As CQUniversity's Engaged Research Chair for Mental Health Nursing, Professor Brenda Happell has been putting Australia on the map in her field. 

Thanks to Brenda and her team, CQUniversity is recognised by the SciVal organisation as the Number 1 institution in the world for Mental Health Nursing Research, based on articles published of relevance.

CQUniversity's undergraduate Nursing degree has a unique focus on the consumer perspective. One of the team's innovations involves a Lived Experience Practitioner (service user) who teaches 'Recovery' within the mental health field.

Prof Brenda HappellThe Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) recently created 'The Brenda Happell Award' for the best presentation at its annual Consultation-Liaison Special Interest Group Conference at Melbourne.

Professor Happell is an ACMHN Fellow and has served on the Board of Directors. ACMHN says the award was created to acknowledge her contribution to mental health nursing and her support of novice researchers and publishers.

Professor Happell continues her role as Editor of the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. the world's highest ranked mental health nursing journal.

The active researcher has a distinguished academic career that includes more than 180 research publications, as well as books and book chapters. She has worked as a consultant to the World Health Organisation and has an impressive list of national and international keynote speaker invitations.

A recent analysis of research citations published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing showed Professor Happell ranking in the 'top three' among Australia's leading nursing academics.

Earlier this year, Brenda was recognised with a Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research Higher Degree Supervision, during a graduation ceremony on Rockhampton Campus. This award acknowledges Brenda for her commitment to achieving an outstanding level of performance in supervising, mentoring and training research higher degree candidates.