Myf Maple

Professor Myfanwy Maple

PhD, GCTE, GradCertAdolHlthWelf, BSW(Hons1) ,GAICD

Primary Research Focus:
Suicide Postvention

Works with:
University of New England


Myfanwy Maple is Professor of Social Work in the School of Health at the University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. For more than 15 years, Professor Maple’s research has focused on trauma and loss, with a particular emphasis on understanding risk and resilience following exposure to the suicide death of another. This focus on the lived experience of suicide is also the impetus for recently becoming involved in the development of research exploring suicide attempt narratives in those who have made previous attempts on their lives. Further, Professor Maple is involved in several projects examining risk and resilience among vulnerable young people who have experienced significant trauma, are disengaged from society, are at risk of incarceration, and have declining mental health. Dr Maple’s focus remains on authentically including the voices of those with lived experience to better inform suicide policy, research and practice developments.

Professor Maple is on the Editorial Board of Suicidology Online and Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior. From 2013 to 2018 was a member elected Director of the Board of Suicide Prevention Australia and chaired the National Suicide Prevention Conference (2015 - 2018). She is co-chair of the International Association for Suicide Prevention Postvention and Bereavement Special Interest Group. From 2006 to 2012, Professor Maple held a NSW Ministerial appointment as an Official Visitor under the Mental Health Act, and was also a member of the advisory committee reporting directly to the Minister. In 2014, Professor Maple was awarded a prestigious rural and remote diversity scholarship jointly awarded by the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Research areas:
  • Adults
  • Children or young people
  • Target groups (CALD, LGBTI, Rural/remote, Lived experience)
  • Suicidal behaviour(suicidal ideation, suicidal risk, suicide attempt)
  • Mental health, mental ill health
  • Interventions
  • Settings (workplaces, mental health services, education, communities)
Available for:
  • Research opportunities
  • Funding
  • Innovative approaches to suicide prevention
  • Connecting with post-graduate candidates
  • Collaboration with Australian suicide prevention services, programs and resources
  • Support for discussions about suicide
Myf Maple
Professor Myfanwy Maple

Primary Research Focus:
Suicide Postvention

Works with:
University of New England