Researcher and Faculty member at Tel Aviv University, Israel
Prof. Liat Hamama, PhD, is a distinguished academic in the field of social work, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University. With over three decades of experience, she has made substantial contributions to the study of psychological resilience, stress, and well-being among vulnerable populations—particularly siblings of pediatric cancer patients, children with neurodevelopmental disorders, and healthcare professionals. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. focused on the psychological impact of chronic illness on healthy siblings, and she has since built a prolific career as a researcher, educator, and leader. Prof. Hamama has actively participated in numerous international conferences, chaired academic panels, and held key administrative roles within her institution. She also leads the Renata Adler Memorial Research Center for Child Welfare and Protection and serves on various national and international academic committees. Her work combines rigorous empirical research with a deep commitment to improving the lives of children and families facing adversity.
Professional Profile
🎓 Education of Prof. Liat Hamama
Prof. Liat Hamama pursued all her academic degrees in Social Work at Tel Aviv University, showcasing a consistent and focused dedication to the field. She earned her B.A. in Social Work (1986–1989), followed by an M.A. (1993–1996), where her thesis explored the experiences of siblings of childhood cancer patients. She later completed her Ph.D. (1999–2004) with a dissertation titled “Impact of Self-Control, Self-Efficacy, and Burden on Stress Responses of Healthy Siblings of Pediatric Cancer Patients”. Her graduate and doctoral studies were supervised by esteemed professors Dr. Tammie Ronen, Dr. Rena Feigin, and Prof. Giora Rahav. 📚 In 2006, she broadened her academic perspective as a Visiting Scholar at McGill University’s School of Social Work in Canada, further enriching her global academic engagement.
💼 Professional Experience of Prof. Liat Hamama
Prof. Liat Hamama has built an impressive academic and professional career at Tel Aviv University, marked by progressive leadership and impactful teaching in the field of social work. Beginning as a teaching assistant and student supervisor (1993–1996), she advanced to roles such as external lecturer (2001–2008) and tenure-track lecturer (2008–2012). She was promoted to Senior Lecturer (2012–2020) and currently serves as an Associate Professor. Her leadership roles include Head of the M.A. Program, Head of the Clinical Track for Children and Adolescents, and Director of the Renata Adler Memorial Research Center for Child Welfare and Protection. Beyond her department, she has served on university-wide committees, including those related to teaching, health, and scholarships. 🏫 Prof. Hamama has also contributed internationally through active participation in conferences, and she has been a member of esteemed evaluation bodies, such as the ISF committee. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, mental health advocacy, and institutional service.
🔬 Research Interests of Prof. Liat Hamama
Prof. Liat Hamama’s research centers on the psychological and emotional well-being of vulnerable and at-risk populations, with a strong emphasis on children, adolescents, and their families. Her work explores key themes such as stress responses, self-control, self-efficacy, positive psychology, and post-traumatic growth. She has conducted extensive studies on siblings of pediatric cancer patients, children with neurodevelopmental disorders, and youth exposed to family conflict or chronic illness, investigating how these experiences affect mental health and social functioning. 🧠 Additionally, her research examines burnout and psychological distress among healthcare professionals, especially in crisis contexts like the COVID-19 pandemic. Integrating cognitive-behavioral and resilience-based approaches, Prof. Hamama’s work contributes valuable insights into therapeutic interventions and support systems that promote well-being across diverse, often marginalized, populations.
🏅 Awards and Honors of Prof. Liat Hamama
Prof. Liat Hamama has earned recognition and respect for her significant academic and social contributions, reflected in her appointments to prestigious roles and committees. She was selected as a Visiting Scholar at McGill University in 2006—an acknowledgment of her scholarly excellence and international impact. She has also served as a member of the Israeli Science Foundation (ISF) Evaluation Committee, a highly confidential and competitive position reserved for leading experts in their fields. 🏆 Additionally, her leadership in organizing and contributing to major international conferences—often as an invited speaker, chair, and scientific committee member—highlights the esteem in which she is held by the global academic community. Through her work, Prof. Hamama continues to influence both national policy and international research on child welfare and mental health.
Conclusion
Prof. Liat Hamama is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in fields intersecting social work, child mental health, and psychosocial stress research. Her sustained academic productivity, leadership roles, international engagement, and social impact make her a strong candidate, especially in the social sciences and health psychology domains.
📘Publications Top Noted
1. Coping, meaning in life, and quality of life during ongoing conflict: insights from Israeli populations
- Authors: [Author names not listed in your input]
- Journal: Israel Journal of Health Policy Research
- Year: 2025
- Citations: 1
2. Nurses during war: Profiles-based risk and protective factors
- Authors: [Author names not listed in your input]
- Journal: Journal of Nursing Scholarship
- Year: 2025
- Citations: 1
3. Psychological Distress, Resources, and Coping Strategies Among Evacuees and Non-Evacuees From an Armed Conflict Zone: A Network Analysis
- Authors: [Author names not listed in your input]
- Journal: Stress and Health
- Year: 2025
- Citations: 3
4. Adolescents’ posttraumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic: The links between differentiation of self, parents’ posttraumatic growth, and adolescents’ gender
- Authors: [Author names not listed in your input]
- Journal: Children and Youth Services Review
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 1
5. Provision of supportive care by an NGO in the face of a dual challenge: cancer and wartime
- Authors: [Author names not listed in your input]
- Journal: Supportive Care in Cancer
- Year: 2024
- Citations: