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.

Juheli Sadhukhan | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Juheli Sadhukhan | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at University of Calcutta, India

Juheli Sadhukhan, currently a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Calcutta, stands out as a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her impactful contributions to health-focused chemical research. With a strong academic foundation, including GATE and CSIR-NET qualifications (AIR 27), her work emphasizes the synthesis of novel heterocyclic compounds for anticancer and antileishmanial applications. She has published six research papers in reputed journals and earned international recognition, including the RSC Best Poster Award at ICCHD-2025. Her research also includes the development of fluorescent probes for selective metal ion detection and live-cell imaging. Though still early in her career, her dedication to scientific advancement, active participation in academic events, and RSC membership demonstrate a commitment to growth and excellence. Enhancing citation impact, engaging in international collaborations, and pursuing patents or industry ties could further elevate her profile. Overall, she exemplifies a dedicated and innovative researcher deserving of recognition.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile

Education

Juheli Sadhukhan has built a strong academic foundation rooted in prestigious Indian institutions. She pursued her education at the University of Calcutta and NIT Durgapur, both renowned for their academic rigor and research emphasis. Demonstrating academic excellence early in her career, she qualified for both GATE 2020 and CSIR-NET 2020, securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 27 in the latter—an achievement that highlights her deep understanding of chemical sciences. Her academic journey has been complemented by consistent participation in specialized training programs and workshops, including hands-on experience in single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which has enriched her technical skillset. Juheli’s educational background is not only marked by strong theoretical knowledge but also by a proactive approach to applying this knowledge through research. Her formal education has provided her with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical capabilities necessary to engage in complex interdisciplinary research, particularly in drug development and molecular diagnostics.

Experience

Juheli Sadhukhan’s professional experience as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Calcutta reflects her deep engagement in interdisciplinary scientific research, particularly in the fields of medicinal and organic chemistry. Her ongoing work involves the design and synthesis of novel heterocyclic compounds aimed at developing effective anticancer and antileishmanial drugs, contributing directly to solutions for pressing global health challenges. She has also worked on developing fluorescent probes for metal ion detection and endogenous H₂S sensing, demonstrating expertise in both experimental and computational approaches. Juheli has presented her research at national and international conferences, including ICCHD-2025, where she earned the RSC Best Poster Award. Her hands-on involvement in laboratory work, combined with participation in advanced workshops such as single-crystal X-ray diffraction, underscores her technical proficiency and research versatility. Her experience is further enhanced by RSC membership, which keeps her connected to global developments in chemical sciences and strengthens her collaborative potential.

Research Interest

Juheli Sadhukhan’s research interests lie at the intersection of organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and molecular diagnostics, with a strong focus on addressing critical health challenges such as cancer and leishmaniasis. Her primary area of investigation involves the design and synthesis of novel heterocyclic compounds to evaluate their anticancer and antileishmanial properties, aiming to contribute to the development of more effective and targeted therapeutics. She is particularly interested in the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of small molecules and their interactions with biological targets. In addition to therapeutic research, she explores the development of fluorescent probes for the selective and sensitive detection of biologically relevant species such as metal ions (e.g., Pd²⁺, Hg²⁺) and endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), incorporating live-cell imaging techniques. Her interdisciplinary approach blends spectroscopic analysis, computational modeling, and cellular biology, offering a comprehensive platform for both diagnostic innovation and drug discovery in modern health science.

Award and Honor

Juheli Sadhukhan has earned notable recognition for her academic and research excellence through various awards and honors. One of her most distinguished achievements is receiving the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Best Poster Award at the prestigious International Conference on Chemistry for Health, Development and Environment (ICCHD-2025), which highlighted the novelty and impact of her research on drug discovery and diagnostics. Her academic merit is further demonstrated by her success in highly competitive national-level examinations, including qualifying for GATE 2020 and the CSIR-NET 2020 with an outstanding All India Rank (AIR) of 27, placing her among the top emerging scholars in chemical sciences. These accomplishments reflect her dedication, innovation, and ability to conduct research that meets international standards. Participation in various academic conferences, workshops, and technical training programs also exemplifies her ongoing commitment to academic excellence and scientific growth, reinforcing her position as a rising talent in the research community.

