Trinity College Dublin and the Faculty of Health Sciences are holding their annual Trinity Week from 7th - 11th April with a series of public events aimed at looking at the Science of Happiness.

Most of the symposia, lectures and talks on the science behind happiness, its influence on mental health, creating balance and the importance of the smile are free and open to the public, as are guided walks, Tai Chi in Front Square, relaxation classes, musical performances and short films throughout the week.

One of the highlights of the week is a public lecture - 'Let us smile each chance we get' - on Thursday, April 10th at 6pm, by Cognitive Researcher Nancy Etcoff, Director of the Program in Aesthetics and Well-Being at the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry.The talk will discuss the ways we try to achieve and increase happiness and its surprising effect on our bodies.

Other special events include an academic symposium on Wednesday, 9th April at 2pm on the Science of Happiness which features talks on the science behind mindfulness, creating balance, mental health and how a person’s smile affects social interactions and how other people perceive them.

A second symposium on Thursday, April 10th will focus on Healthy Happy Ageing and features, among others, renowned author and Professor of Psychology, Ian Robertson, who will talk about his research into how we can use our minds to help build its resilience against disease and injury.