About

The Emotions, Health and Well-being Seminar brings together leading voices in psychology, education, and well-being to explore how emotion, AI, and neurodiversity shape our understanding of human connection and resilience. Each session offers a blend of research insights, lived experience, and applied strategies designed to bridge science and practice. Participants can expect meaningful discussions that combine academic depth with practical relevance.

Emotions and Well-being

Explore how emotional regulation shapes our sense of well-being, identity, and connection.

This theme examines the psychological, cultural, and social dimensions of emotion, highlighting evidence-based ways to strengthen both individual and collective mental health.

Our keynote speaker, Professor Shigehiro Oishi (University of Chicago), opens the seminar with an international perspective on happiness, meaning, and emotional well-being. His research examines how life satisfaction and community belonging vary across cultures, providing valuable insights into what truly supports well-being in diverse contexts. His address will set the tone for a day focused on connection, reflection, and growth.

Our second keynote speaker is Dr. Himangana Gupta (United Nations University - Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability ), who is currently focusing on indigenous and local communities and well-being. Her research explores intercontinental understanding of well-being amongst various indigenous populations.

AI and Human Connection

Discover how digital innovation can both support and challenge our emotional lives.

This theme examines how AI can be utilised mindfully to promote human connection, enhance accessibility, and boost productivity without compromising overall well-being.

Professor Iolanda Galinha shares preliminary findings from an intervention promoting emotional well-being in schools, offering practical implications for educational environments and early prevention.

Antonio Raposo discusses how artificial intelligence can be utilised to support productivity and mental health, highlighting the opportunities and ethical considerations associated with emerging technologies in well-being research.
João Santos highlights the reforms needed for VET institutions to become not only centres of skills development but also stability anchors for learners navigating social and economic pressures.

Together, these speakers present a balanced perspective on how human and digital systems can collaborate to promote psychological and emotional well-being.

Neurodiversity and Resilience

Explore the rich diversity and strengths of human experience

This theme focuses on neurodivergent perspectives on emotional regulation and resilience, highlighting inclusive, strength-based approaches to thriving in complex environments.

Bárbara Guedes will share insights on neurodivergent perspectives and strengths, discussing how understanding diverse cognitive profiles can foster empathy, innovation, and authentic connection.

Emily Bispo, a third-year PhD student, will present her research on emotional regulation within couples, offering insights into how awareness and communication influence relational well-being across various relationships.

Together, these speakers invite participants to reframe differences as sources of strength and creativity, encouraging a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of emotional health.

Nature and Well-Being

Natural settings offer what psychologists call soft fascination. It includes gently engaging, restorative stimuli that allow the mind to rest and recover from directed attention fatigue. The Indigenous population has been aware of this for millennials. At this seminar, engage in science-backed insights and real-life experiences that demonstrate: nature is not a luxury, but essential to our health, happiness, and resilience.

Ema Shaw Evangelista, as a clinical Psychologist, shall share insights using surf-based, nature-driven therapy to support and empower children facing social exclusion and trauma in Portugal.

Fern Beauchamp plans on exploring how breathing practices might promote connection to self, others, and nature and lay foundations for individual, collective, and planetary wellbeing.

Together, these speakers invite participants to explore nature-based pathways to well-being through surf therapy and breathwork.