To strengthen global conversations on resilience, well-being, and school psychology, the FLOURISH 3rd Cohort, under the guidance of Dr. Anastassios Matsopoulos, Programme Director, co-organised the 5th International School Psychology Conference in Crete, Greece, on May 21, 2026, bringing together scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students for a day of interdisciplinary dialogue and international academic exchange.
Held at the University of Crete (Gallos Campus) in Rethymno, Greece, the conference centred on the theme “Global School Psychology, Resilience and Well-Being in the Context of Schools, Families and Communities.” The event featured both onsite and online presentations from internationally recognised experts in resilience, education, psychology, and youth development, including Dr. Michael Ungar (Dalhousie University, Canada), Prof. Wassilis Kassis (FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Northwestern Switzerland), Prof. Olympia Palikara (University of Warwick, United Kingdom), Dr. Linda Theron (University of Pretoria, South Africa), Prof. Kristen Vargas (International School Psychology Association), Dr. Froma Walsh (University of Chicago, USA), Dr. Rachel Pierre-Louis and Dr. Gaston Weitz (Adelphi University, USA), alongside Greek scholars such as Dr. Chris Perakis-Evlogias, Dr. Anastassios Matsopoulos, and current FLOURISH student, Josefina Davila Vijil.
Beyond contributing to the organisation of the conference, members of the FLOURISH 3rd Cohort actively engaged in critical discussions and interdisciplinary exchanges on multisystemic resilience, school well-being, youth development, relational and lived resilience, and the role of educational systems and communities in fostering supportive environments for children and young people. Through collaboration, academic dialogue, and shared reflection, the conference created a dynamic platform for connecting research with lived realities across diverse global contexts.
The event also highlighted the FLOURISH programme’s continuing commitment to globally engaged, context-responsive, and community-oriented approaches to resilience in educational settings. Reinforcing the value of international education and intercultural collaboration, the conference demonstrated how academic spaces can meaningfully bring together research, practice, culture, and human connection.
The conference concluded with a special musical closing performance by legendary Cretan singer and lyra player Vasilis Skoulas, celebrating Crete’s rich cultural heritage and further grounding the event in the island’s local traditions and community spirit.
