PhD Joep Van Agteren

Joep van Agteren is a behaviour change and mental health researcher, with a keen interest in evidence-based intervention development, using formative research via systematic reviews and qualitative research to underpin research projects, and the use of technology in improving health and wellbeing.

*After completing his MSc. in Psychology at Maastricht in the Netherlands, he moved to Australia and started the role of researcher for the Respiratory Medicine department at the Queen Elizabeth hospital, where his work predominantly focused on improving models of care and ensuring implementation of evidence-based care in practice.

After 2 years, he made the move to SAHMRI to join the Mental Health and Wellbeing program. A key aspect of his work is the development of novel mental health and wellbeing solutions, and their implementation within organisation and community. His research side is combined with a commercial role as, together with his co-lead Monique Newberry, he founded Be Well Co, a spin-out company that was set up to deliver SAHMRI’s mental health solutions to the general public. His responsibilities all serve one overarching purpose: to advance the science of wellbeing and resilience, to provide people with skills to overcome and grow after adversity, and to allow community members and the community as a whole to thrive and lead the best lives they possibly can.