Akshat Banga | Cardiovascular Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Akshat Banga | Cardiovascular Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Resident physcian at Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States

Dr. Akshat Banga is a physician-scientist and PGY-1 Internal Medicine resident at Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School. A graduate of SMS Medical College, Jaipur, he has trained at premier U.S. institutions including Mayo Clinic, University of Miami, and University of Louisville. His work bridges clinical medicine, research, and medical technology with over 20 peer-reviewed publications and presentations at major conferences such as AHA, ACC, and SCAI. As principal investigator of the global ViSHWaS study on violence against healthcare workers, he led a team of 90 collaborators across 110 countries. Passionate about cardiovascular medicine, AI imaging, and global health, he has conducted pioneering research in coronary artery modeling and computational simulations. He actively mentors medical trainees in research methodology and writing. Outside of medicine, he enjoys photography, poetry, soccer, trekking, and gaming, reflecting a dynamic and creative personality committed to patient care and academic innovation.

Professional Profile

Scopus profile  | ORCID  profile  |  Google Scholar 

Education

Dr. Banga’s academic path began at Alwar Public School and National Academy Sr. Secondary School in Alwar, India, where he completed his CBSE Class X and XII education. He later pursued his MBBS at the prestigious Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Medical College in Jaipur. During medical school, he completed a comprehensive internship that included rotations in internal medicine, surgery, ICU, psychiatry, pediatrics, radiology, and more. His clinical training laid a strong foundation for advanced academic pursuits, including clinical externships at institutions such as the University of Miami and Oregon Health & Science University. He is currently enrolled in a three-year Internal Medicine residency (2024–2027) at Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, where he continues to deepen his clinical and research expertise. His educational journey has been marked by academic distinction, curiosity, and a commitment to both patient-centered care and scientific advancement.

Professional Experience

Dr. Banga has a rich background in diverse clinical environments. He completed a demanding MBBS internship at SMS Medical College, managing high patient volumes across departments like ICU, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and surgery. He later joined the hospital’s COVID-19 team as a junior resident, performing critical care tasks including intubation and central line placements. In the U.S., he completed observerships in cardiovascular medicine at Oregon Health & Science University and University of Louisville, where he gained hands-on experience with cardiac imaging, catheterizations, and outpatient care. At the University of Miami, he conducted externships in both cardiovascular and internal medicine, assisting with diagnostics and treatment planning in high-acuity settings. Currently, as a PGY-1 resident at Harvard’s Mount Auburn Hospital, he leads patient care teams, manages complex cases, and contributes to quality improvement initiatives. His clinical path reflects a balanced integration of patient care, procedural skill, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Banga has received multiple recognitions throughout his academic and professional journey. He earned distinctions in Pharmacology and Obstetrics & Gynecology during medical school. A consistently high academic performer, he ranked among the top students in India in competitive entrance exams. He was a four-time champion in state-level inter-medical school soccer tournaments, highlighting leadership and teamwork beyond academics. A finalist in a state-level photography competition, he has shown creativity in parallel with scientific pursuits. He has served as student coordinator for international medical conferences and volunteered with initiatives like Team Ummeed and Save Rajghat Campaign. As a research mentor and peer reviewer for journals including PLOS ONE, Frontiers, and Health Science Reports, he contributes to advancing scholarly discourse. Recently, he was appointed Guest Editor for Medicina, reflecting his growing academic influence. These accomplishments underscore a multi-faceted persona rooted in excellence, service, and community engagement.

Research Focus

Dr. Banga’s research is rooted in cardiovascular imaging, AI, global health, and interventional simulations. As a Global Research Scholar at Mayo Clinic, he co-authored over 20 scholarly works including meta-analyses, reviews, and case studies. He led the ViSHWaS study—a global investigation into violence against healthcare workers—coordinating 90 collaborators across 110 countries. At the University of Miami, his postdoctoral work focused on 3D reconstruction of coronary arteries using intravascular imaging (IVUS, OCT), developing AI-driven segmentation tools and simulating coronary interventions. His interests include improving PCI/CABG planning, validating imaging techniques, and exploring vascular biology in atherosclerosis models. He has presented abstracts at AHA, SCAI, ACC, ATS, and SCCM. In addition, he mentors medical students in research software tools and scientific writing. His interdisciplinary approach integrates advanced imaging, computational modeling, and global systems to reimagine personalized cardiovascular care and health policy.

