Recognising Excellence in Psychiatry – The World Psychiatric Association and the World Association on Dual Disorders invite submissions for the prestigious Prof. Pedro Ruiz Recognition Awards.
The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) and the World Association on Dual Disorders (WADD) have come together to launch two prestigious awards in honour of the late Professor Pedro Ruiz, a pioneer in the field of psychiatry. As part of the "Agreement of the Americas," these awards recognise professionals who have made significant contributions to psychiatry, particularly in the area of dual disorders.
“Dual disorders” is the term used in the mental health field to refer to those patients who suffer from an addictive disorder and other mental disorders. They can occur simultaneously or, even more importantly, from the conceptual point of view, sequentially throughout their lifespan
A Tribute to Professor Pedro Ruiz
Professor Pedro Ruiz was a founding member and first president of WADD, as well as a past president of both the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the WPA. His dedication to advancing psychiatric research, treatment, and education made a lasting impact on the field. In recognition of his legacy, WADD governing bodies established two awards that aim to inspire future generations and honour exceptional contributions to dual disorder studies.
Award Categories
The WPA & WADD awards recognise two different categories of psychiatric professionals:
Pedro Ruiz Academic Fellowship on Psychiatry and Dual Disorders Award
This award honours senior professionals with distinguished careers in psychiatry and dual disorders.
In the Footsteps of Pedro Ruiz Award
This award recognises younger professionals under the age of 45 who have made notable contributions to the field.
While these awards do not include grants or scholarships, they serve as prestigious international recognition of outstanding work in dual disorders.
Application Guidelines
The application process is open until the 25th of April 2025, and candidates must meet the following criteria:
Pedro Ruiz Academic Fellowship on Dual Disorders Award:
Must have at least 20 years of experience in dual disorder research and treatment.
Should be actively engaged in the treatment, research, or teaching of dual disorders.
Must have made significant and meaningful contributions to the international psychiatric community.
In the Footsteps of Pedro Ruiz Award:
Must be under 45 years old.
Should have at least five years of experience in dual disorder research and treatment.
Should demonstrate clear and consistent contributions to the study and treatment of dual disorders.
Nomination Process
Each president of a participating association may nominate:
One candidate for the Pedro Ruiz Academic Fellowship Award.
Up to two candidates for the In the Footsteps of Pedro Ruiz Award.
Applications must include:
A 200-word summary of the nominee’s accomplishments.
Two letters of support highlighting the nominee’s significant impact in dual disorder treatment and research.
The Scientific Committee will evaluate nominees based on their contributions, research, and long-term dedication to the field. The committee will select two recipients for the Academic Fellowship Award and three recipients for the In the Footsteps Award.
Awards Presentation Ceremony
The awards will be officially presented during the 25th World Congress of Psychiatry, which will be held in Prague, Czech Republic, in October 2025. Recipients will receive complimentary registration for the event, and winners of the Pedro Ruiz Academic Fellowship Award will have the opportunity to deliver the Pedro Ruiz Memorial Lecture.
How to Apply
Full details and submission criteria can be downloaded here.
Applications can be submitted through the official application form available on the WADD website.
For further details and inquiries, please contact the WADD Secretariat at: secretariat@worlddualdisorders.org.
Ruiz's Legacy Continue to Inspire
The WPA & WADD Awards in honour of Professor Pedro Ruiz are a significant step in recognising and encouraging excellence in the field of dual disorders. By celebrating both seasoned experts and rising professionals, these awards ensure that Professor Ruiz’s contributions to psychiatry continue to inspire and shape the future of mental health treatment worldwide.
Author: Prof. Danuta Wasserman, WPA President & Carolina de Sebastián, Secretariat, World Association on Dual Disorders