Organising Committee
The Organising Committee involved in the Dublin conference comprises a diverse group of experts, including:
Dr Jolanta Burke
Dr Jolanta Burke is a Chartered Psychologist specialising in Positive Psychology and a Senior Lecturer. She has authored over 10 books and was invited to speak at events worldwide. She leads a “Positive Activity Research Lab” at RCSI and has received research funding from organisations such as the Irish Research Council, Health Research Board and Science Foundation Ireland. She regularly contributes to the media and wrote articles for newspapers, such as the Guardian and Irish Independent. She writes an invited blog for Psychology Today, her articles in the Conversation have reached over 2 million reads and she was acknowledged by the Irish Times as one of 30 people who make Ireland a better place.
Professor Christian van Nieuwerburgh
Professor Christian van Nieuwerburgh is Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology at the RCSI. He is an academic, researcher, executive coach and consultant interested in the integration of coaching and positive psychology in educational and health settings. He has published widely in the sector, regularly speaks at global conferences and has given presentations and delivered training in Europe, the US, South America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Ms Suzanne Sullivan
Ms Suzanne Sullivan is the Centre's Operations and Quality Manager. She has worked in the RCSI for the last 19 years in a variety of roles and more recently as the Quality Assurance & Regulatory Manager at the RCSI Institute of Leadership. Suzanne holds a BA from UCD and completed her MBS in the IMI/UCC in 2020. Her expertise lies in accreditation and examination processes both internally and with external stakeholders including the NUI.
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Ms Miriam Holden
As the Marketing, Communications, and Student Recruitment Coordinator, Miriam is entrusted with the responsibility of driving student recruitment for RCSI’s Centre for Positive Health Sciences (CPHS) programmes, while simultaneously growing brand recognition through dynamic campaigns. She works closely with healthcare organisations and stakeholders to establish meaningful relationships. Miriam previously worked with the RCSI Graduate School of Healthcare management as their digital recruitment and event co-ordinator. She holds a BA in exercise and health and an MSc in Digital Marketing.
Angel Harper
Angel Harper is a research assistant at the Centre for Positive Health Sciences. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology, with a Neuroscience and Neuroimaging focus. Her interests are on neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, combining neuroscience and positive psychology to investigate these topics.
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