Dr Minu Mathews is Associate Professor in Psychology and Head of the Department of Psychology at Heriot-Watt University Dubai. She completed her PhD in Psychology at the University of Leeds and joined Heriot-Watt University in 2013. Dr Mathews’ academic background is in Health Psychology, alongside a growing scholarly interest in learning and teaching in Higher Education.

She has extensive experience in academic leadership, programme development, quality assurance and transnational education. Before becoming Head of Department, she served as Programme Director for undergraduate Psychology in Dubai and Associate Director of Learning and Teaching for the School of Social Sciences. She has also contributed to curriculum and programme review and to the development and delivery of Psychology education across Heriot-Watt's international campuses.

Dr Mathews led the successful British Psychological Society accreditation of Heriot-Watt Dubai's undergraduate Psychology programmes. This made Heriot-Watt Dubai the first and currently the only institution in the Middle East and North Africa region to offer BPS-accredited undergraduate Psychology provision.

Dr Mathews' research interests are primarily within Health Psychology, particularly health behaviour and behaviour change, stress and wellbeing, and the psychological and cross-cultural factors that influence health and work-related outcomes. Her research interests also extend to the scholarship of learning and teaching, particularly student engagement, graduate preparedness and the ways in which students' connections with alumni and professional communities can support their learning and transition beyond university.

QAA Scotland Enhancement Theme: Building Resilient Partnerships (BRP): A horizontal support system between alumni and honours students (Received funding of AED 5000) Co-lead with Academic Head of the Edinburgh Business School, Dr Marlene Muller.

Al Khaleej – May 2026 - The Role of Volunteering in Emotional Wellbeing: Building Resilience and Purpose. The article discusses the role of volunteering in supporting emotional wellbeing, with a particular focus on how volunteering can contribute to resilience and a sense of purpose.

Al Jawahara- April 2026- Ways to Build Student Wellbeing and Adapt to Crises. The article discusses approaches to supporting student wellbeing and the ways in which students can develop resilience and adapt during periods of challenge and uncertainty.

Gulf News – January 2026 - UAE Winter Back-to-School Blues? Easy Morning Habits to Stay Alert and Focused. The article discusses practical approaches to supporting wellbeing, alertness and focus as students return to school following the winter break.

Al Jawahara – January 2025 - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: Treatment Methods. The article discusses ADHD in children, with a focus on approaches to treatment and support from a psychological perspective.

Gulf News – May 2024 - Dangers of Social Media Usage. The article discusses the potential impact of social media use on psychological health and wellbeing, drawing attention to some of the challenges associated with its use.

Live Health Magazine – August 2023- The Healing Power of Pets. The article discusses the relationship between pets and psychological wellbeing, exploring how interactions with animals can support health and wellbeing.