Science | MoveAhead Copy

Where groundbreaking science fuels
real-world impact

The MoveAhead team, founded by Ph.D. experts in Behavioural Neuroscience and Computer Science, has published over 150 research papers on children's physical literacy, motor competence and digitising physical assessment and development. Leaving academia to reach children globally at scale, they built MoveAhead to transform how movement skills are assessed and developed through cutting-edge science and technology.

Co-founder & CEO

Dr. Johann Issartel

Johann holds a Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience and is a prolific researcher with extensive publications, leveraging his expertise to develop innovative solutions for assessing and improving children’s movement skills globally.

Co-founder & CPO

Dr. Jamie McGann

Jamie holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and is a Microsoft award winner for his research on digitising kid's physical development. With a background in elementary education, he is passionate about tech that is safe and accurate for kids.

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CCO

Grace McNamara, B.Sc. MPH. EMBA.

Grace, brings over 20 years of leadership in health, fitness, and technology—including 12 years at Apple driving health and fitness initiatives and girls in sport. She leverages her experience to scale MoveAhead’s mission globally

Movement Matters

Welcome to Movement Matters—MoveAhead's curated hub for podcasts, article summaries, topic blogs, and expert insights on fostering children’s skill development, physical literacy and AI for good.

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Many children can't run, throw or kick a ball properly by time they are 10

By Dr. Johann Issartel Our recent studies with over 2,000 Irish children aged five to 12 show some startling results: one in four cannot...

Active Kids, Thriving Communities: A Vision for the Future of Physical Activity

How do we inspire children to move, thrive, and build lifelong habits of physical literacy? This question lies at the heart of Episode #4...

Embracing the Future of Children's Physical Literacy: AI Ireland Podcast

Introducing Our AI Ireland Podcast Feature Join Dr. Johann Issartel, co-founder of MoveAhead, in this captivating episode of AI Ireland ,...

Moving with the times: Innovation in gaming to improve children’s movement skills

*Originally published in BERA following publication of the Article ' Hop. Skip.Jump.Games' in British Journal of Educational Technology...

Why Feeling Confident in Movement Makes Kids More Active

Have you ever noticed how some children love to run around the playground, while others hang back on the sidelines? Researchers are...

Feeding a Positive Pathway: Targeting the 'Mind' to Move the Body

Our brains are incredible. Every time we experience something—an event, an activity, or even a feeling—neurons (brain cells) fire...

Ireland’s First AI Strategy: MoveAhead Earns National Recognition

When Ireland unveiled its AI – Here for Good strategy, the country took a bold step toward shaping an innovative, ethically grounded...

12 Year old Pupils Losing their Grip - Can Technology Help?

*Full version originally published in The Irish Independent Sixth-Class Pupils Losing Their Grip: Can Technology Help? By Dr. Johann...

Where groundbreaking science fuels real-world impact