Research That Connects Evidence with Action

My research spans public health, infectious diseases and immunology. I am particularly interested in how biological evidence, population data and public trust can support better decisions about vaccination, outbreak preparedness and disease prevention.

From measles and COVID-19 in Romania to global epidemic preparedness and immune responses to avian influenza, this work connects detailed scientific questions with the challenges faced by communities, health systems and policy-makers.

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Research Stories

Explore the three themes that bring this work together.

7 papers Vaccination & Public Health Vaccine confidence, health communication and public-health policy, with a particular focus on Romania. Explore more 3 papers Global Health Epidemic dynamics, preparedness and health risks that cross borders. Explore more 4 papers Biology and Immunology Avian immune responses, vaccination and the evolution of pathogens. Explore more

Highlighted Academic Papers

2019 Frontiers in Public Health

Measles Epidemics in Romania: Lessons for Public Health and Future Policy

This review traced why measles continued to cause major outbreaks in Romania despite the availability of an effective vaccine. It showed how falling coverage, vaccine shortages, hesitancy and weak communication can combine to put children and neighbouring countries at risk.

I led this academic paper as sole author.

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2025 Frontiers in Public Health

The Deadly Triple M: Mistrust, Misinformation and Missed Opportunities

My co-authors and I examined why Romania's initially promising COVID-19 vaccination campaign stalled. The review shows why logistics alone are not enough: lasting progress depends on public trust, credible communication and meaningful community engagement.

I led this academic paper as first author, sharing correspondence with the senior author Cristian Apetrei.

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2023 BMC Medicine

A Quantitative Evaluation of the Impact of Vaccine Roll-Out Rate and Coverage

This collaborative modelling study compared Iran's COVID-19 vaccination programme with several other countries. It found that delivering vaccines quickly—especially to older people—could save many lives even when the final level of coverage is not the highest.

This paper was led by Mahan Ghafari as first author, with Mahan Ghafari and Shahram Kordasti as corresponding authors. I had a contribution to the work and am listed as a middle author in fourth position.

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2024 Frontiers in Immunology

Immunisation of Chickens With H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus

My colleagues and I compared antibody responses in chickens after vaccination, infection or both. The results show that the type and number of exposures shape the immune response, offering useful evidence for improving avian influenza vaccination strategies.

I led this academic paper as first author, with the senior author Munir Iqbal acting as corresponding author.

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