
Taxi:
You can install the taxi app Free Now:
Freenow - Ireland's best taxi app, available in 150+ cities in Europe. | Freenow
From Dublin Airport:
The best way to travel to Limerick from the airport is by bus. Direct buses are departing from the airport to Limerick.
For example, this company has a direct route to the University - CITY Link timetables: Choose route 712 - The bus stop closest to the University of Limerick is Castletroy.
Parking on Campus.
Kemmy Business School is building n. 28. The closest public free park is P21, you can download the Campus Map here.
The Pavilion Restaurant (welcome reception) is building n. 36 (see map).
The Terrace Restaurant (conference dinner) is building n. 23 (see map).
From other destinations: how to get to the University of Limerick.
Venue
The conference will take place in the state-of-the-art Kemmy Business School Building (pictured left). The main lecture theatre and all workshop rooms are located on the ground floor, ensuring full accessibility for all attendees.
Details on how to get to University of Limerick here.
Print your poster on Campus
There's a printer conveniently located on Campus where you can print your poster.
Contact details:
Tel: +353 61 338284
Email: info@troymarketing.ie
Website: Troy Marketing |Graphic Design
Scientific Committee:
Conference manager: Dénia Claudino - email to denia.claudino@ul.ie |
The conference is co-funded by the Higher Education Authority.
The Health Research Institute supports the Implementation Science conference, an underpinning area of excellence of the Institute.
