Prof. Sebastian-Edgar Baumeister
University of Munster
Professor Dr. Sebastian-Edgar Baumeister chairs the Institute of Health Services Research
in Dentistry at the University of Munster. He hold a PhD in Epidemiology from the University
of Greifswald, Germany. He previously held positions at the University of Munich, the
University of Regensburg, the Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for
Environmental Health in Germany, and the Department of Health Policy and Management at
the University of California in Los Angeles in the US. His current research focuses on using
genetics to identify novel drug targets for periodontal disease.
Dr. PD Dr. Alexander Teumer
University Medicine Greifswald
Dr. Alexander Teumer is an esteemed research group leader at the Department of
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at University Medicine Greifswald, with a specialized focus in
the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and medical research. Since September
2022, Dr. Teumer has been steering research at this prestigious institution, following his role
as a Principal Investigator in the German Center for Cardiovascular Disease (DZHK) since
October 2021. His expertise is also recognized internationally as an Associate Professor
(part-time) at the Department of Population Medicine and Lifestyle Diseases Prevention at
the Medical University of Bialystok, Poland, since October 2020.
A co-leader of the ThyroidOmics Consortium, Dr. Teumer has an impressive background in
genetic epidemiology. Between 2014 and 2022, he led a research group in this field at the
Institute for Community Medicine at University Medicine Greifswald. His prior experience
includes a significant research fellowship at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, where he
concentrated on epigenome-wide association studies.
Dr. Teumer's educational credentials are equally distinguished. He earned his Habilitation
venia legendi for bioinformatics in 2021 and completed his PhD with summa cum laude
distinction in bioinformatics at the University of Greifswald in 2010. He also holds a diploma
in mathematics and computer science from the same university, attained in 2001.
His scholarly contributions have not gone unnoticed, with accolades such as the CHARGE
Consortium Golden Tiger Award in 2022 and recognition as a Top 1% Highly Cited
Researcher in 2018. He has been entrusted with senior editorial responsibilities for
"Endocrine Connections" and has reviewed for a suite of top-tier journals, encompassing
diverse fields from Nature Communications to PLoS Medicine.
Dr. Teumer's peer review and grant evaluation services extend to respected organizations
like the European Research Council (ERC) and the German Academic Exchange Service
(DAAD), showcasing his dedication to advancing research excellence globally.
Professor André Uitterlinden
Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam
André G. Uitterlinden is a Professor of Complex Genetics and with >50 group members
head of the Laboratory of Population Genomics at the Erasmus Medical Centre in
Rotterdam. His research involved identifying genetic factors for common traits and diseases
(e.g., osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, anthropometry, age at menopause), and is now focused
on implementing genetic information in health care and prevention settings. In 2005 he
initiated the Human Genomics Facility (HuGeF), which is now one of Europe’s largest
genomics facilities, providing services for DNA isolation, genotyping, sequencing, and data
analysis, and is handling millions of samples for a global client portfolio.
He initiated the widely used array/GWAS datasets and DNA/RNA sequence datasets (WES,
microbiome) of two Erasmus MC cohort studies: the Rotterdam Study (25,000 elderly
subjects) and the Generation R birth-cohort (n=25,000 children and parents). He (co-
)initiated several global GWAS consortia (e.g. GEFOS, CHARGE, Reprogen, MiBioGen). He
is PI of the strategic GOALL project within Erasmus MC (“Genotyping On ALL patients”). In
2020 he became a member of the coordination team of the European 1 Million Genomes
Initiative, and therein leads the “Genome of Europe” working group to establish reference
genomes. He has co-authored over 1300 papers (H-index 180), has supervised 40 PhD
students, and is leading annual courses on complex genetics and genomics.
Professor Marcos Lopez Hoyos
University of Cantabria
Serving as the esteemed Head of Immunology Service at Marqués de Valdecilla University
Hospital since 2012 and an Associate Professor of Immunology at the University of
Cantabria, our expert has carved a niche in the study of lymphocyte apoptosis and
autoimmune phenomena through groundbreaking work on transgenic mice models for Bcl-2.
Transitioning from theoretical research to practical application, they have honed a
translational research career to bridge the gap between animal models and human clinical
presentations, particularly in autoimmune diseases and solid organ transplantation.
