Tammie Kwek | Psychology | Innovation Trailblazer Award

Published on by Best Paper Awards

Ms. Tammie Kwek | Psychology | Innovation Trailblazer Award

Senior Clinical Psychologist at Institute of Mental Health, Singapore

Tammie Kwek Rong Rong, Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, is a leading innovator in mental health care, specializing in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and psychiatry. Holding a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the National University of Singapore, she has pioneered the implementation of the Bergen 4-Day Treatment and Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for OCD, significantly enhancing treatment accessibility and outcomes. Actively involved in multiple local and international research collaborations, her work spans novel therapy delivery models, clinician training, and patient-centered care, with publications in reputed journals such as Frontiers in Psychology and Journal of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy. A recognized leader and mentor, she serves as Secretary of OCD Network Singapore and has received multiple awards for innovation, adaptability, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

Professional Profile

Orcid Profile | Scopus Profile

Education

Tammie Kwek Rong Rong earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the National University of Singapore, where she developed advanced competencies in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and research methodologies. She also holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours in Psychology  from the same institution, establishing a strong foundation in mental health theory and evidence-based practice. Her academic training encompassed diverse therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy. Tammie has further strengthened her expertise through numerous specialized clinical certifications, covering areas such as OCD treatment, psychosis interventions, trauma therapies, and neurodevelopmental assessments. This rigorous academic preparation has equipped her with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for driving impactful research and delivering innovative, patient-centered mental healthcare solutions.

 Experience

As Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Tammie Kwek co-leads pioneering services, including the Bergen 4-Day Treatment and Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for OCD. Her responsibilities encompass delivering psychotherapy across diverse clinical populations, conducting complex psychological assessments, supervising clinical staff and interns, and leading specialized service teams. She has played a pivotal role in integrating innovative therapy models into mainstream practice, improving treatment accessibility and outcomes. Tammie also serves on hospital committees, contributes to clinician training, and develops therapy programs for conditions including psychosis and trauma. Previously, she served as Senior Psychologist, overseeing triage services and co-developing group therapy interventions. Her professional journey reflects a balance of clinical excellence, leadership, and research-driven innovation, positioning her as a transformative force in Singapore’s mental healthcare landscape.

Research Interest

Tammie’s research interests focus on advancing mental health treatment accessibility, efficacy, and delivery models. She specializes in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), psychosis, and trauma, with a particular emphasis on innovative interventions such as the Bergen 4-Day Treatment and Internet-based CBT. Her projects explore novel therapy delivery mechanisms, transdisciplinary approaches, clinician training, and patient outcome optimization. She is currently involved as Co-Principal Investigator in studies on adaptive behavior assessments, predictors of therapy success, and mechanisms of OCD treatment. Additionally, she engages in research on trauma therapies, psychosis management by non-specialists, and digital mental health interventions. Her work bridges research and practice, translating evidence-based findings into scalable, real-world solutions. Tammie’s focus reflects a commitment to leveraging research as a driver for systemic change in mental healthcare delivery.

Award and Honor

Tammie has been recognized for her exceptional contributions through multiple awards. These include the Best Adaptor Medal (Team) at the National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals, the COVID-19 Resilience Medal, and the Allied Health Professional Young Achiever Award. She has also received institutional honors such as the Sayang Award and Excellence in Action Award, acknowledging her dedication to patient care and innovation. Her selection for the prestigious Ministry of Health In-Service Scholarship underscores her academic and professional excellence. These accolades reflect both her adaptability in rapidly evolving healthcare contexts and her commitment to implementing impactful, evidence-based solutions. Collectively, her awards affirm her status as a leader and innovator whose contributions significantly advance clinical practice and mental health research.

Research Skills

Tammie possesses advanced research skills spanning the full spectrum of the scientific process, including study design, ethics approval, grant applications, participant recruitment, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. She has expertise in randomized controlled trials, intervention efficacy studies, and therapy outcome evaluations. Proficient in conducting structured interviews, focus groups, and psychometric assessments, she integrates robust methodological approaches with clinical insight. Her publication record in peer-reviewed journals, along with her roles as peer reviewer for Digital Health and research project panelist, demonstrate her scholarly credibility. She is adept at translating research into clinical protocols, ensuring evidence-based practices are applied in real-world healthcare settings. Her collaborative research approach, often involving multidisciplinary and international partners, enhances the breadth, quality, and applicability of her work.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Effectiveness and acceptability of Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Singapore
Authors: T. R. R. Kwek, J. H. E. Yim, E. Andersson, O. Suendermann, M. Subramaniam, E. Yadin, J. Vaingankar, B. Gupta
Year: 2024
Citation: J. Behav. Cogn. Ther. 34(2), 100487