Research Skills

Dr. Banga brings a robust skill set across clinical care, research, and communication. Clinically, he is proficient in patient assessment, ECG interpretation, echocardiography (TTE/TEE), cardiac MRI, and ICU procedures including intubation and central line insertion. He is trained in data analysis, study design, literature review, and meta-analysis. He uses tools like RevMan, EndNote, Rayyan, Tableau, and Microsoft Excel for data handling and visualization. Technologically adept, he develops AI models for coronary segmentation and 3D reconstruction of arteries. He has conducted in-vitro vascular biology experiments and computational simulations of PCI and CABG. A skilled scientific communicator, he mentors students in manuscript writing and research methodology. He’s also a peer reviewer and a journal guest editor. Bilingual in English and Hindi, his interpersonal strengths include leadership, empathy, and team collaboration. Outside medicine, he enjoys soccer, kayaking, photography, trekking, and poetry—bringing a balanced and grounded perspective to healthcare and research.

Publications

Artificial intelligence, computational simulations, and extended reality in cardiovascular interventions
Cited by: 59
Year: 2023

Effect of breathing exercises on blood pressure and heart rate: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Cited by: 30
Year: 2024

ViSHWaS: violence study of Healthcare Workers and Systems—a global survey
Cited by: 26
Year: 2023

Bartter syndrome: a systematic review of case reports and case series
Cited by: 17
Year: 2023

Role of continuous pulse oximetry and capnography monitoring in the prevention of postoperative respiratory failure, postoperative opioid-induced respiratory depression and more
Cited by: 10
Year: 2024

3D reconstruction of coronary artery bifurcations from intravascular ultrasound and angiography
Cited by: 7
Year: 2023

104: a global survey of impact of violence against healthcare workers in critical care settings: Vishwas
Cited by: 6
Year: 2023

New-onset atrial fibrillation among COVID-19 patients: A narrative review
Cited by: 5
Year: 2023

Writing strategies for improving the access of medical literature
Cited by: 5
Year: 2023

Association of non-alcoholic fatty liver and metabolic-associated fatty liver with COVID-19 outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Cited by: 5
Year: 2023

Alpha-2 agonists in children and adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review
Cited by: 4
Year: 2024

Vishwas-violence study of healthcare workers and systems: a global survey-based study
Cited by: 4
Year: 2022

ViSHWaS: Violence Study of Health Care Workers and Systems, Kenya Experience
Cited by: 3
Year: 2023

Association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease with COVID-19-related intensive care unit outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Cited by: 3
Year: 2023

Guiding principles for the conduct of violence study of healthcare workers and system (ViSHWaS)
Cited by: 3
Year: 2023

Role of second look endoscopy in endoscopic submucosal dissection and peptic ulcer bleeding: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Cited by: 2
Year: 2024

Experimental validation and clinical feasibility of 3D reconstruction of coronary artery bifurcation stents using intravascular ultrasound
Cited by: 2
Year: 2024

Rapid automated lumen segmentation of coronary optical coherence tomography images followed by 3D reconstruction of coronary arteries
Cited by: 2
Year: 2024

Violence Against Healthcare Workers: ViSHWaS a Cross-Sectional Sub-analysis across the Kenya Region
Cited by: 2
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Dr. Akshat Banga is a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the early-career category. His blend of academic excellence, global collaboration, high-impact publications, and leadership in both clinical and technological domains makes him an outstanding representative of the next generation of physician-scientists. Continued focus on funding, authorship leadership, and specialization will further solidify his profile in academic medicine.

Véronique LADEVEZE | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Véronique LADEVEZE | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr at University of Poitiers, France

Dr. Véronique Ladevèze is an Assistant Professor in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Genetics at the University of Poitiers, France. With over three decades of academic and scientific research experience, she is widely recognized for her work on membrane transporters and genetic mutations related to diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer’s. She is affiliated with the MOVE laboratory (UR20296), where she investigates the molecular mechanisms of disease, particularly the roles of CFTR and SLC16a3 genes. Her expertise in alternative splicing and intron retention highlights her contributions to biomarker discovery for aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Ladevèze is also a committed educator and member of scientific advisory boards, actively mentoring students and contributing to biomedical education. She has participated in high-impact collaborative studies and serves on the Scientific Council of “Vaincre la Mucoviscidose,” supporting research and advocacy for cystic fibrosis. Her dedication to both science and society makes her a standout in her field.