Embarking on a pivotal journey in 2006, they began to explore the intricacies of the immune
response in solid organ transplants, with a keen emphasis on renal, lung, and liver
transplants. The pursuit of immunotolerance biomarkers has been at the core of their
studies, with notable work in regulatory T cells and the impact of anti-HLA antibodies in renal
transplant outcomes.
Their current collaborative efforts with Dr. Crespo are breaking new ground, investigating
liver complications arising from immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including
inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.
As the dynamic leader of the “Transplantation and Autoimmunity” group at IDIVAL, their
leadership was recognized by Immunotools as the best group leader in 2015. Their research
endeavors, underpinned by competitive national funding with 14 projects as principal
investigator and 6 as a collaborator, have culminated in an impressive authorship of 203
JCR-indexed works, over 20 book chapters, and robust participation in scientific forums, with
more than 70 oral presentations, organization of 4 conferences, and contributions to 11
scientific committees.
A key member of the REDINREN network and a co-leader of a renal transplantation-focused
work package, they are actively involved in several prestigious bodies and societies,
including SEI, SEAIC, SET, and ONT. Currently presiding as President of the Spanish
Society of Immunology and holding the title of Scientific Director of IDIVAL, their journey
continues to inspire and innovate in the landscape of immunology and transplant medicine.
Dr. Jose Manuel Valdivielso Revilla
Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida
Dr. Jose Manuel Valdivielso Revilla is a distinguished researcher whose extensive work in
the field of nephrology and cardiovascular research has earned him a reputation for
excellence in translational medicine. With a PhD that set the foundation for his illustrious
career, Dr. Valdivielso has since contributed significantly to our understanding of vascular
and renal pathophysiology.
His publications, which number many, reflect a deep commitment to exploring the
intersections of diet, cardiovascular health, and renal function. His recent study in the
"Atherosclerosis" journal illuminates the connection between adherence to the
Mediterranean diet and the prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques, while his work in
"Nutrients" offers new insights into the antihypertensive effects of aged garlic extract. Dr.
Valdivielso's interest in immunology is evident from his work on lymphocyte attenuators and
their role in atherosclerosis, particularly in the context of chronic kidney disease.
A proponent of Vitamin D's implications in vascular calcification and kidney disease, Dr.
Valdivielso's research in "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology" and
"Nutrients" has furthered the discussion on mineral and bone disorders in CKD patients. His
recent collaboration published in the "European Heart Journal" examines the cardiovascular
events leading to kidney failure, showcasing his dedication to advancing cardiorenal health.
A prolific author, Dr. Valdivielso's research also includes studies on polyvascular subclinical
atherosclerosis, the cardiovascular outcomes in nephrosclerosis, and the nuanced role of
mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in diabetes mellitus with CKD.
As a speaker and participant in our conference, Dr. Valdivielso brings an unparalleled depth
of knowledge, a rich history of research, and a forward-thinking perspective on vascular and
renal health. His insights are invaluable to our ongoing discussions on translational research
and clinical practice in the intertwined realms of nephrology and cardiovascular medicine.
Professor Kyriakos Souliotis
University of Peloponnese
Professor Kyriakos Souliotis is a distinguished figure in the realm of health policy, currently
teaching at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Peloponnese,
where he has made notable contributions as Vice Rector of Social and Regional
Development. His academic journey extends to the Medical Schools of the University of
Athens and the University of Crete, where his expertise in health policy, economics, and
management illuminates the curriculum.
With a tenure that includes pivotal roles such as Senior Associate Director at the LSE
Enterprise's Medical Technology Research Group, Professor Souliotis has also significantly
influenced health administration and policy development in Greece. His advisory capacities
have spanned from the Social Insurance Institute to the Ministry of Health and Welfare,
alongside leadership positions in health care trusts, renowned medical centers, and health
fund management.
Professor Souliotis's leadership experience is underpinned by his service as President of
OPAD and as Vice President of EOPYY, demonstrating his commitment to improving public
health services. His dedication to ethical medical practice and addressing rare diseases was
evident during his time on the National Ethics Committee for Clinical Trials and the Steering
Committee for Rare Diseases.
Recognized internationally, he has served as a country expert on cancer at the OECD and
continues to contribute to global health policy dialogues as a member of PACT's Steering
Committee and the Scientific Committee of OIS.
His scholarly works are extensive, with 27 books and over 290 book chapters and peer-
reviewed papers that address health policy and economics, health service organization and
administration, and economic inequalities. A veteran speaker, Professor Souliotis has
enriched over 450 scientific conferences with his insights and serves as a reviewer for
international journals.
At "BMC Public Health", his role as Associate Editor showcases his dedication to
disseminating high-quality public health research, a commitment he also fulfilled as
Associate Editor at "Health Expectations".
Professor Souliotis's vast experience and deep understanding of the intricacies of health
policy make him an invaluable asset to our conference and the wider scientific community.
Dr. Till Ittermann,
University Medicine Greifswald
Dr. Till Ittermann is a renowned Professor at the University of Greifswald, where he is a vital
part of the Clinical-Epidemiological Research Study Unit within the Institute for Community
Medicine. With a rich academic background culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy degree
from TU Dortmund, Dr. Ittermann's scholarly pursuits are deeply rooted in the quantitative
aspects of public health.
His extensive research interests encompass the broad field of epidemiology, with a particular
focus on the intricacies of epidemiologic studies, including their statistical underpinnings and
analytical frameworks. Dr. Ittermann has dedicated much of his career to understanding and
analyzing the patterns and determinants of health and diseases in populations.
Specializing in cohort studies, his work provides valuable insights into public health, offering
a deeper understanding of how various factors, from nutrition to lifestyle, impact community
health outcomes. Dr. Ittermann is particularly known for his contributions to the study of
thyroid diseases, a reflection of his commitment to addressing both prevalent and
specialized health concerns through rigorous scientific inquiry.
Dr. Ittermann's expertise in observational studies lends itself to a nuanced examination of
data, helping to inform policy and health interventions. As an educator and researcher, his
contributions to epidemiological statistics and analysis have not only advanced academic
knowledge but have also played a crucial role in shaping evidence-based public health
practices.
Prof. Dr. med. Marek Zygmunt
Director of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Greifswald
Prof. Dr. med. Marek Zygmunt is a distinguished obstetrician and gynecologist with a 17-
year legacy at the University Hospital Greifswald. A recognized expert in reproductive
medicine and gynecological endocrinology, he leads the Department of Gynecology and
Obstetrics. Prof. Zygmunt’s prolific research, encapsulated in 299 scientific publications,
spans critical topics from pregnancy vascular dynamics to cervical cancer therapies. His
comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery, coupled with his significant academic
contributions, marks him as a venerated figure in the medical community, dedicated to
elevating patient care standards and medical education.
Prof. Carsten Oliver Schmidt
University Medicine of Greifswald
Prof. Carsten Oliver Schmidt is a distinguished figure in the realm of epidemiological research, with a pivotal role as the Deputy Head of the Department of SHIP/Clinical-Epidemiological Research, and speaker of the section Epidemiology of the German Association for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (GMDS) e. V. as well as member of its board of directors. Within the Institute of Community Medicine at the University Medicine of Greifswald, he leads the functional division “Quality in the Health Sciences” as well as the “Transfer Unit for Data and Biomaterials”. As a principal investigator and collaborator in several network projects, Prof. Schmidt’s research contributes to the future of data quality tools and research infrastructures. His adeptness in managing comprehensive health studies and the integration of diverse data sources, including registries and claims data, underlines his commitment to elevating the study of subclinical and clinical disorders.
Dr. José J. Fuster
Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC)
Dr. José J. Fuster is a distinguished biochemist and cardiovascular researcher with a strong
academic foundation from the University of Valencia, where he earned his degree in
Biochemistry (2005) and subsequently completed a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (2010).
His doctoral research, conducted at the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV-CSIC), was
pivotal in advancing the understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic
diseases.
Post-PhD, Dr. Fuster further honed his expertise as a Postdoctoral Associate at the Boston
University School of Medicine. His research made significant strides in elucidating the
complex interactions between adipose tissue and the vascular wall, particularly in the
context of obesity and aging. A highlight of his work during this period was the investigation
into non-canonical WNT signaling pathways and their implications in cardiometabolic
conditions.
In 2015, Dr. Fuster transitioned to an academic role as an Instructor in the Department of
Medicine at Boston University. This position enabled him to spearhead innovative research
into the role of somatic mutations in blood cells and their contribution to cardiovascular
disease. His groundbreaking work provided the first experimental evidence that somatic
mutations driving clonal hematopoiesis have a direct causal link to atherosclerosis
development.
