Dr. Anne Duffy’s U-Flourish Program:

Partnering with Students to Support Mental Health at Queen’s

Queen’s University’s U-Flourish program, directed by Dr. Anne Duffy [MD, MSc, FRCPC], is a research initiative in partnership with students to understand the mental health and well-being challenges they face.

The program was created in 2018 after researchers found the transition to university is a pivotal milestone in social, biological, and psychological development. 

“We started and continue a conversation with students about their mental health through the U-Flourish Survey.” (Dr. Anne Duffy, 2025)

What students share through the survey doesn’t just stay on paper—it shapes real programs and resources designed to support student well-being. One key outcome is the accredited interdisciplinary elective course “The Science of Well-Being, Mental Health, and Resiliency (IDIS 199),” which gives students practical tools and knowledge to understand mental health, build resilience, and care for their own well-being.

Looking ahead, the U-Flourish team is currently developing a smart well-being platform and mental health calculator. These innovative tools will provide personalized feedback and recommendations, meeting students exactly where they are on their journey to better mental health.

Students are invited to join the conversation and have their voices heard—your experiences and perspectives are central to shaping meaningful support at Queen’s.

U-Flourish is research with students, for students, making mental health a shared priority.

Stay connected and see what U-Flourish is working on at uflourishresearch.ca.

Project Happiness sincerely thanks Dr. Anne Duffy for her collaboration and her invaluable contributions to student wellness.

By: Dr. Anne Duffy & Ashley Wilson