Research Skill

Juheli Sadhukhan possesses a diverse and well-rounded set of research skills that span across synthetic organic chemistry, analytical techniques, and biomedical applications. She has expertise in the design and synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, with a focus on their biological evaluation for anticancer and antileishmanial activities. Her hands-on proficiency in spectroscopic methods—such as NMR, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy—supports her ability to characterize complex molecular structures and probe biological interactions. Juheli is also skilled in live-cell imaging techniques and the development of fluorescent sensors for detecting biologically relevant ions like Pd²⁺ and Hg²⁺. In addition, she integrates computational modeling into her workflow to predict molecular behavior and optimize drug-target interactions. Her experience extends to working with protein-binding studies, particularly using serum albumin, and DNA-binding assays for GC-rich regions. These technical competencies, coupled with a keen analytical mindset, make her an adept and versatile researcher in modern chemical biology and health science.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Recognition of GC base pairs of B-DNA by coumarin-based benzimidazopyrimidines
    Authors: Juheli Sadhukhan, Pabitra Mandal, Smritimoy Pramanik, Subhajit Guria, Alomgir Shah Kabir, Debojyoti Das, Susanta Sekhar Adhikari
    Year: 2025
    Citation: DOI: 10.1039/D4OB02055C

  • Title: A Novel Quinoline‐Based Turn‐On Fluorescent Probe for Rapid Sensing of Endogenous H₂S at the Intracellular Level
    Authors: Tanushree Mishra, Subhajit Guria, Juheli Sadhukhan, Debojyoti Das, Alomgir Shah Kabir, Subhajit Ghosh, Susanta Sekhar Adhikari
    Year: 2025
    Citation: DOI: 10.1002/slct.202502099

  • Title: Naphthalimide‐Triazole Affixed Rhodamine Probe for FRET‐Based Selective Detection of Pd²⁺ Ion in Living Cells
    Authors: Subhajit Guria, Alomgir Shah Kabir, Juheli Sadhukhan, Somnath Khanra, Debasis Das, Susanta Adhikari
    Year: 2025
    Citation: DOI: 10.1002/ajoc.202500082

  • Title: Synthesis of Novel Coumarin-Appended Dihydrothiopyrimidinones and Evaluation of Their Binding Interactions with Bovine Serum Albumin
    Authors: Susanta Sekhar Adhikari, Debojyoti Das, Juheli Sadhukhan, Pabitra Mandal, Smritimoy Pramanik, Alomgir Shah Kabir
    Year: 2025
    Citation: DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775488

  • Title: Fluorometric detection of a chemical warfare agent mimic (DCP) using a simple hydroxybenzothiazole–diaminomaleonitrile based chemodosimeter
    Authors: Manas Kumar Das, Tanushree Mishra, Subhajit Guria, Debojyoti Das, Juheli Sadhukhan, Sushmita Sarker, Koushik Dutta, Arghya Adhikary, Dipankar Chattopadhyay, Susanta Sekhar Adhikari
    Year: 2023
    Citation: DOI: 10.1039/D2NJ04260F

  • Title: Small-Molecule Probe for Sensing Serum Albumin with Consequential Self-Assembly as a Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticle for Bioimaging and Drug-Delivery Applications
    Authors: Subhajit Guria, Avijit Ghosh, Priyanka Upadhyay, Manas Kumar Das, Tanushree Mishra, Arghya Adhikary, Susanta Adhikari
    Year: 2020
    Citation: DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00146

Conclusion

Juheli Sadhukhan exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and emerging research professional whose innovative work in health-related chemical sciences contributes meaningfully to diagnostic and therapeutic development. Her solid academic background, notable conference recognition, and focused publication record establish her as a rising talent in biomedical research. While there remains room to strengthen her research visibility and leadership footprint, her current achievements and potential trajectory strongly support her nomination for the Best Researcher Award, recognizing her as a dynamic force driving innovation at the intersection of chemistry and health science.