Human-centred digital health for people, communities, and wellbeing

Our research centre is based in Dundalk Institute of Technology.

We develop ideas and technologies to support healthier lives and wellbeing

NetwellCASALA at Dundalk Institute of Technology is a research centre and Living Lab where we design, develop, test, and trial digital health and wellbeing solutions with and for people across the life-course. Our work focuses on healthy ageing, physical activity and women’s health, neurodiversity, and health behaviours and beliefs. We collaborate with stakeholders across the public and private sectors, academia, healthcare, and communities, and are committed to person-centred research through active public and patient involvement (PPI) across our projects.

Research Themes

HCI for Healthy Ageing

Led by Dr Julie Doyle, this theme explores how older adults and those who care for them interact with digital health technologies, and how inclusive, effective, and empowering solutions can support healthy ageing. Our research focuses on the design, development, evaluation, and real-world implementation of digital health technologies that enhance self-management, wellbeing, independence, and quality of life. Methodologies are human-centred, collaborative, and co-productive, engaging stakeholders across the research and innovation cycle. The theme also leads the development of NetwellCASALA’s digital health platform infrastructure, which supports projects across the centre’s research themes.

Physical Activity, Performance & Women's Health

Led by Dr Oonagh Giggins, this theme explores how digital technologies and exercise-based interventions can support physical activity, rehabilitation, performance, and women’s health across the lifespan. Research focuses on enhancing cardiovascular health, reducing sedentary behaviour, and improving wellbeing and rehabilitation outcomes through inclusive, evidence-based solutions. Working collaboratively with clinical partners, community stakeholders, and end-users, the theme develops and evaluates accessible digital interventions that support prevention, self-management, recovery, and long-term health and wellbeing.

Neurodiversity across the Lifecourse

Led by Dr Lucia Carragher, this theme explores the experiences and needs of neurodivergent individuals across the life-course, with a focus on the design, evaluation, and implementation of inclusive digital health and care interventions. Research under this theme examines how technologies and evidence-based supports can enhance wellbeing, communication, care, and quality of life for neurodivergent individuals, people living with dementia, and their carers. Working collaboratively with families, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders, the theme emphasises co-design, inclusive evaluation, and the development of scalable, real-world solutions.

Health Behaviours and Beliefs

Led by Dr Orla Moran, this theme explores how evidence-based behavioural science approaches can support positive health behaviours, emotional wellbeing, and self-management across a range of health contexts. Research under this theme applies approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Contextual Behavioural Science (CBS) to support individuals living with chronic and age-related conditions, informal caregivers, healthcare professionals, and wider communities. Working collaboratively with stakeholders, the theme develops and evaluates interventions that promote coping, resilience, inclusion, and sustainable behaviour change in real-world settings.

Members of the Netwell/CASALA at the launch of the new DkIT Institute of Connected Health & Wellbeing. (Photo: Ciara Wilkinson)

About Us

NetwellCASALA is a leading applied multidisciplinary research centre focused on the design, development, and evaluation of inclusive digital health and wellbeing technologies. Our research spans healthy ageing, physical activity and women’s health, neurodiversity across the life-course, and health behaviours and beliefs. Through collaborative, human-centred research, we translate ideas into practical solutions that improve health, wellbeing, and quality of life across communities.

Learn about the team