Our People

Dean and Head of School

(opens in a new window)Associate Professor James Matthews was appointed Dean and Head of the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science in September 2024, having been Deputy Head from 2022. 

Previously, he held the role of Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning and is a former University Fellow in Teaching and Academic Development. He acted as the Academic Director for the MSc in Sport Management from January 2013 to December 2020, leading the programme to a global ranking in multiple years. His teaching and research interests focus on the psychology of sport, exercise and health behaviour. Specifically, his research centres on physical activity related behaviour change, mental health promotion in sport, and performance management processes in elite sport. James provides psychological support services to the University’s Ad Astra Elite Sport Scholars, and is a former chair of the Psychological Society of Ireland’s Division of Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology. 

Associate Professor Matthews leads a team of over 120 people who focus on providing market-leading programmes and delivering world-class research in a friendly and welcoming student-centred environment.