I am an award-winning wellbeing researcher, acknowledged by the Irish Times as one of 30 people who make Ireland a better place.
As a Chartered Psychologist, Researcher and an Associate Professor at the Centre for Positive Health sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, I specialise in Positive Psychology (the science of wellbeing). I lead a team of researchers exploring how we can tweak wellbeing interventions to amplify people’s wellbeing.
Over the past few years, my team have been at the forefront of pioneering a new field of research that merges positive psychology (the science of wellbeing) with lifestyle medicine (the science of how lifestyle can prevent non-communicable diseases, such as cancer or heart disease). Our goal is simple: to assist people in enhancing their wellbeing, regardless of their physical condition. We firmly believe that everyone has the potential to experience high levels of wellbeing, whether they’re dealing with illness or not.
Moreover, we’re intrigued by the physiological aspects of wellbeing. Are there more reliable ways to measure psychological flourishing—those peak levels of wellbeing—than just relying on self-reports like surveys and interviews? Can we use objective physiological measures to gauge flourishing? These are the kinds of questions that keep us engaged and excited every single day.
In addition, I supervise a team of six PhD and doctoral researchers who share my passion for these topics. They’re currently delving into various areas, such as optimising the application of positive psychology by harnessing the team’s psychological capital, investigating system-based factors that influence workplace wellbeing, implementing art-based interventions in schools to enhance organic wellbeing, exploring positive pedagogy as a means to fostering wellbeing, exploring the impact on nature on employees’ wellbeing and using positive psychology interventions to improve orthodontic treatments. If you’re intrigued by similar research topics, don’t hesitate to reach out to our RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences. We’re always excited to connect with others who share our interests
Apart from engaging in research, I’m involved in teaching at the Centre for Positive Health Sciences. As a programme co-director for the Masters in Positive Health Sciences and Coaching, I play a key role in shaping our students’ learning experiences in applying positive psychology in a Positive Health coaching practice. I also contribute to programmes like the Postgraduate Diploma in Positive Health and the Masters in Leading Wellbeing in Workplaces, teaching students about the applications of Positive Psychology Interventions in daily life and ways in which we can amplify their impact.
Excitingly, we’re on the brink of launching the world’s first Masters in Applied Positive Psychology specifically designed for healthcare professionals. I’m honoured to lead this groundbreaking initiative alongside a dedicated team of colleagues who share my enthusiasm for positive psychology and its profound impact on health and wellbeing.
Before joining RCSI, I held positions that allowed me to apply my research in meaningful contexts. I served as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Education at Maynooth University, where I focused on positive education, i.e. the application of positive psychology in education. Earlier, as a Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychology at the University of East London, I delved into applying research in workplace settings. Additionally, I had the privilege of co-leading the Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology program at UEL.
My journey into this field began with my PhD in Positive Psychology at the esteemed Trinity College Dublin, one of Ireland’s top universities. Looking back, completing my PhD over a decade ago remains a cherished memory.
Writing is not just a job for me; it’s my passion. I’ve authored more than ten books and have contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed publications and popular articles focusing on the practical applications of positive psychology in everyday life. My work has been featured in reputable publications such as The Guardian, Irish Independent, and Irish Times. Additionally, my research and writing have been referenced in numerous media outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Sky News and the Evening Herald.
I’m proud to have a regular column in Psychology Today, a leading global platform for psychological discussions. I also frequently share insights on platforms like The Conversation and RTE Brainstorm, which provide academics with opportunities to communicate their research to the wider public. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my articles have reached over 3 million readers through these outlets.
In my personal life, I love swimming, hiking, reading fiction and movies. I live in Dublin with my husband, sons, a dog and two cats.
Professor Jolanta Burke 