James Matthews

James Matthews is an Associate Professor and Head of School at University College Dublin's School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science. He holds roles such as Deputy Head of School and former Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning. With a PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology from UCD, he also completed training in cognitive behavioral psychotherapy at Trinity College Dublin. His research focuses on sport psychology, health behavior change, mental health in sport, and performance management in elite environments.

Education:

• BA (Hons) Psychology, UCD (2000)
• MA Social & Organizational Psychology, UCD (2002)
• PhD Sport & Exercise Psychology, UCD (2009)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy, Trinity College Dublin

Research Interests: Behavioral interventions for physical activity, mental health in sports, leadership in elite sports, and curriculum development for health behavior change. He leads programs like the SOLAS intervention for musculoskeletal pain management and mental health promotion for coaches.

Grants & Awards:

• Recipient of multiple grants including HRB-funded projects (2015–2023)
• University Teaching & Learning Award (2017)
• Fellowship in Teaching & Academic Development (2019)

Professional Activities: Served on committees for Psychological Society of Ireland, European Congress of Sports Sciences, and led the MSc Sports Management program (2013–2020). Reviews for journals like Journal of Applied Sport Psychology and Psychology of Sport and Exercise.

Labs/Teams: Involved in interdisciplinary teams at UCD's Health Sciences Centre, focusing on behavioral interventions, sports performance, and chronic disease management.