Graduate Researcher Laura E. Smith named 2025 SIPPA Student Impact Award recipient

AERC congratulates Graduate Researcher (GR) Laura E. Smith as the 2025 recipient of the SIPPA (student-focused Division of the International Positive Psychology Association) Student Impact Award.

As a researcher and PhD candidate in the Assessment & Evaluation Research Centre (AERC) at the University of Melbourne, Laura works in the field of education research and evaluation, focusing primarily on issues related to the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and students. In addition, Laura also contributed to fostering a thriving community and wellbeing among graduate research students, as founding Chair of the Graduate Researcher Community (GRC) Executive Committee at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education.

The SIPPA Student Impact Award celebrates a student who has made significant contributions to the positive psychology community, literature, or practice. This award recognises an individual whose work, actions, or advocacy has created a meaningful impact, through advancing the field, fostering community well-being, or inspiring others through their dedication and leadership.