His academic journey continued through various assistant professor roles at both Boston
University and the University of Virginia between 2017 and 2018. Dr. Fuster then brought his
expertise to CNIC in late 2018, where he currently leads a research group as an Assistant
Professor. His leadership at CNIC involves directing a research program that investigates
genetic and molecular underpinnings of cardiovascular disease with the aim of translating
discoveries into clinical interventions.
Dr. Fuster's scientific excellence has been recognized by the European Atherosclerosis
Society with the Young Investigator Award (2018) and by the American Heart Association as
the runner-up for the Irvine H. Page Young Investigator Award. His contributions to
cardiovascular research continue to inform clinical practices and foster a deeper
understanding of the genetic factors influencing heart health.
Professor Mohammad Arfan Ikram
Erasmus MC Rotterdam
Dr. Ikram is Professor and Chair of Epidemiology at the department of Epidemiology,
Erasmus MC Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He is also adjunct professor of Epidemiology at
the Harvard Chan School of Public Health. Since 2022, he serves as president of the
Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw), the largest public
funder of healthcare research in The Netherlands, and as member of the executive board of
the Netherlands Research Organisation (NWO).
Dr. Ikram’s research focuses on investigating the etiology of neurologic diseases in the
elderly, with a particular focus on dementia, Alzheimer disease and healthy brain aging. The
main areas of research are to elucidate the earliest signs of brain diseases, before clinical
symptoms are present, and to understand how these lead to clinical manifestation of
disease. Moreover, he is interested in preclinical signs and systemic comorbidities that can
be used to identify persons at highest risk of developing disease. More recently, he has
expanded his research interests to focus on healthy longevity at large and determinants of
optimal health care and health care utilization.
Dr. Ikram has broad expertise in establishing and/or managing various research
infrastructures, including the Rotterdam Study (population-based cohort study), EraCORe
(clinic-based COVID- 19 cohort study), CJD-expertise center (national registry of Creutzfeldt-
Jacob’s disease) and Netherlands Cohorts Consortium (national consortium of cohort
studies).
At ZonMw and NWO, his portfolio of dossiers includes Open Science; Recognition &
Rewards; and Diversity & Inclusivity.
Dr. Silvan Licher
Erasmus MC Rotterdam
Dr. Silvan Licher is a rising figure in the field of clinical epidemiology, known for his
dedication to enhancing our understanding of healthcare utilization and the prevention of
chronic diseases within the general population. He earned his medical degree in 2016 and
subsequently embarked on a PhD at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, under the
esteemed guidance of Prof. Dr. M. Arfan Ikram and Prof. Dr. M. Kamran Ikram. His
commitment to academic excellence was further demonstrated by achieving a Master’s
degree in Clinical Epidemiology with the distinction cum laude.
Dr. Licher's research probes deep into the dynamics of healthcare utilization, with a
significant focus on the epidemiology of chronic diseases and their co-occurrence. He has a
particular interest in the concept of syndemics—the complex interaction of multiple co-
occurring epidemics or disease clusters within a population—and is driven to unravel the
mysteries behind the vast discrepancies in disease accumulation among individuals.
In addition to his research, Dr. Licher contributes to the wider academic community as a
board member of the Dutch Epidemiology Society (VvE) and serves as a guest editor for the
Dutch Journal for General Practice, showcasing his multifaceted expertise.
Dr. Licher's dual role as a clinical epidemiologist and a general practitioner in training equips
him with a unique perspective that bridges population-based research with the personalized
needs of individual patient care. His work is pivotal in addressing key questions about why
certain individuals experience a higher burden of long-term conditions compared to others
who remain disease-free.
Through his research and practice, Dr. Licher is not only advancing scientific understanding
but also shaping the future of preventative healthcare strategies.
Prof. Tomasz Zdrojewski,
Gdańsk Medical University
Medical Doctor, Academic Teacher, and Researcher at Gdańsk Medical University (GUMed)
| Consultant at National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene (NIZP PZH-
PIB) in Warsaw
Prof. dr hab. n. med. Tomasz Zdrojewski stands as an international authority in the field of
monitoring, prevention, and modeling of non-communicable diseases. His tenure with the
Committee of Public Health at the Polish Academy of Sciences from 2011 to 2020 highlights
his extensive involvement and expertise in public health policy. With a prolific output of over
310 publications, his research delves into health situations in Poland, Europe, and the USA,
contributing significantly to the understanding and development of health strategies in these
regions.