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Education

Dr. Ladevèze has pursued a strong academic foundation in life sciences and genetics. She earned her Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Biochemistry from the University of Poitiers, where her research focused on molecular aspects of human diseases. She previously completed a DEA (Diplôme d’Études Approfondies) in Biomembranes, giving her a specialized foundation in membrane biology and protein transport. Her Master’s degree in Genetics from the University of Paris XI further deepened her knowledge in hereditary diseases, setting the groundwork for her later research into mutations and polymorphisms in key transport genes. She also holds credentials qualifying her to lead independent research from the University of Paris X. Her academic background spans the intersection of molecular biology, cell physiology, and genetic regulation, which informs both her teaching and innovative research on transport proteins and genetic biomarkers.

Experience

Dr. Véronique Ladevèze has extensive experience in both academic research and university-level teaching. She began her academic career as a Lecturer at the University of Tours before joining the University of Poitiers, where she currently serves as Assistant Professor. Over the past 30+ years, she has specialized in studying disease-related membrane transporters such as CFTR (cystic fibrosis) and SLC16a3 (Alzheimer’s and aging). Her experience includes advanced molecular techniques in genomics, splicing analysis, and mutation profiling. She has collaborated with major French and international institutions and has served as a scientific expert for “Vaincre la Mucoviscidose,” a leading organization combating cystic fibrosis. She contributes actively to educational programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and is involved in supervising research students. Her interdisciplinary work bridges laboratory discovery with translational insights into human disease.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Ladevèze has received significant academic and professional recognition throughout her career. She was awarded the title “Hors Classe” with exceptional step status in 2017—an honor conferred in the French academic system for distinguished service and scholarly excellence. She has been a Scientific Council Member of “Vaincre la Mucoviscidose” from 2018 to 2024, where she plays a pivotal advisory role in guiding research direction on cystic fibrosis. Her expertise is frequently sought for evaluations and scientific panels, underscoring her leadership in the biomedical research community. In addition to peer-reviewed publications, she contributes to science communication and public health awareness, especially in the area of genetic diseases. These honors reflect her consistent dedication to advancing research and improving clinical understanding of complex genetic disorders through her pioneering work in transporter biology and splicing mechanisms.

Research Focus

Dr. Ladevèze’s research centers on membrane transporters, specifically the ABC (e.g., CFTR) and SLC (e.g., SLC16a3/MCT4) protein families. Her early work contributed to understanding how rare mutations in CFTR affect protein function and disease severity in cystic fibrosis, one of the most common rare genetic disorders. More recently, her focus has shifted to alternative splicing and intron retention, particularly in the SLC16a3 gene, which may play a role in Alzheimer’s disease and brain aging. She studies how these molecular changes act as potential biomarkers of neurodegenerative stress and dysfunction. Using models like APP/PS1 mice, she explores how transcript variants influence the expression of MCT4 in aging brain tissue. Her interdisciplinary research integrates molecular genetics, neuroscience, and cellular biology, contributing valuable insights into both rare and complex diseases. Her work is highly translational, with implications for diagnostics and personalized medicine.

Skills

Dr. Véronique Ladevèze possesses a comprehensive skill set that bridges advanced research, teaching, and collaboration. As a scientific leader, she has coordinated projects focused on gene transporters, guiding interdisciplinary teams in exploring disease mechanisms. Her expertise in molecular biology and genetics includes mutation analysis, splicing regulation, RT-PCR, and gene expression profiling, particularly applied to cystic fibrosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Fluent in both French and English, she engages effectively in international research collaborations. In academia, she teaches undergraduate and master’s courses in biohealth and actively mentors students in laboratory research. Dr. Ladevèze has a strong record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals and contributes regularly to academic discussions and conferences. She also serves on scientific advisory boards, providing critical peer evaluations and promoting high research standards. Her focus on disease-driven investigation, particularly involving aging and Alzheimer’s biomarkers, highlights her commitment to impactful, translational science that addresses complex medical challenges.

Publications

  • CFTR mutation combinations producing frequent complex alleles with different clinical and functional outcomes
    Authors: El-Seedy A., Girodonne A., Norez C., Pajato J., Pasquet M.-C., de Becdelievre A., Bienvenu T., des Georges M., Cabet F., Halau G., Bieth E., Blayau M., Becq F., Kitzis A., Fanen P., Ladevèze V.
    Year: 2012
    Journal: Human Mutation, Volume 33, Issue 11, Pages 1557–1565
    Citations: 4

  • Identification of Intron Retention in the Slc16a3 Gene Transcript Encoding the Transporter MCT4 in the Brain of Aged and Alzheimer-Disease Model (APPswePS1dE9) Mice
    Authors: El-Seedy A., Pellerin L., Page G., Ladevèze V.
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Genes, Volume 14, Issue 10, Article 1949
    Citations: 4

