Caroline Heary graduated with a BA from the University College Dublin (UCD), after which she completed a Masters of Psychological Science in Health Psychology in NUI, Galway. She subsequently returned to UCD, where she completed her PhD on the development of an instrument to assess childrens satisfaction with hospital services (under the supervision of Dr. Eilis Hennessy amp; Prof. Hannah McGee).

Having worked as a researcher in the Childrens Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin, she then obtained a post-doctoral research fellowship from the National Childrens Office. She was appointed to her post in NUI, Galway in November 2003.

Carolines professional activities include:

• Member of the Growing Up In Ireland Policy Advisory Group Research and Practice Advisory Group (2023 onwards) and formerly member of the Scientific advisory group; Health Panel, Growing up in Ireland, Phase 2 (2015 to 2023).
• European Paediatric Psychology Network Board Member (2020 to date) (and founding member of EPPN)
• Helium Arts Creative Health Hub West Advisory Group Committee Meeting
• Planet Youth West, Research and Data subgroup

Former activities include:

• Research Officer & Committee Member, Special Interest Group in Paediatric Psychology, Psychological Society of Ireland(PSI)
• Member of the International Committee, Society of Pediatric Psychology, APA(2018-2023)
• Member of the Council of the Psychological Society of Ireland (2004-2007)
• Co-Founder, Youth Academy (NUI, Galway)
• Secretary of the local organising committee of the European Health Psychology Conference (hosted by School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, August 2005
• Member of the Scientific Committee, European Health Psychology Conference (2005; 2023; 2024)
• Member of the Academic Advisory Board, The Irish Centre for Talented Youth, Dublin City University (2002-2016).

Caroline has specific interests in the social context of health and wellbeing during childhood and adolescence. Specific research themes include:

• Youth Mental health:
  • Barriers to seeking care (stigma associated with chronic health conditions; help-seeking for mental health difficulties; mental health literacy); lived experience; school mental health
  • Risk & Protective factors for young peoples wellbeing (role of peers, family, school)
  • Development of evidence-based interventions to support child and adolescent wellbeing
• Paediatric Psychology:
  • Psychosocial issues associated with childhood chronic illness 
  • Mental health needs for young people living with a chronic physical condition Social support; Peer support
  • Transition from paediatric to adult health care
  • Health behaviours of children and adolescents (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, healthy eating), Socio-ecological approaches
  • Caroline is currently working on a number of paediatric psychology projects including:
    • Pathways to Improving Transition to Adult services amp; Enhancing Self-Management in Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis (Caroline Heary, PI; Funded by the Health Research Board amp; Cystic Fibrosis Ireland). Postdoctoral Researcher: Dr. Angeline Traynor; Collaborating with Childrens Health Ireland, St. Vincents University Hospital & Sick Kids Toronto (2023-25)
    • Exploring the feasibility & acceptability of a nature-based therapeutic intervention for children with a chronic health condition (Clinical Trainee Laura McDonnell in collaboration with Childrens Health Ireland)
    • Exploring healthcare participation experiences of adolescents living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Sarah Quinn, former Clinical trainee 2024; in collaboration with Childrens Health Ireland)

• Developmental Psychology
• Child health psychology / paediatric psychology