A recipient of scholarships at prestigious universities in the USA and Germany, Prof.
Zdrojewski is at the forefront of epidemiological research. He is the architect or co-creator of
numerous national and regional health projects, such as NATPOL 1997, 2002, and 2011;
the Polish 4 Cities Project; the Polish 400 Cities Project; SOPKARD from 1999 to 2021;
WOBASZ from 2004 to 2006, WOBASZ Senior, WOBASZ II; PolSenior; PolSenior2;
NOMED-AF; the AMI-PL register; as well as influential analyses like IMPACT, Euroheart
Survey II, and FRESHER.
Associate Professor Tomasz Zatonski, MD, PhD, Wroclaw Medical University
Wroclaw Medical University
Specialist in Otolaryngology | Vice-Rector for University Communications at the
Wroclaw Medical University (UMW) | Head of the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck
Surgery Department at the Wroclaw Medical University.
Dr. hab. Tomasz Zatoński, an esteemed graduate and faculty member of Wroclaw
Medical University, has dedicated his career to advancing medical education and
otolaryngology. He serves as the Vice-Rector for University Communications at the
UMW and leads the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the
University Clinical Hospital of the UMW.
As the former Chairman of the Lower Silesian Division of the Polish Society of
Otorhinolaryngologists Head and Neck Surgeons, he is deeply involved in the regional
medical community. Dr. Zatoński also holds the position of provincial consultant in
otolaryngology for the Lower Silesian Voivodeship and is the driving force behind the
PICTURE (Population Cohort Study of Wroclaw Citizens), a landmark cohort study on
the health of Wroclaw’s residents.
Beyond his professional commitments, Dr. Zatoński is a running enthusiast and an
aspiring triathlete, promoting a lifestyle that blends medical expertise with a passion
for sports. He is the brain behind the Medical University Run. He spearheads mass
health campaigns for children and adults, such as the "Let's Get the Kids Moving"
initiative, encouraging healthy eating habits and physical activity among students in
Wroclaw's primary and middle schools.
Dr. Zatoński is also actively engaged in environmental health initiatives, particularly in
reducing air pollution in Wroclaw and Lower Silesia, showcasing his commitment to
public health inside and outside the hospital.
Prof. Anna Fijałkowska
Mother and Child Institute
Specialist in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Pregnancy-related Cardiology | Professor of
Medicine | Deputy Director for Science at the Mother and Child Institute
Prof. Anna Fijałkowska is a distinguished graduate of the First Faculty of Medicine of the
Medical Academy in Warsaw. She holds a first-degree specialization in internal diseases, a
second-degree specialization in internal diseases, and a specialization in cardiology. A
certified specialist in Good Clinical Practice, she also earned her PhD in medical sciences
with research focusing on the assessment of pericardial changes in patients with small cell
lung cancer. Later, her postdoctoral work delved into the use of N-terminal pro-B-type
natriuretic peptide as a non-invasive prognostic indicator in pulmonary arterial hypertension,
earning her substantial recognition in the field.
With a professional tenure at the Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases and currently
at the Mother and Child Institute, Prof. Fijałkowska leads the Department of Cardiology and
serves as the Deputy Director for Science. Her academic contributions extend to lecturing at
notable medical education centers.
She is an active member of the Public Health Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences
and holds significant positions in the Polish Cardiac Society, including Chairwoman of the
Health Promotion Commission, President of the Women's Heart Disease Section, and
former chair of the Pulmonary Circulation Section. Her commitment also spans to being a
member of the society's Training and Guidelines Commission.
Prof. Fijałkowska is the National Coordinator for the WHO European Childhood Obesity
Surveillance Initiative and the Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Registry of the EURObservational
Research Programme. Her leadership in a national health program to improve the health
behaviors of young girls through telemonitoring technology highlights her dedication to public
health. Additionally, her expertise is sought by various organizations including the World
Heart Federation/World Obesity Federation, the Ministry of Health, and she is a member of
the Bioethics Committee at the Mother and Child Institute.