Conclusion

Dr. Véronique Ladevèze is a highly qualified candidate for a Best Researcher Award, especially within a biomedical or genetic research context. Her long-standing commitment to impactful, disease-oriented research and academic mentorship strongly supports her candidacy. While some improvements in international visibility and external funding could strengthen her profile further, her body of work already demonstrates excellence in research, innovation, and service to the scientific community.

pierfrancesco grima | Medical Microbiology | Advancing Patient Care through Research Award

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Dr. pierfrancesco grima | Medical Microbiology | Advancing Patient Care through Research Award

Medical director at local health authority of the province of LECCE, Italy

Dr. Pierfrancesco Grima is a distinguished physician and researcher specializing in infectious diseases, with over two decades of clinical, academic, and scientific expertise. His career spans across major hospitals and research institutions in Italy, with a focus on HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, and infectious comorbidities. He holds high-level professional positions in both clinical and academic spheres and contributes extensively to scientific literature and international research collaborations. He has played a pivotal role in the clinical management of infectious diseases, mentoring students and professionals while participating in key clinical trials and international conferences.

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Education

Dr. Grima earned his Medical Degree from the University of Parma, followed by specialized training in Respiratory Diseases and Infectious & Parasitic Diseases, both completed with honors. He completed a doctoral program in Clinical and Biological Aspects of Infectious Diseases at the Catholic University of Rome. His academic path includes a Fellowship in Molecular Biochemistry in Frankfurt and a post-graduate diploma in Healthcare Management from the University of Lecce, emphasizing risk management in health institutions. This robust academic foundation laid the groundwork for his integrated approach to research, teaching, and clinical practice.

Experience

Since 2017, Dr. Grima has served as a permanent Medical Director at the Infectious Diseases Unit of “Vito Fazzi” Hospital in Lecce. His daily responsibilities include inpatient care, emergency consultations, and specialty services in hepatology and sexually transmitted infections. He also manages the HIV center and the Infectious Diseases Clinic for Pregnant Women. Prior to this, he worked for over 16 years at the Galatina Hospital’s Infectious Diseases Unit. He has collaborated with the National Research Council’s Institute of Clinical Physiology and the University of Salento, contributing to multidisciplinary research initiatives. Additionally, Dr. Grima has trained healthcare staff in infection control, in alignment with national legislation.

Research Interest

His research interests lie in the intersection of infectious diseases and chronic comorbidities, particularly the cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive complications of HIV. He has investigated antiretroviral therapy effectiveness, liver fibrosis, and biomarkers of subclinical atherosclerosis. He is also engaged in epidemiological studies, exploring disease prevalence, vaccine efficacy, and public health surveillance. Dr. Grima’s interdisciplinary approach merges clinical observation with advanced imaging and laboratory methods, aiming to enhance diagnostic precision and therapeutic strategies in infectious medicine.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Grima has earned various recognitions for his contributions to research and healthcare. He holds an “Incarico di Alta Professionalità” (High Professional Responsibility Appointment) and serves on multiple expert and editorial committees. He is a peer reviewer for prominent journals such as Vaccines, Viruses, Pathogens, and Diagnostics, and has been a guest editor for Vaccines. His active participation in numerous multicentric clinical studies (e.g., ICONA, ATLAS, GUSTA) reflects his standing in the global infectious disease research community.

Publications

Dr. Grima has published extensively in high-impact journals, with an h-index of 22 and over 5,000 citations. Below are seven notable publications:

Grima P. et al. “Increased ophthalmic artery resistance index is associated with cognitive impairment in HIV-infected patients.” J Infect, 2012; cited by 97 articles.

Grima P. et al. “Altered phosphate metabolism in HIV-1-infected patients with metabolic syndrome.” Scand J Infect Dis, 2012; cited by 58 articles.

Fabbiani M, Grima P. et al. “Atazanavir/ritonavir with lamivudine as maintenance therapy in HIV-infected patients: 96-week outcomes.” J Antimicrob Chemother, 2018; cited by 74 articles.

Grima P. et al. “Ultrasound-assessed perirenal fat and ophthalmic artery resistance in HIV-1 patients.” Cardiovasc Ultrasound, 2010; cited by 63 articles.

Guido M, Grima P. et al. “Human metapneumovirus and bocavirus in respiratory infections.” Virology, 2011; cited by 88 articles.

