Faculty of Education Academics Recognised at International Positive Psychology Congress

Two Faculty of Education researchers have been honoured at the 2025 World Congress on Positive Psychology, held in Brisbane earlier this month, for their outstanding global contributions to the field of wellbeing science.

Professor Lindsay Oades, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education, received the Positive Educator Researcher Impact Award from the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), recognising his long-standing leadership in Positive Education and his research impact across schools, universities and communities worldwide.

With more than 175 scholarly publications, Prof. Oades has helped shape the international conversation around wellbeing literacy, recovery, and coaching. He is the author of six books and a sought-after speaker, advisor, and educator, having delivered keynote addresses in over 18 countries.

Associate Professor Aaron Jarden was honoured with the Raymond D. Fowler Service Award, generally regarded as the second highest award in the field and one of IPPA’s highest accolades, recognising his leadership, research and service in advancing positive psychology.

A wellbeing consultant, social entrepreneur and academic in the Faculty of Education, A/Prof. Jarden has over 130+ scholarly publications (including 5 books) and has led major initiatives across Australasia, and advised governments and organisations. He helped establish global standards in research quality and ethical guidelines for the field of positive psychology, now translated into over 10 languages.

“Being awarded this highly competitive and sort after award by my peers is one of the highlights of my career to date, for which I am honoured and humbled” said A/Prof Jarden.

“It is a nod to collaborative initiatives I have had the joy and privilege of leading that are now having such positive impacts in academia and the world. I am truly grateful for this recognition, which inspires me to continue working hard”.