As an esteemed author and co-author, Prof. Fijałkowska's publication record exceeds 100
scholarly works. She is also a principal researcher and national coordinator of multiple
clinical studies, further underscoring her prominent role in the medical community.
Prof. Piotr Jankowski
Center of Postgraduate Medical Education
Prof. dr hab. n. med. Piotr Jankowski is a renowned figure in cardiology, currently serving as
the Deputy Director for Medical Affairs at the Independent Public Clinical Hospital named
after Prof. W. Orłowski at the Center of Postgraduate Medical Education. He is also the head
of the Department of Internal Diseases and Gerontocardiology and leads the Department of
Epidemiology and Health Promotion at the School of Public Health, CMKP.
Prof. Jankowski's educational background began at the Faculty of Medicine, Collegium
Medicum of the Jagiellonian University, where he graduated with a medical degree. He
continued his career there, achieving successive specializations in internal diseases and
cardiology, becoming the first Pole to receive ESC accreditation in Intensive and Acute
Cardiac Care. His research led to a doctoral degree, followed by a habilitation based on his
significant scientific contributions, particularly in the prognostic significance of the pulsatile
component of blood pressure in patients undergoing coronary angiography.
Internationally recognized, Prof. Jankowski is credited with a profound impact on healthcare
through thousands of treated patients and his work in implementing comprehensive
coordinated care in Poland. He's a contributing author to numerous guidelines, including the
Cholesterol ROADMAP of the World Heart Federation, and has organized several scientific
conferences and educational campaigns, highlighting his commitment to both science and
public health.
Prof. Jankowski is known for emphasizing the human side of medicine—empathy, kindness,
and attention to patients and their families. He has received numerous awards and
recognitions for his work, has been a member of the Polish Cardiology Society for over two
decades, and has held various influential roles within the society.
In his clinical and scientific pursuits, he focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention, public
health, cardiovascular risk, coronary artery disease, hypertension management, the aging
cardiovascular system, and organizational solutions in healthcare. Prof. Jankowski has a
special interest in gerontocardiology, where he has been a pioneer in Poland.
Prof. Marek Konarzewski
Polish Academy of Sciences
Professor Marek Konarzewski is a Polish biologist and professor of biological sciences,
specializing in evolutionary ecology, physiology, and animal evolution. He is affiliated with
the University of Białystok's Faculty of Biology and the University of Warsaw's Faculty of
"Artes Liberales". Konarzewski is a corresponding member of the Polish Academy of
Sciences (PAN) from the Division of Biological and Agricultural Sciences since 2010 and
serves as vice president of the PAN branch in Olsztyn and Białystok. His scientific pursuits
encompass the physiological and evolutionary aspects of birds and mammals, contributing
to numerous scientific publications and popular science works, including translating Jared M.
Diamond's Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Guns, Germs, and Steel." He is the current
president of the Polish Academy of Sciences, elected for the term starting in 2023.
Prof. Tomasz Burzykowski
Hasselt University / Medical University of Bialystok
Prof. Tomasz Burzykowski serves as the current Chair of the International Society for Clinical Biostatistics (2023-2024). A vital member of the ISCB Board since 2017 and its former Vice Chair, Prof. Burzykowski brings extensive experience to his role.
With a strong academic background, Prof. Burzykowski holds a Master's degree in mathematics applications from the University of Warsaw and a specialization in biostatistics from Hasselt University. His academic journey culminated in a PhD in mathematics from Hasselt University in 2001.
Prof. Burzykowski is recognized for his professorship in biostatistics and statistical bioinformatics at Hasselt University. His expertise extends to his role as Vice President of scientific research at the International Drug Development Institute, Belgium. At the Medical University of Białystok, he leads the Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics.
An esteemed educator, he has imparted knowledge at Warsaw University of Technology, University of Warsaw, and internationally at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Prof. Burzykowski's research is at the forefront of clinical trial methodology, meta-analysis, survival analysis, and the exploration of genomics and proteomics data, establishing him as a leading figure in the field of biostatistics.
dr hab. n. med., MBA Krzysztof Chlebus
Medical University of Gdansk
Assistant Professor at the 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology at the Medical University
of Gdańsk. Completed postgraduate studies in "Management in health care institutions" at
the University of Gdansk and prestigious Executive MBA studies (Carlsson School of
Management University of Minnesota and SGH in Warsaw). From 2012 to 2014
Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Health in the government of Donald Tusk. Tempus
scholarship holder at ThoraxCentre in Rotterdam and Polish-American Foundation for
Medical Education at Loyola University in Chicago. During the 2007-2009 term, member of
the General Board and Secretary of the Polish Cardiac Society (PTK) Since 2014 member of
the PTK Commission for Cooperation with the Government Administration and the
Parliament of the Republic of Poland, and since 2021 member of the Board of the
Prevention and Epidemiology Section of the PTK , currently Chairman-Elect of this Section.
