PhD Art-Thérapeute at Centre hospitalier d’ajaccio, France
Marie Claire Benetti Papadacci is an accomplished art therapist, researcher, educator, and artist whose multidisciplinary career spans clinical psychology, psychoanalysis, education, and visual arts. With nearly three decades of service in the French public healthcare system, she has innovatively integrated therapeutic art practices into memory care, oncology, and geriatric services. Her leadership in community-based health and arts organizations—alongside extensive publications, books, and media appearances—highlights her ability to bridge research, practice, and public engagement. Her recent scientific contribution, the development of the Grille DATEI, an evaluation and intervention tool for art therapy, demonstrates her commitment to evidence-based approaches in mental health care. Marie Claire’s influence is evident not only in clinical outcomes but also in social impact, as she elevates the role of art and creativity in improving quality of life for both patients and caregivers. She is a thought leader redefining therapeutic practices in healthcare through the lens of creativity and compassion.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile
Education
Marie Claire holds a Ph.D. in Art Therapy (2024) from the Faculty of Psychology, supported by a Master’s in Psychoanalysis (2023) and advanced studies in Education Sciences (2005). Her academic background also includes a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources with a focus on education and training, and multiple state-validated professional certifications in art therapy, artistic mediation, and sophrology. Trained in both public universities and specialized private institutions, her education has remained deeply interdisciplinary, fusing psychological theory with therapeutic practice and artistic expression. She has continually pursued knowledge through formal degrees, professional workshops, and ongoing academic involvement in fields including psycho-caractérology and clinical intervention strategies. Her scholarly formation reflects a rigorous commitment to lifelong learning and a strong theoretical foundation for her applied work in hospitals, memory centers, and educational settings. This rich educational portfolio supports her multi-layered expertise in both patient care and academic research.
Experience
Marie Claire has over 29 years of experience in the French healthcare system, beginning her career in 1995 at Centre Hospitalier d’Ajaccio La Miséricorde. She has held roles in human resources management, social auditing, and internal controls, gradually transitioning into a clinical art therapist and researcher. Since 2019, she has worked in territorial memory centers, EHPADs, and medicalized housing facilities (FAMs), applying innovative art therapy techniques for patients with Alzheimer’s, psychiatric conditions, and geriatric needs. In parallel, she has led cultural and health initiatives, directed a private art education institution, and taught in middle schools and training centers. Marie Claire is also a published author and public speaker, actively engaging in national medical congresses. Her extensive fieldwork includes statistical reporting (SIGAPS), designing care interventions, and promoting well-being through art in clinical and community settings. This hybrid experience positions her uniquely at the intersection of clinical research, care, and creativity.
Research Interest
Marie Claire’s primary research interests lie in the clinical applications of art therapy, especially in memory care, gerontology, psychoanalysis, and emotional well-being. She investigates how structured artistic interventions can serve as non-pharmacological treatments to improve the psychological, cognitive, and emotional health of patients—particularly those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Her innovative contributions include the creation of the Grille DATEI, a standardized tool designed for evaluating and implementing art therapy in healthcare settings. She is also interested in the interplay between psychoanalysis and creative expression, exploring how the unconscious mind can be accessed and transformed through artistic engagement. Her recent participation in medical congresses and scientific committees reflects a growing international recognition of her work. Marie Claire continues to expand her research to include caregiver well-being, quality of life assessments, and therapeutic arts education, making her research holistic and deeply relevant to current public health challenges.
Awards and Honors
Marie Claire Benetti Papadacci has been recognized both artistically and academically for her contributions. She is a listed artist with Drouot and I-CAC, two prestigious platforms in the international art scene. She has received the silver and bronze medals from the Galerie Internationale d’Art Contemporain, affirming her artistic excellence. Her scientific and community-oriented work has also been acknowledged by national and international scientific committees—particularly in conferences dedicated to Alzheimer’s care and therapeutic innovation. In 2025, her evaluation tool “Grille DATEI” was published in Neurologie Psychiatrie Gériatrie, marking a significant milestone in clinical research. Her leadership roles, including presidency of Info Écoute Dépendance and La Loge des Artistes, underscore her influence in shaping both policy and practice in therapeutic arts. These honors affirm her reputation as a pioneer in blending research, care, art, and education, and as a valuable contributor to both scientific and cultural communities.
Research Skills
Marie Claire possesses an impressive set of research skills that bridge qualitative and quantitative methodologies. She is proficient in clinical data analysis, as evidenced by her work with SIGAPS and statistical reporting in healthcare institutions. Her methodological expertise includes designing assessment tools (e.g., Grille DATEI), conducting literature reviews, and producing research outputs that are accessible both to academic and general audiences. She has a strong background in case study methodologies, participatory observation, and evidence-based intervention design. Her publications reflect a capacity to synthesize psychological theory with practical insights from her work in hospitals and memory centers. Marie Claire is also skilled in interdisciplinary collaboration, often working with neurologists, gerontologists, social workers, and art educators. These collaborative experiences have sharpened her abilities in research communication, ethics, and applied health sciences. As an author of peer-reviewed articles, books, and conference presentations, she demonstrates clarity, originality, and impact in her research contributions.
Publications Top Notes
Title: Création de la Grille DATEI pour l’Évaluation et l’Intervention en Art-Thérapie
Author: Marie-Claire Benetti Papadacci
Year: 2025
Type: Journal Article
Journal: NPG – Neurologie Psychiatrie Gériatrie
DOI: 10.1016/j.npg.2025.04.003
Citation Source: Crossref
Title: Création de la Grille DATEI pour l’Évaluation et l’Intervention en Art-Thérapie
Author: Marie-Claire Benetti Papadacci
Year: 2024
Type: Working Paper
Repository: HAL
HAL ID: hal-04704209
Citation Source: HAL
Title: Grille DATEI
Author: Marie-Claire Benetti Papadacci
Year: 2024
Type: Conference Paper
Conference: USPALZ
Citation Source: USPALZ conference via author’s record
Title: L’Art-thérapie et la Psychanalyse
Author: Marie-Claire Benetti Papadacci
Year: 2024
Type: Book
Publisher: Éditions Nombre7
Citation Source: Book publisher listing via author
Title: La qualité de vie et l’art-thérapie pour les patients et aidants
Authors: Marie-Claire Benetti Papadacci, Marie-Hélène Docteur Virevialle
Year: 2024
Type: Working Paper
Repository: HAL
HAL ID: hal-04778895
Citation Source: HAL
Title: L’art-thérapie au Foyer d’accueil médicalisé de Guagno les Bains
Author: Marie-Claire Benetti Papadacci
Year: 2023
Type: Journal Article
Repository: HAL
HAL ID: hal-04778884
Citation Source: HAL
Title: L’Esprit, l’Art et le Corps
Author: Marie-Claire Benetti Papadacci
Year: 2023
Type: Book
Publisher: Éditions Nombre7
Citation Source: Book publisher listing via author
Conclusion
Marie Claire Benetti Papadacci is a remarkably deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her multifaceted contributions—ranging from clinical innovation in art therapy to deep community engagement and interdisciplinary research—reflect not only scholarly excellence but also a powerful impact on patient care and societal wellbeing. Her creation of practical tools like the Grille DATEI, alongside her educational and artistic initiatives, showcase an enduring commitment to therapeutic advancement. With continued emphasis on scholarly publishing and global research engagement, she is poised to make even more significant contributions in the future. Her career exemplifies the transformative power of art, science, and compassion in modern healthcare.
