Institute for Positive Psychology and Education

IPPE tackles the significant issues of our time through positive psychology. We conduct multi-disciplinary research to address critical educational and psychosocial issues, and translate theory to inform effective policy and practice. Our work demonstrates how individuals, communities and organisations can not only just succeed, but flourish and thrive.

Institute for Positive Psychology and Education

The Institute for Positive Psychology and Education gives researchers the space to develop multi-disciplinary, collaborative projects.

Our people

We bring together internationally renowned researchers and scholars with a fundamental concern for justice, equity, diversity, and the dignity of all humans.

Meet our people

Study with Us

Applications to the PhD and MPhil programs close 11.59pm 4 December 2023 AEST. Scholarships available for domestic and international students.

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Virtual Open Days

You are warmly invited to join us for online sessions to hear more about our PhD and MPhil programs. The IPPE Virtual Open Day includes the chance to hear from members of our research community across each of the institute’s programs, as well as opportunities for individual appointments with researchers.

For more information click here

Positive partnerships

Our institute is making a positive impact through high-profile industry partnerships, community engagement, and collaborative research efforts with leading international scholars. The strength of these relationships and our successes in the areas of positive psychology and education has led to a high track record of external grants and awards.

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Featured projects

Compassion and wellbeing

We look at the importance of compassion for promoting wellbeing as well as how can it be enhanced, particularly for overworked and tired health care workers.

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iTEACH

This project looks at how teachers can help students from low socioeconomic backgrounds engage with education during their early years of secondary school.

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Drivers of success

This project adopts a positive psychology framework which incorporates Indigenous worldviews to identify characteristics of schools that help students achieve their potential.

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Education re-engagement

Our researchers are determining the best and most cost-effective ways to help 11–14-year-old students, at risk of dropping out, to re-engage with school and improve their opportunities.

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Past events

Missed an event or Brown Bag Session? Read more about our past events or watch a presentation from one of our renowned researchers.

Browse our events

Join us

Our higher degree research programs examine psychology and its application in Indigenous education, sport and health, education, as well as positive psychology.

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Our research streams

Indigenous Game Changers

Indigenous Game Changers’ purpose is to enable Indigenous children, youth and communities to, not just succeed, but thrive.

Explore IGC Research Program

Educational & Developmental Psychology

This research stream explores the factors that allow humans to flourish and to contribute to their community and society.

Explore EDP Research Program

Motivation & Behaviour

This program focuses focused on understanding human motivation and behaviour for the promotion of human wellness.

Explore M&B Research Program

Institute for Positive Psychology and Education