Title: Improving responses to challenging scenarios in therapy: A randomized controlled trial of a deliberate practice training program
Authors: D. Chow, S. H. X. Lu, T. R. R. Kwek, S. D. Miller, A. Jones, M. A. Hubble, G. C. Y. Tan
Year: 2024
Citation: Train. Educ. Prof. Psychol. 19(1), 1–13

Title: A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) of Clinician-guided Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) for Depressed Patients in Singapore
Authors: S. H. Lu, H. A. Assudani, T. R. R. Kwek, S. W. H. Ng, G. C. Y. Tan
Year: 2021
Citation: Front. Psychol. 12, 2833

Conclusion

Tammie Kwek Rong Rong exemplifies the qualities of a clinical innovator and research leader. Her career reflects a rare integration of advanced academic preparation, diverse clinical expertise, pioneering service development, and impactful research. By spearheading initiatives such as the Bergen 4-Day Treatment and Internet-based CBT for OCD, she has improved treatment accessibility and set new benchmarks in mental healthcare delivery. Her leadership roles, mentorship, and contributions to professional networks further demonstrate her influence within the field. Recognized nationally and internationally for her achievements, Tammie continues to shape the future of mental health through evidence-based innovation. With her proven track record and forward-looking vision, she is exceptionally well-positioned to drive meaningful change in both research and clinical practice.

Caterina Arcidiacono | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Best Paper Awards

Prof. Caterina Arcidiacono | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

University of Naples Federico II, Italy

Prof. Caterina Arcidiacono is a renowned expert in Community Psychology with a distinguished academic and professional career spanning over four decades. She is a full professor at the University of Naples Federico II and has significantly contributed to research in gender studies, gender-based violence, migration, and community wellbeing. Prof. Arcidiacono has coordinated numerous EU-funded projects and published over 150 academic works in prestigious journals. She has held influential roles including Director at EFPA, Past President of ECPA, and advisor to the Italian Senate and European Parliament. As editor of leading journals and coordinator of international PhD programs, her leadership has shaped global discourses on social justice and mental health. Her commitment to research, policy, and community engagement positions her as a leading figure in European psychology and a strong candidate for prestigious academic recognition.

Professional Profile

Orcid Profile

Education

Prof. Caterina Arcidiacono completed her degree in Psychology from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” with distinction. She further specialized in psychoanalysis through rigorous training with the International Association of Analytical Psychology (IAAP), earning her qualification as an IAAP-certified psychoanalyst . Her education laid a solid foundation for her interdisciplinary work, combining clinical psychology, psychoanalysis, and community psychology. Her academic background reflects a deep commitment to psychological theory, practice, and cross-cultural research. Over the years, she has enriched her academic portfolio by participating in advanced training, multilingual scholarship, and contributions to educational programs, including the direction of PhD courses and postgraduate master’s programs. Her education has been pivotal in shaping her expertise in gender studies, violence prevention, and social transformation within both academic and applied psychological contexts.

Professional Experience

With over 40 years of professional experience, Prof. Arcidiacono has held key academic and advisory positions. She served as Full Professor of Community Psychology at the University of Naples Federico II and coordinated numerous doctoral and postgraduate programs. Her leadership includes roles as President of the Mobbing Commission, Director of EFPA, and Past President of ECPA. She also served as a consultant to the Italian Senate’s Commission on Femicide and contributed to various health and social service reforms. In addition, she directed several EU-funded research and intervention programs focused on gender violence, migration, and community well-being. Her professional scope also extends to editorial leadership, including editorship of international journals on psychology and gender studies. She has played pivotal roles in shaping psychological policy and research ethics both nationally and across Europe.

