ABOUT
My passion lies in unlocking the potential of every child to survive and flourish, by addressing social and structural barriers that limit opportunities for good health.
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© UNICEF/UNI529051/ALfilastini
I aspire to create research that drives tangible change in global health. My career focusses on enabling all children to thrive by addressing health inequities and ensuring access to essential services such as vaccination. My work bridges field research, policy collaboration, and the development of innovative solutions that are tailored to the real-world needs of communities in low- and middle-income countries.
I believe that impactful research goes beyond publication—it should shape policies, influence global standards, and, most importantly, improve lives.
EXPERIENCE
My professional activities span academic, civil society, and global advisory roles.
Professor of Global Public Health
Université de Montréal, 2000-present
Global Advisory Roles
Independent expert, 2010-present
Civil Society Engagement
Advisory Board Chair, 2012-present
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Lead field-shaping research in vaccination & child health, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries.
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Network with top global health institutions, representing the University in scientific and policy collaborations.
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Director of the professional doctoral program (DrPH) in Public Health
Service as an independent expert and advisor to top global health institutions, including the global Equity Reference Group for Immunization (2023-present); Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (2010-present); the Global Fund (2021-2024); the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (2022); and the World Health Organization (2019).
Helped to establish and advise Raah Health & Social Development Foundation, a non-profit community-led organisation focused on advancing health equity in rural India, focussing on child vaccination, access to basic health services, and community development, through meaningful local partnerships.
Consultant (Visiting Researcher)
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (2023-2024)
Consultant (Visiting Researcher)
World Health Organization (2016-2017)
Consultant (Visiting Researcher)
World Health Organization (2009-2010)
With cross-functional teams across Gavi and partner organizations, I led critical research on zero-dose (unvaccinated) children, informing the design of the Gavi 6.0 (2026-2030) strategy. Findings were shared with 700+ partners to guide operationalisation of Gavi 6.0 strategy for zero-dose children.
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Conducted pivotal research on social and behavioral interventions for child health, contributing to the WHO-UNICEF child health redesign.
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Led the development of a social autopsy module for a seven-country randomised trial, enriching international data on social determinants of health.
Contributed to the development of a cost-effectiveness and priority-setting framework, integrating scientific evidence and ethical norms. Implemented impact and cost-effectiveness modeling of vaccine-related healthcare strategies.
EDUCATION
Academic Background
Yale School of Medicine | Epidemiology & Public Health
Postdoctoral associate
Focus: Quantitative programme evaluation (economic evaluation; mathematical modelling)
Yale School of Medicine | Epidemiology & Public Health
MPH Master of Public Health
Focus: Quantitative programme evaluation (economic evaluation; linear programming)
McGill University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy | Ethics & Political Philosophy
Focus: Theories of global justice
McGill University
BA Bachelor of Arts |Joint Honours in Economics & Philosophy
Focus: Development economics
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Recognitions & Awards (selected)
Exceptional Contribution Award
Université de Montréal, 2025-2030
Recognises achievements in all four areas of professorial responsibility: research, teaching, administration, and public service.
Research Excellence Award
École de santé publique de l'Université de Montréal, 2022
Awarded to a faculty member for outstanding contributions to research.
Innovation in Science and Technology Award
Drishti Media Group, 2021
Awarded for innovations using science to advance sustainability and social impact.
Vic Neufeld Mentorship Award
Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research, 2020
National recognition for mentorship in global health research.
New Investigator Award
Canadian Institutes for Health Research, 2005-2010
Early career Salary Award.