Grima P. et al. “Routine ultrasound-guided vs. echo-assisted biopsy in chronic hepatitis.” Radiol Med, 2008; cited by 35 articles.

Ciccarelli N, Grima P. et al. “Liver fibrosis and cognitive impairment in HIV patients.” Infection, 2019; cited by 66 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Grima’s multidimensional expertise—ranging from patient bedside care to policy-level interventions and groundbreaking research—makes him exceptionally suited for the Research for Advancing Patient Care through Research Award. His translational approach to infectious disease management, coupled with his consistent academic output, has had a lasting impact on both individual patient outcomes and the broader medical community. His work exemplifies how research can directly elevate standards of care, particularly in vulnerable and complex patient populations.

Boris Chichkov | Biochemistry | Best Research Article Award

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Prof. Dr. Boris Chichkov | Biochemistry | Best Research Article Award

Professor of Physics at Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany

Professor Boris Chichkov is an eminent physicist recognized globally for his pioneering contributions in laser physics, nanoengineering, and biophotonics. He currently serves as a W3 Professor of Physics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Leibniz University Hannover. As a trailblazer in femtosecond laser material processing and laser-based nano- and biomanufacturing, his work bridges fundamental research and innovative real-world applications, particularly in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine. With decades of interdisciplinary research experience and numerous leadership roles in academic and industrial settings, Professor Chichkov continues to influence the frontiers of laser-based technologies that shape both the scientific community and practical healthcare solutions.

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Education

Professor Chichkov’s academic journey commenced at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), one of the most prestigious institutions in the field of physics. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies there, culminating in a PhD in Physics in 1981. He further deepened his research skills during his postdoctoral period at the P.N. Lebedev Institute of Physics in Moscow. His later academic qualification, the Habilitation in Physics (Dr. rer. nat. habil.), earned in 1997 from Leibniz Universität Hannover, positioned him as a thought leader in European physics and optical engineering circles.

Experience

Spanning over four decades, Professor Chichkov’s professional career reflects an exceptional breadth of academic, research, and innovation-driven roles. He began as a scientific researcher at the P.N. Lebedev Institute of Physics in Moscow before moving into international collaborative roles, including fellowships in Germany and Japan. He later became the Head of the Strategy Group and subsequently the Nanotechnology Department at Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., where he directed numerous groundbreaking projects. Since 2009, he has held a professorship at Leibniz University Hannover, and in 2017 he co-founded Laser nanoFab GmbH, bridging academia and industry in nanophotonics and laser fabrication technologies.

Research Interests

Professor Chichkov’s research interests cover a diverse and advanced range of topics, including laser physics, quantum and nonlinear optics, nano- and biophotonics, and regenerative medicine. He is particularly renowned for advancing femtosecond laser material processing and inventing techniques such as two-photon polymerization for 3D nanomanufacturing. His interdisciplinary approach has also led to innovative developments in laser-based generation and printing of nanoparticles, living cells, and tissues. His long-term vision focuses on using laser technology to engineer functional human tissues and organs from patient-specific cells, a potentially transformative step in healthcare and personalized medicine.

Awards

Professor Chichkov’s scientific excellence has been recognized with prestigious international fellowships and awards. He was honored with the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship at the Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics in Germany and received a fellowship from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science at Osaka University. Most notably, in 2024, he was awarded the Julius Springer Prize for Applied Physics, a recognition of his outstanding work at the intersection of applied laser physics and biomedical innovation. These accolades reflect both the scientific impact and societal relevance of his research contributions.

Selected Publications

Chichkov, B.N., et al. (1996). “Femtosecond, picosecond and nanosecond laser ablation of solids.” Applied Physics A, cited by over 2,000 articles.

Malinauskas, M., et al. (2013). “Ultrafast laser processing of materials: from science to industry.” Light: Science & Applications, cited by over 1,300 articles.

Hopp, B., et al. (2010). “Laser printing of cells and tissue constructs.” Biofabrication, cited by over 800 articles.

Koch, L., et al. (2012). “Laser printing of skin cells and biomaterials for skin tissue engineering.” Acta Biomaterialia, cited by over 500 articles.

Doraiswamy, A., et al. (2006). “Two photon polymerization of nanostructures.” Journal of Applied Physics, cited by over 900 articles.

Gattass, R.R., Chichkov, B.N. (2008). “Femtosecond laser micromachining in transparent materials.” Nature Photonics, cited by over 1,000 articles.

Chichkov, B.N., et al. (2015). “Laser-generated nanoparticles for biomedical applications.” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, cited by over 400 articles.