Research Interest

Prof. Arcidiacono’s research interests span across community psychology, gender-based violence, migration, urban regeneration, and intercultural dialogue. Her focus lies in analyzing structural inequalities, fostering collective well-being, and addressing the socio-psychological roots of gender violence and community trauma. She employs methodologies such as participatory action research and grounded theory, making her work both empirically rich and socially transformative. A significant portion of her research during recent years has been dedicated to exploring the psychological impacts of COVID-19, especially on marginalized communities. She has a special interest in gender asymmetries and the psychosocial development of women and children affected by domestic violence. Her research contributions not only offer academic insights but also influence policy-making and community intervention strategies. She continues to innovate at the intersection of psychology, social justice, and feminist theory.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Caterina Arcidiacono has received several prestigious awards and honors recognizing her scholarly and social impact. Notably, she was awarded the Denmark/Reuder Award by APA Division 52 for Outstanding International Contributions to the Psychology of Women and Gender. This award reflects her exceptional scholarship, mentorship, and leadership in the field. She has also been consistently recognized by European institutions for her role in shaping community psychology and influencing gender policy. She has been entrusted with key roles by the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA), further affirming her reputation as a thought leader in psychological sciences. Her work has earned praise not only for its academic excellence but also for its tangible contributions to public policy, gender equity, and community empowerment across Italy and Europe.

Research Skills

Prof. Arcidiacono is highly skilled in qualitative and participatory research methodologies, particularly grounded theory and action research, which she applies to real-world issues such as gender violence, community resilience, and intercultural integration. She has successfully directed multi-year, multi-institutional European research projects with grants exceeding €3 million, demonstrating expertise in research design, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her proficiency spans systematic reviews, narrative inquiry, and ethnographic studies, often conducted across multilingual and multicultural contexts. She is also adept at publishing and editing in high-impact journals, including Q1 publications, and has experience mentoring doctoral students in advanced research techniques. Her research is policy-oriented and community-engaged, emphasizing ethical rigor, cultural sensitivity, and academic innovation. These skills position her as a leading scholar in applied psychology and social transformation.

Publications Top Note

Title: Social connectedness and social actions during the pandemic in the lens of community psychology: A systematic review
Authors: Esposito C., Di Napoli I., Marino L., Agueli B., Procentese F., Arcidiacono C.
Year: 2021
Citation: European Psychologist, Vol. 26(4)

Title: Psychological Lockdown Experiences: Downtime or an Unexpected Time For Being?
Authors: Procentese F., Esposito C., Gonzalez Leone F., Agueli B., Arcidiacono C., Freda F.M., Di Napoli I.
Year: 2021
Citation: Frontiers in Psychology, Vol. 12

Title: Italian community psychology in the COVID-19 pandemic: Collective dimensions in storytelling of university students
Authors: Di Napoli I., Arcidiacono C., et al.
Year: 2021
Citation: Frontiers in Psychology, Vol. 12

Title: Community dimensions and emotions in the era of COVID-19
Authors: Marzana M., Arcidiacono C., et al.
Year: 2021
Citation: Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology

Title: Contextual influences on Italian university students during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Migliorini L., Arcidiacono C., et al.
Year: 2021
Citation: Journal of Community Psychology in Global Perspective, Vol. 7(1), 71–87

Title: Violent dad in child shoes: a moment before
Authors: Arcidiacono C., Di Napoli I. (Eds)
Year: 2021
Citation: Fedoa University Press

Title: Combatting Intimate Partner Violence: Representations of social and healthcare personnel
Authors: Autiero M., Procentese F., Carnevale S., Arcidiacono C., Di Napoli I.
Year: 2020
Citation: IJERPH, Vol. 17(15), 5543

Title: Children witnessing domestic violence in the voice of health and social professionals
Authors: Carnevale S., Di Napoli I., Esposito C., Arcidiacono C., Procentese F.
Year: 2020
Citation: IJERPH, Vol. 17, 4463

Title: ‘Kept in check’: Representations and feelings of professionals facing IPV
Authors: Di Napoli I., Carnevale S., Esposito C., Block R., Arcidiacono C., Procentese F.
Year: 2020
Citation: IJERPH, Vol. 17, 7910

Title: De-growth and critical community psychology: Contributions towards well-being
Authors: Natale A., Di Martino S., Procentese F., Arcidiacono C.
Year: 2016
Citation: Futures, Vol. 78, 47–56

Conclusion

Prof. Caterina Arcidiacono exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to societal advancement through psychological research. Her lifelong contributions to community psychology, gender studies, and social justice demonstrate her ability to bridge theory with action. Through her extensive publications, leadership in international organizations, and influential policy advisement, she has shaped discourse and practice at both national and international levels. Her interdisciplinary approach, coupled with a strong ethical foundation and research acumen, makes her an ideal candidate for prestigious awards and recognition. Looking ahead, her continued engagement in collaborative research and academic mentorship ensures that she will remain a transformative force in psychological science and community development worldwide. Prof. Arcidiacono’s legacy lies in empowering individuals and communities through inclusive and socially responsive scholarship.