Building on a memorandum of understanding signed between the two organisations in January 2024, researchers co-located at the University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) visited Jeju National University for an international joint research agreement ceremony and academic exchange programme.
The visit solidified plans for collaborative research on wellness interventions. The partnership will establish a research platform that leverages the unique environmental and cultural characteristics of the Jeju region to generate globally significant research in digital healthcare. Key areas of collaboration include wearable technology, exercise science, behavioural intervention design, and natural environment-based health interventions.
During the visit, Sheffield Hallam researchers introduced the parkrun model currently operating across the UK and experienced the Jeju Olle Trail, the region's renowned green space walking infrastructure. The exchange revealed promising opportunities for international comparative research on nature-based health intervention models between the two regions.
This week, the University welcomed 11 students, two researchers and two academics (Professors Noh and Choi) from Jeju National University as part of the research collaboration.
Researchers were introduced to some of the key projects being led by the AWRC to support healthier, more active lives. During the exchange the students carried out a ‘hackathon’ around the theme of digital health and ‘healthy active 100’. They also took part in a parkrun event in Endcliffe Park.
Among these key projects was the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University and The University of Sheffield that brings together clinicians, researchers, industry and patients to drive digital health innovations that improve the health of our region.
Professor Steve Haake, from the School of Sport and Physical Activity at Sheffield Hallam, said: "This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to combine Sheffield Hallam's expertise in physical activity interventions and population health with Jeju's innovative approach to digital green prescriptions. By working together, we can develop evidence-based wellness interventions that have the potential to improve health outcomes for communities in both regions and beyond."
The collaboration encompasses several strategic initiatives, including joint academic seminars, global outreach programmes, expanded researcher and student exchanges, and the establishment of joint research laboratories. Initial projects will focus on digital wellness intervention demonstration studies based on the Jeju Olle Trail, with plans to expand into intervention technologies for older people and those living with chronic conditions.
This agreement reinforces Sheffield Hallam University's commitment to advancing global health research through international partnerships and positions both institutions at the forefront of digital healthcare innovation.
