IPPE prides itself on the calibre of our internationally renowned researchers and scholars, backed by a talented professional staff team.

Translating theory and research into effective policy and practice

The Institute for Positive Psychology & Education (IPPE) is led by its founding Director, Professor Rhonda Craven.

Our research is driven by a clear strategic vision that is guided by our mission and values.

“Our vision at IPPE is to lead scientific research that empowers individuals, groups, and communities to not just succeed — but flourish and thrive.”
Professor Rhonda Craven
Director, IPPE

Director's Welcome

Welcome to IPPE.

Our vision at IPPE is to lead scientific research that empowers individuals, groups, and communities to not just succeed - but flourish and thrive.

Research at IPPE capitalises on the positive psychology revolution sweeping social science research worldwide. Working collaboratively with scholars across the world, our researchers drive and achieve tangible success in international research in positive psychology.

We are recognised for substantive and methodological advances in research into physical and psychological well-being, resilience, and self-concept, for developing psychometrically sound measures of important psychosocial outcomes, and for achieving synergistic blends of rigorous quantitative, qualitative, and applied research.

Collectively our research teams have been awarded over 70 Australian Research Council grants (including ARC Future Fellowship and DECRAs). Before gaining Institute status at ACU, IPPE was an established world-class research centre (founded by Professor Marsh in 1998).

IPPE is:

  • #1 Lead institution in Educational Psychology and Counselling in Australia in 2023 and 20241
  • 1st in Australia and 2nd in the World in United Nations SDG Impact (Good Health and Wellbeing)2
  • 1st in Australia and 2nd in the World in Research Quality (Psychology)3
  • 4th-ranked in ARC grants in Education
  • 1st in Indigenous Education4
  • 7th-ranked educational psychology program in the world5

We have a fundamental concern for justice, equity, diversity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Our core values include empowerment, ethical research, harmony, cultural security, academic freedom, respect, and responsibility.

Our research is driven by a clear strategic vision that is guided by our mission and values.

Our Vision

To lead scientific research that empowers individuals and groups to thrive.

Our Mission

  • To conduct world-class, multi-disciplinary research in positive psychology and education that makes a difference in addressing critical educational and psychosocial issues.
  • To undertake research to positively influence the lives of individuals, families, communities and organisations, and translate theory and research into effective policy and practice.
  • To drive excellence in positive psychology through rigorous research that fosters the common good.

Our Values

We have a fundamental concern for justice, equity, diversity, and the dignity of all human beings. Our core values include empowerment, ethical research, harmony, cultural security, academic freedom, and respect and responsibility.

Our Research

  • Indigenous Culture, Education, and Well-Being
  • Mindfulness, Compassion, and Action
  • Physical Activity, Sport, and Health Psychology
  • Positive Education
  • Positive Organisational and Social Context
  • Positive Psychological and Social Development
  • Positive SELF and Well-Being
  • Substantive-Methodological Synergy

Our Objectives

  • Attracting external research funding to support our vision
  • Building strong research partnerships
  • Producing high-quality publications
  • Graduating outstanding PhD students
  • Maximising the positive impact and visibility of our research

Our Priorities

  • Research Excellence
  • Exemplary Publications
  • Outstanding Students
  • Impact

1 The Australian Research Magazine 2023 and 2024

2 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

3 Times Higher Education World Rankings 2024 (Research Quality, Psychology)

4 Behrendt, L. (2012). Review of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Final Report. Australian Government. retrieved 29th of April 2015 from: http://apo.org.au/research/review-higher-education-access-and-outcomes-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people

5 Fong, C.J., Flanigan, A.E., Hogan, E. et al. Individual and Institutional Productivity in Educational Psychology Journals from 2015 to 2021. Educ Psychol Rev (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-022-09704-2

Logo for the ACU Institute for Positive Psychology and Education

Visit us

Level 9 and 10, 33 Berry Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Australia

Get in touch

PO Box 968
North Sydney NSW 2059
Australia