Ms. Federica Zavattaro | Health Policy | Young Researcher Award

PhD Candidate at Digital Society Initiative, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Federica Zavattaro is a promising candidate for the Young Researcher Award, with a strong academic and professional background in digital health, health policy, and public trust. Currently a third-year PhD candidate at the University of Zurich under the PhD Excellence Program, her research focuses on the critical role of trust in health data sharing policies across Europe. She has authored several impactful publications in respected journals and brings experience from reputable institutions like Clarivate Analytics, the World Federation of Public Health Associations, and EHMA. Her interdisciplinary expertise, combined with practical experience in policy, consulting, and global health, showcases her potential as a future leader in health research. While she could benefit from further integration of advanced quantitative methods and expanded public engagement, her accomplishments to date are exceptional. Federica’s research contributions, policy insights, and leadership potential make her highly deserving of recognition through the Young Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile

Education

Federica Zavattaro has a distinguished academic background with a strong focus on health policy and digital health. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Digital and Mobile Health at the University of Zurich, enrolled in the prestigious PhD Excellence Program of the Digital Society Initiative. Her doctoral work, supervised by Prof. Dr. Viktor von Wyl and Dr. Felix Gille, centers on the role of trust in European and national health data sharing policy. She earned her Master of Science in Health Policy with distinction from City, University of London, where she also received the Dean’s Merit Scholarship and completed a dissertation on blockchain applications in healthcare data management. Federica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, graduating with full honors (110 cum laude). She also attended international summer programs in public health, global development, and health systems at institutions such as King’s College London and Imperial College.

Experience

Federica Zavattaro brings diverse and impactful professional experience in health policy, digital health, and clinical research. Currently a PhD candidate at the University of Zurich, she is investigating trust in health data sharing policies across Europe. Prior to her doctoral studies, she worked as a Strategic Consultant at Clarivate Analytics in London, where she coordinated electronic health record providers and supported research on patient adherence using digital messaging tools. Her earlier role as a Health Policy Intern with the World Federation of Public Health Associations involved supporting governments during the COVID-19 response and participating in the WHO World Health Assembly. She also contributed to European health projects while working with the European Health Management Association in Brussels. Federica’s foundation in healthcare includes 14 months of clinical internships across multiple specialties at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. Her combined clinical, consulting, and policy experience underscores a well-rounded and practical understanding of healthcare systems.

Research Interest

Federica Zavattaro’s research interests lie at the intersection of digital health, health policy, and public trust in data governance. Her primary focus is on understanding how trust influences health data sharing processes across European and national policy frameworks. Through her PhD at the University of Zurich, she explores the socio-political dimensions of digital health governance, particularly examining how trust-building principles are embedded in legislative and institutional practices. She is also deeply interested in the ethical and regulatory challenges associated with digital and mobile health technologies, data privacy, and cross-border health information exchange. Her work aims to inform more transparent, inclusive, and citizen-centered health data policies. With previous research on blockchain applications in healthcare, patient adherence, and international responses to public health crises, Federica’s interests extend to digital innovation, global health systems, and evidence-based policymaking. Her interdisciplinary perspective bridges technology, ethics, and policy to advance equitable and trustworthy health data ecosystems.

Award and Honor

Federica Zavattaro has received notable recognition for her academic excellence and commitment to advancing health policy and digital health research. During her Master of Science in Health Policy at City, University of London, she was awarded the prestigious Dean’s Merit Scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic performance and potential for leadership in the field. Her dissertation on the potential applications of blockchain in healthcare data management was awarded with distinction, highlighting her ability to tackle complex and emerging issues in health innovation. In her undergraduate studies, she graduated with the highest honors (110 cum laude) in Nursing from Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, further emphasizing her academic rigor and dedication. Additionally, her selection for various competitive summer schools at top institutions such as King’s College London and Imperial College London reflects her proactive pursuit of advanced knowledge in global and public health. These honors underscore her qualifications as an emerging leader in health research.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Operationalising Public Trust for Health Policymakers – A Qualitative Study in the EU, France, Italy, and Switzerland
    Authors: Federica Zavattaro, Viktor von Wyl, Felix Gille
    Year: 2025

  • Title: The Sociopolitical Discourse on Health Data Sharing in Switzerland: Lessons Learned from 1992 to 2023 for Present Public Trust Building – A Multi-Method Study
    Authors: Federica Zavattaro, Paola Daniore, Viktor von Wyl, Felix Gille
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Public Views on Research with Publicly Available Data in Switzerland: Implications for Digital Research, Science Communication, and Policy
    Authors: Paola Daniore, Jana Sedlakova, Federica Zavattaro, Zoé Huber, Melanie Knieps, Manon Haulotte, Togbé Agbessi Alangue, Artemis Faulk, Viktor von Wyl, Yaniv Benhamou et al.
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Examining the Inclusion of Trust and Trust‐Building Principles in European Union, Italian, French, and Swiss Health Data Sharing Legislations: A Framework Analysis
    Authors: Federica Zavattaro, Viktor von Wyl, Felix Gille
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Bringing Trust Building to Life Within Health Policy-Making: Comment on “Placing Trust at the Heart of Health Policy and Systems”
    Authors: Felix Gille, Paola Daniore, Federica Zavattaro
    Year: 2024

  • Title: A Guide for a Student-Led Doctoral-Level Qualitative Methods Short Course in Epidemiology: Faculty and Student Perspectives
    Authors: Felix Gille, Anja Frei, Marco Kaufmann, Anja Lehmann, Javier Muñoz Laguna, Kimon Papadopoulos, Angela Spörri, Mina Stanikić
    Year: 2024

Conclusion

Federica Zavattaro is an outstanding candidate for the Young Researcher Award, exemplifying the qualities of academic excellence, interdisciplinary innovation, and policy-relevant scholarship. Her research on trust in health data sharing is not only timely but also foundational in shaping inclusive digital health policies in Europe and beyond. With a track record of high-impact publications, cross-sector experience, and a commitment to public health leadership, she is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to global health system transformation. Recognizing her at this stage would not only honor her contributions but also empower a promising leader in digital and mobile health research.

Federica Zavattaro | Health Policy | Young Researcher Award

You May Also Like