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A ��ɫ��Ƶ researcher has received international recognition for her leadership in driving digital mental health strategy in Ireland. 

Dr Ruth Melia, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology, has been named as the 2025 recipient of the Leadership Excellence Award for Ireland at an awards ceremony in Toronto, Canada.

The award recognises exceptional contributions to the digital mental health domain by demonstrating noteworthy leadership to implement solutions at scale and was presented by the eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC), a global collaborative hub for digital mental health implementation.

At the award ceremony, Dr Melia was recognised for the impact she has had on driving more accessible, inclusive, and impactful mental health care in Ireland. 

A spokesperson for eMHIC explained: “Dr Melia exemplifies leadership in translating research into real-world tools, demonstrating meaningful impact on national mental health care.”

“With cross-disciplinary expertise in both engineering and psychology, she advises on digital parenting, AI, and ethics, while keeping people’s lived experience at the heart of the work,” they added.

Dr Melia’s research has contributed to the development of a shared vision for digital mental health among key stakeholders in Ireland, including the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). 

Through her research ��ɫ��Ƶ, combined with her clinical experience, Dr Melia has directly informed Ireland’s most recent national mental health strategy, as well as supporting her ongoing work with the HSE.

Dr Jennifer McMahon, Head of the Psychology Department ��ɫ��Ƶ, said: “I’m delighted to congratulate Dr Ruth Melia on receiving the Leadership Excellence Award from the eMental Health International Collaborative in Canada.”

“This recognition reflects her thoughtful and innovative contribution to digital mental health initiatives, and we are delighted to see her work acknowledged on an international stage,” added Dr McMahon.

Reflecting on the award, Dr Melia said: “This award is a testament to the interdisciplinary research happening across the University, advancing our knowledge in digital mental health at a global level. Across psychology, engineering, and computer science, UL researchers are leading international research and informing policy, as seen in the recent National Digital Mental Health Strategy.”

“Strong collaborations help ensure our research is grounded in health service needs and supports real-world impact. Co-design with those with lived experience helps to ensure that the research and resulting tools are user-led.”

“Sincere thanks to my Psychology Department colleagues, the Health Research Institute, and the D²Ice Data Driven Computer Engineering Research Centre, who all ensure that our research is grounded in lived realities, ethically robust, and optimised for real-world impact. It is encouraging to see these efforts acknowledged by peers at an international level.”