Kate Bartlem

Dr. Kate Bartlem is an NHMRC Early Career Fellow with the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Her research focuses on addressing the chronic disease burden among disadvantaged population groups, with particular expertise in implementation science and translation of evidence-based practices into clinical services and community settings. She has established herself as a leading researcher in the integration of physical and mental health care, tobacco and e-cigarette cessation, and health behavior change interventions.

Dr. Bartlem received her educational training at the University of Newcastle, where she earned both her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Doctor of Philosophy. Her academic journey has been recognized with prestigious awards including the University Medal in Psychology, Chancellor's Award for Research Excellence, and Vice Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Research Candidates.

Her research program has consistently focused on bridging the gap between evidence and practice in mental health settings, particularly examining how preventive care for chronic disease risk behaviors can be effectively integrated into mental health services. Dr. Bartlem's work has special emphasis on smoking cessation, nutrition, physical activity, and alcohol consumption among people with mental illness, with a strong commitment to addressing health disparities in vulnerable populations.

The most recent publications reveal a clear trajectory in Dr. Bartlem's research, demonstrating increasing sophistication in implementation science methodologies and a growing focus on co-design approaches with community stakeholders. Her work spans from systematic reviews examining implementation strategies to rigorous randomized controlled trials testing interventions in real-world settings, with particular attention to the mental health context.

• Reducing Health Risks in the Community Award (Hunter New England Population Health, 2012)
• University Medal in Psychology (University of Newcastle, 2010)
• Chancellor's Award for Research Excellence (University of Newcastle, 2010)
• Vice Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Research Candidates (University of Newcastle, 2010)
• Three Minute Thesis University Finalist (University of Newcastle, 2014)
• Beryl Nashar Young Researcher Award Nominee (University of Newcastle, 2016)
• Australian Postgraduate Award (Commonwealth Government, 2016)

Dr. Bartlem has secured significant research funding through her NHMRC Early Career Fellowship and has collaborated extensively with major institutions including the World Health Organization and Hunter New England Population Health. Her supervisory role appears to focus on implementation science projects related to mental health services and preventive care, with numerous publications co-authored with junior researchers. She has also contributed to teaching in health psychology courses at the University of Newcastle, including PSYC6601 Health and Psychology as course coordinator.

Her work demonstrates strong collaboration with community mental health services and community managed organizations, translating research into practice through implementation support packages, staff training, and co-development of strategies with service providers. This practical approach ensures her research has direct applicability to improving health outcomes for people with mental illness.