National Coordinator of the National Health Programme Project "Clinical and genetic
diagnosis of patients at high risk of familial hypercholesterolemia with cascade diagnosis of
their relatives". Member of the Programme Council of the MZ KORDIAN Project "Prevention
of atherosclerosis of the arteries and heart diseases for the inhabitants of the northern
macro-region." From 2010 to 2012 a judge of the District Medical Court at the OIL in
Gdansk. Since 2008, Fellow ESC.
President of the Centre for Medical Innovation sp. z o.o. Plenipotentiary of the Rector of
GUMed for Innovation and Knowledge Transfer. Member of the FHSC Steering Committee
of the European Atherosclerosis Society and the Homozygous Familial
Hypercholesterolemia International Clinical Collaborators.
Creator of the original concept of model care for patients with familial
hypercholesterolemia(FH), including coordination of diagnosis and therapy and
comprehensive medical services for the patient and his family. Coordinator of the National
Centre for Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Gdańsk.
Creator and coordinator of the National Register of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
registering cases of new FH diagnoses in probands and their family members.
Dr Andrzej Eljaszewicz
Medical University of Bialystok
Dr Andrzej Eljaszewicz, is a basic scientist specializing in immunology and regenerative medicine. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine at the Collegium Modicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University of Torun, and trained in medical biotechnology. Following his Ph.D. studies in medical sciences at Nicolaus Copernicus University, he joined the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immunoregulation at the Medical University of Bialystok. Dr. Eljaszewicz received numerous scholarships, including the Ministry of Science and Higher Education Scholarship for Outstanding Young Scientists and the CK-CARE Scientist Exchange Program Scholarship. His involvement extends to roles within the Białystok branch of the Polish Society for Experimental and Clinical Immunology, where he serves on the board and acts as the Chairman of the Audit Committee at the central level. Additionally, he held a board position within the Basic and Clinical Immunology Section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) from 2019 to 2022 and currently co-leads a task force under the EAACI Research and Outreach Committee (ROC). Dr. Eljaszewicz's scholarly contributions encompass over 50 scientific publications in the most prestigious journals in the field of allergology and immunology research. He presently holds positions as a research group leader and Deputy Director at the Center for Regenerative Medicine Medical University of Bialystok.
Dr Natalie Terzikhan
Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam
Natalie (N.) Terzikhan, PhD, is the Manager of Scientific Affairs and Responsible Research at the Department of Epidemiology at Erasmus Medical Centre in The Netherlands. Alongside her distinguished academic career, she is also a talented pianist. She holds a double PhD in Genetic and Pulmonary Epidemiology from a joint program at the University of Gent in Belgium and Erasmus University in the Netherlands. Additionally, she earned a Master's degree in Genetic Epidemiology from the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences and a Master's in Nutrition and Health from Wageningen University.
In her role as researcher at the Erasmus MC, Terzikhan specializes in genetics and omics-related projects, focusing on genome-wide approaches to understanding Lung and brain diseases. Her extensive publication record in prestigious journals like Nature Communications and the European Respiratory Journal highlights her contributions to COPD, cognitive function, and genetic diversity in genome-wide association studies.
Natalie is currently also manager of the Rotterdam Study. The internationally known prospective cohort study through which risks and determinants of chronic diseases are investigated. Here she combines her managerial skills with knowledge on research integrity and data security.
Beyond her scientific endeavors, Terzikhan's skills as a pianist showcase her diverse talents and dedication to the arts. Natalie is also a huge supporter of youth and specially women in STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math). Her involvement in the scientific community extends through her contribution to advance Responsible Research and Innovation through Education Innovation and Institutional changes. This reflects her commitment to advancing epidemiology through collaborative and innovative research and education, bridging her passions in both science and music.
8:30 - 9:00
