About us

Institute for Positive Psychology and Education

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 and aligned to ACU Vision 2033.

"Our vision at IPPE is to enable individuals and communities to flourish through the delivery of world-leading scientific research that promotes human dignity and the Common Good."
Professor Rhonda Craven
Director, IPPE

Director's Welcome

Welcome to IPPE.

Our vision at IPPE is to enable individuals and communities to flourish through the delivery of world-leading scientific research that promotes human dignity and the Common Good.

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 in 2012, 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 1st 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 enable individuals and communities to flourish through the delivery of world-leading scientific research that promotes human dignity and the Common Good.

Our Mission

  • To conduct world-class, multi-disciplinary research in positive psychology and education that makes a difference in addressing critical global educational and psychosocial challenges of our time.
  • To undertake high-impact research to positively influence the lives of individuals, families, communities and organisations, and translate theory and research into effective policy and practice.
  • To foster human dignity and the Common Good through rigorous, globally collaborative research in positive psychology and education.

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

IPPE will:

  • provide a high-quality, personalised, supportive, flexible, vibrant and accessible learning experience and environment to attract new and retain our existing research students.
  • deliver research-informed teaching and learning into undergraduate and postgraduate unit offerings; establish micro-credentialled professional development courses; and provide research mentoring and support for Faculty teaching staff, ECRs and MCRs.
  • be world-leaders in the development of research-informed, community-led and community-codesigned research projects that are aligned to achieving ACU and IPPE's Mission.
  • be influential in policy development in the field of educational psychology, improving educational outcomes and wellbeing across educational settings and communities in need.
  • be the nexus between ACU and our external research partners.

Our Priorities

  • Research Excellence
  • Exemplary Publications
  • Research-Informed Teaching
  • Industry-partnered research programs and projects
  • 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

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Logo for the ACU Institute for Positive Psychology and Education

Visit us

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

Mailing address

PO Box 968
North Sydney NSW 2059
Australia

Email: ippe@acu.edu.au