Assoc ProfessorNiki Nearchou

Dr Finiki (Niki) Nearchou is an Associate Professor with the School of Psychology and the Research Director of the UCD Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology. Niki is the Lead of the School of Psychology Research Theme: Psychological heath, well-being and resilience. She is the Founding Director and Principal Investigator of the UCD Resilience and Health Laboratory.

Niki completed her BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) and undertook further postgraduate training in psychotherapy at the Hellenic Institute of Psychology & Health. She then moved to UK and completed a MSc in Health Psychology from the University of Surrey. Niki returned to Greece to undertake training in play therapy. She worked as a psychotherapist in private practice and a researcher in European funded projects. Niki secured an EU doctoral fellowship and was awarded her PhD in Psychology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her PhD research focused on risk and resilience following child abuse. She worked as a Lecturer at the International Faculty of the University of Sheffield in Thessaloniki for two years. In 2016 she joined UCD as a post-doctoral researcher working on youth mental health and stigma. In 2017 she was appointed as Assistant Professor in the School of Psychology and in 2019 she was awarded an Ad Astra Fellowship. Niki is a Chartered Member and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.

Coming from a health and developmental psychology background Niki focuses on resilience and youth health research by
applying sophisticated analytical techniques and methodologies. Her intellectual signature lies in understanding the complex mechanisms underpinning social, environmental, psychological and biological factors associated with sustainable resilience and quality of life, especially when there is exposure to adversity and trauma. Her programme generates cutting-edge research, carries significant translational value and delivers impact with sustainable and real-world
implications timely addressing the Sustainable Development Goal 3 Ensure Healthy Lives & Wellbeing for all at all ages as outlined by the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Niki's research has been funded by Horizon Europe, European Social Fund, Irish Research Council, Health Service Executive, Health Research Board, Onassis Foundation, Government of Greece, Government of Ireland and St John of God Research Foundation.

Niki teaches on resilience, statistics, research methods in clinical psychology and mental health. She disseminates research in audiences at all levels and engage with outreach activities addressed to a wide range of stakeholders. Niki supervises the research of doctoral research students, clinical trainees on the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology and on the M.Psych.Sc programme. Areas of supervision: Resilience, health including mental health, trauma, chronic illness, risk and health behaviours, stigma, psychometrics. 


Currently accepting post-doctoral researchers interested in applying to fellowships such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship and Irish Research Council schemes.