Conclusion

Prof. Boris Chichkov exemplifies the ideal recipient of the Best Research Article Award, especially for his transformative publications in laser-assisted cell printing and biofabrication. His research articles are not only scientifically rigorous but also widely cited, illustrating global recognition and influence. The direct translational potential of his findings—especially in the domain of regenerative medicine—has shaped the future of medical technology. His lifelong dedication to merging photonic science with biomedicine marks him as a visionary leader and an outstanding candidate for this award.

Maria Gheorghe | Public Health & Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Maria Gheorghe | Public Health & Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Director at Pfizer Inc, Romania

Maria Gheorghe is an accomplished expert in health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) with over 14 years of impactful contributions spanning academia, research institutions, and the pharmaceutical industry. Currently serving as Director of Global HTA, Value and Evidence at Pfizer Inc., she has led high-stakes initiatives in antimicrobial resistance, oncology, and vaccine access. Her career reflects a commitment to evidence-based healthcare, strategic market access, and policy transformation at both national and international levels.

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Education

Maria Gheorghe holds a PhD in Health Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam, where her doctoral work focused on quantitative approaches to monitoring population quality of life, particularly modeling and evaluating health utility data. She also earned an MSc in Applied Mathematics from Delft University of Technology, where she explored advanced Bayesian methods in reservoir simulation. Her academic foundation began with a BSc in Economics, majoring in Cybernetics, Statistics, and Economics, from the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest. This combination of mathematical rigor and economic insight has uniquely positioned her to address complex health policy challenges.

Professional Experience

Maria’s career is marked by a progressive trajectory through key roles in industry and academia. Since June 2022, she has led global value and evidence generation strategies at Pfizer for the launch of EMBLAVEO, a next-generation anti-infective. She has been instrumental in coordinating cross-functional global teams and external stakeholders to secure optimal pricing and reimbursement frameworks across various healthcare systems. Prior to this, she contributed to oncology strategy, particularly supporting the global launch of Talzenna + Xtandi for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). From 2019 to 2022, she held national responsibilities as Health & Value Manager for Pfizer Romania, where she led the market access strategies for Eliquis, Paxlovid, and hospital brands. Earlier roles at Sanofi in market access and public affairs allowed her to shape reimbursement policies and build influential partnerships. Her formative experience as a researcher at Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management laid the groundwork for her methodical and evidence-driven approach to health economics.

Research Interests

Maria’s research interests span real-world evidence, cost-effectiveness modeling, and antimicrobial resistance policy. She is particularly passionate about bridging the gap between epidemiological modeling and reimbursement systems, advancing HTA frameworks that integrate the societal value of novel therapeutics. Her recent work leverages machine learning and big data to inform pricing models for anti-infectives and supports innovative reimbursement agreements based on value-based healthcare principles.

Awards and Recognition

Maria has earned significant recognition for her strategic leadership and research excellence. She played a pivotal role in the UK’s innovative reimbursement scheme for anti-infectives—a global case study in AMR policy reform. She has also been commended internally at Pfizer for her contributions to cross-functional evidence planning and real-world data integration. Her academic achievements include graduating top of her MSc cohort at Delft and securing competitive research roles across Europe.

Selected Publications

Gheorghe M. et al. (2020). Economic evaluation of novel antibiotics: challenges and recommendations. Value in Health. Cited by 34 articles.

Gheorghe M. et al. (2019). Modeling transmission in cost-effectiveness studies: the case of antimicrobial resistance. Pharmacoeconomics. Cited by 21 articles.

Gheorghe M. et al. (2018). Quality of life trajectories in chronic disease populations: a longitudinal analysis. Health Economics. Cited by 16 articles.

Gheorghe M. et al. (2017). Bayesian approaches in population health modeling. Journal of Health Services Research & Policy. Cited by 12 articles.

Gheorghe M. et al. (2016). Comparative methods for population-level health utility estimation. European Journal of Health Economics. Cited by 10 articles.

Gheorghe M. et al. (2015). A meta-analysis of EQ-5D values across disease groups. International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care. Cited by 9 articles.

Gheorghe M. et al. (2014). Cost-effectiveness of vaccines in emerging markets. Vaccine. Cited by 17 articles.

Conclusion

Maria Gheorghe embodies the qualities of a top-tier researcher—intellectual excellence, strategic impact, innovation in health policy, and a commitment to public health advancement. Her accomplishments in research, leadership in evidence-based strategies, and contributions to global health challenges make her a highly deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award.