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Leading positive psychologist examines education and wellbeing at Simply Happy conference

Monday 14 April 2008

Dr Ilona Boniwell, Vice-President of the International Positive Psychology Association and programme leader for UEL's unique MSc in Applied Positive Psychology, will give a keynote speech at the major Science of Happiness and Wellbeing conference, to be held at the Singapore Expo and Convention Centre on 16-17 April.

Recognised as one of Europe’s leading proponents of positive psychology, Dr Boniwell has written many academic papers and books, including the popular introduction 'Positive Psychology in a Nutshell'. Her keynote is expected to explore the effects of education systems internationally on psychological wellbeing of individuals and groups.

At the Science of Happiness and Wellbeing conference, Dr Boniwell will explain how positive psychology and well-being techniques can be integrated into the Singaporean educational system. She will further discuss how parenting practices can improve their focus on children's wellbeing.

Dr Boniwell said: “Education should always be centred around the wellbeing of children, which means focusing on creativity and not just achievement. I aim to encourage the Singaporean Ministry of Education to continue developing its recent attempts to introduce a stronger focus on creative and critical thinking - on learning for life-long skills rather than simply preparing to excel in examinations.

“This conference will demonstrate how positive psychology can touch the lives of people in schools and workplaces all over the world, transforming attitudes, not only towards education, but also to health, ageing, parenting, families, cultural values and economic development.”

South East Asia is currently one of the most economically vibrant regions in the world, yet recent increases in personal wealth have not been consistently matched by improvements in wellbeing and happiness.

The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing conference will feature the latest research in the field of positive psychology, enabling participants to understand how to develop long-term happiness in their own lives. Dr Boniwell will join other leading figures in the field, including UEL honorary doctor Professor Martin Seligman, to share understanding of how the findings of positive psychology can be put to work in communities, organizations and daily life.

The conference will take place at the Singapore Expo and Convention Centre on 16-17 April. For further information, visit www.simply-happy.com.

UEL's MSc Applied Positive Psychology enables students to develop understanding and practice of the scientific study of human happiness and wellbeing. The unique programme has proved very popular since its launch in February 2007. For further details, visit www.uel.ac.uk/psychology.

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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