Hamidreza Aghababaeian | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Faculty member at DUMS, Iran

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian is a distinguished health scientist with in healthcare, academia, and disaster-related research. Holding a PhD in Health in Emergencies and Disasters, he has made significant contributions as Dean of the Center for Climate Change and Health Research and through leadership in numerous national projects on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and environmental health impacts. His extensive publications, systematic reviews, and policy-oriented studies address urgent public health issues such as dust storms, extreme weather, and drought adaptation. As a faculty member, he has trained future professionals in disaster health, research methods, and emergency management, while also serving as an editorial board member and reviewer for leading international journals. His work demonstrates a strong blend of scholarly excellence, societal relevance, and leadership. With potential to expand global collaborations and adopt advanced analytical tools, he is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian possesses a strong academic foundation in health sciences, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, followed by a Master of Science in Medical Surgical Nursing from Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences. He advanced his expertise with a PhD in Health in Emergencies and Disasters from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, focusing on the development of models to assess the health impacts of extreme weather events and dust storms. His academic journey reflects a commitment to integrating clinical knowledge with public health and disaster management, bridging the gap between patient care and large-scale emergency preparedness. Additionally, he has enriched his qualifications through specialized international training, including the Health Emergencies in Large Populations (HELP) course by the International Committee of the Red Cross, Health in Emergencies and Disasters courses, and the European Climate Resilient Health Systems Course, demonstrating dedication to lifelong learning and global expertise.

Experience

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian has extensive professional experience spanning healthcare services, academic leadership, and disaster health research. He has served in health centers and disaster response fields, applying both clinical and strategic expertise. He has been a faculty member at Dezful University of Medical Sciences, teaching courses in health in emergencies and disasters, disaster management, triage, and research methodology. He has held leadership positions as a group manager and as the Dean of the Center for Climate Change and Health Research, where he directed numerous national projects on disaster resilience, climate change impacts, and environmental health risks. His professional contributions extend to scientific publishing as an editorial board member and peer reviewer for prestigious journals. Through a combination of teaching, research, and leadership, Dr. Aghababaeian has significantly advanced the field of disaster health and climate-related public health strategies.

Research Interest

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian’s research interests lie at the intersection of public health, disaster medicine, and climate change, with a strong focus on understanding and mitigating the health impacts of environmental hazards. His work extensively explores extreme weather events, dust storms, heat and cold waves, drought, and their implications for morbidity, mortality, and health system resilience. He is particularly interested in developing models, frameworks, and policy strategies to strengthen healthcare preparedness and community resilience against climate change–induced risks. His research also examines the role of social resilience, sex-based health differences, and adaptation strategies in vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities. Through systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and applied field studies, he aims to translate scientific findings into actionable solutions for policymakers, healthcare providers, and disaster management authorities. Ultimately, his research seeks to bridge the gap between climate science, health systems, and community preparedness to enhance public health resilience at local, national, and global levels.

Award and Honor

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian has earned recognition for his outstanding contributions to health sciences, disaster medicine, and climate change–related public health research. His leadership at the Center for Climate Change and Health Research and his pivotal role in numerous nationally significant projects have positioned him as a leading figure in advancing evidence-based strategies for disaster resilience and health system preparedness. He has been honored through appointments as an editorial board member for the Journal of Advanced Immunopharmacology and as a peer reviewer for prestigious international journals, including Frontiers in Public Health, PLOS One, and the Journal of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. These roles reflect the scientific community’s trust in his expertise and scholarly judgment. His achievements also include invitations to participate in specialized international courses and collaborations, underscoring his global reputation. Collectively, these honors highlight his exceptional dedication, professional excellence, and lasting impact on public health and disaster management.

Research Skill

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian possesses advanced research skills encompassing study design, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific writing, with a particular expertise in public health, disaster medicine, and climate change–related health impacts. He is proficient in conducting systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and policy-oriented research, translating complex scientific evidence into practical strategies for health system resilience. His analytical capabilities are supported by strong command of statistical software such as SPSS and Excel, enabling him to perform detailed epidemiological and environmental health analyses. He has successfully managed multidisciplinary research projects, from conceptualization to dissemination, often involving collaboration with national and international stakeholders. His skill set extends to developing models and preparedness frameworks, designing adaptation strategies for vulnerable populations, and integrating qualitative and quantitative research methods. With extensive experience in peer review and editorial responsibilities, Dr. Aghababaeian demonstrates exceptional ability to critically evaluate scientific work while maintaining high standards of academic rigor and research integrity.

Publications Top Notes

Title: The concept of successful aging: a review article
Authors: F. Estebsari, M. Dastoorpoor, Z.R. Khalifehkandi, A. Nouri, D. Mostafaei
Year: 2020

Title: Air pollution and hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases in Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: M. Dastoorpoor, Z. Sekhavatpour, K. Masoumi, M.J. Mohammadi
Year: 2019

Title: Global health impacts of dust storms: a systematic review
Authors: H. Aghababaeian, A. Ostadtaghizadeh, A. Ardalan, A. Asgary, M. Akbary
Year: 2021

Title: Alcohol intake in an attempt to fight COVID-19: A medical myth in Iran
Authors: H. Aghababaeian, L. Hamdanieh, A. Ostadtaghizadeh
Year: 2020

Title: The methanol poisoning outbreaks in Iran 2018
Authors: H. Aghababaeian, L. Araghi Ahvazi, A. Ostadtaghizadeh
Year: 2019

Title: Design and implementation of an empowerment model to prevent elder abuse: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: F. Estebsari, M. Dastoorpoor, D. Mostafaei, N. Khanjani, Z.R. Khalifehkandi
Year: 2018

Title: Heat waves and adaptation: A global systematic review
Authors: M. Kiarsi, M. Amiresmaili, M.R. Mahmoodi, H. Farahmandnia, N. Nakhaee
Year: 2023

Title: Lag time structure of cardiovascular deaths attributed to ambient air pollutants in Ahvaz, Iran, 2008–2015
Authors: M. Dastoorpoor, G. Goudarzi, N. Khanjan, E. Idani, H. Aghababaeian
Year: 2018

Conclusion

Based on his extensive academic qualifications, leadership in climate change and health research, prolific contributions to disaster and emergency health literature, and active engagement in scientific peer review, Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His career reflects a strong combination of scholarly excellence, societal impact, and mentorship. With continued focus on expanding international research collaborations and leveraging emerging technologies, he holds great potential to further influence global health resilience strategies and shape the next generation of health scientists.

Federica Zavattaro | Health Policy | Young Researcher Award

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.