As Head of RCL’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Professor Joanne Lusher is shaping and delivering a forward-thinking curriculum that integrates innovation, research excellence and real-world application.  

Grounded in the principles of positive psychology and coaching, Jo takes a collaborative, lead-by-example approach to her leadership – empowering others and building a department culture that values connection, creativity and continuous growth. 

With 25 years of experience in higher education (HE), Jo has a proven track record in leading high-performing teams in delivering excellence in teaching, research and student experience. She has built a career in psychological science, human behaviour and transformative education. She is a dedicated and forward-thinking leader in HE with extensive experience in curriculum design and the delivery of institutional strategy.  

Over the course of her career, Jo has successfully led academic business units, line-managed diverse teams of educators and delivered innovative, student-focused programmes that drive academic excellence and industry relevance. 

Prior to joining RCL, Jo spent over four years at Regent’s University London as an Academic Director and Professor of Psychology. She provided strategic leadership on research as well as several other university-wide workstreams including Intellectual Community and Environment (ICE), and Developmental Toolkit for Academics (DTA).  

Jo also established the University’s inaugural integrated Learning Teaching Research and Scholarship Conference and initiated the VC’s Fund Scheme to advance research innovation and institutional growth.  

Prior to that, Jo spent four and a half years at the University of the West of Scotland, leading the Professional Health Portfolio on the London Campus, delivering significant growth while embedding an inclusive, student-centred ethos.  

Previously, Jo spent many years at London Metropolitan University in various roles where she led the design and delivery of multiple courses across the psychology curriculum, including Programme Director for a Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology.  

Career highlights 

• ScholarGPS Top Scholar Award 
• Principal Fellow AdvanceHE (PFHEA)  
• Registered European Federation of Psychologists (EuroPsy)  
• University Teaching Fellowship Award (UTF) 
• Registered Applied Psychology Practice Supervisor (RAPPS)  
• Chartered Scientist (CSci) The Science Council
• Registered Competence in Psychological Testing (RQTU)  
• HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist 
• Registered Member of the Associated Stress Consultants (MASC)  
• NLP and CBT Certified
• BPS Chartered Health Psychologist (CPsychol)  
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 

Research and publications 

Jo has so far 199 publications in peer-reviewed and international books and journals. Her publications span across the field of health psychology, and she has also published widely on pedagogy.  

Jo has appeared on live broadcasts as an expert psychologist and writes for various national media outlets, including The Times special reports and Men’s Health magazine, sharing psychological wisdom and analysis on trends in human behaviour. Her biographical profile is listed in the Dictionary of International Biography, The Cambridge Blue Book and Who’s Who in the World®.  

Jo’s research outputs have been REF-rated as internationally excellent. She was also placed in the top 0.5% of all scholars worldwide in the 2024 ScholarGPS rankings.