Biography

Dr. Fernando A. Bozza is a clinical researcher with expertise in public health, critical care, and infectious diseases. He obtained his medical degree in 1987 and a Master's in Biological Sciences, Pharmacology in 1994 at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). He then pursued a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology at FIOCRUZ in 2004. His research has focused on severe emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the long-term consequences of critical illness.
Bozza has been actively involved in clinical and translational research throughout his career. As founder and first president of BRICnet (Brazilian Research In Intensive Care Network), he established collaborative clinical research initiatives, including large-scale trials, to address knowledge gaps of severe illness in LMICs.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, his team conducted comprehensive analyses assessing its impact on the Brazilian health system, healthcare disparities, mortality trends, and vaccination campaigns. He developed community-based interventions, facilitating extensive testing and integrated surveillance, healthcare, and communication to reduce mortality rates in vulnerable communities. Additionally, he led initiatives like Dados do Bem (Data for Good), a Mobile testing strategy; #VacinaMare, a large-scale vaccination program in Favela da Maré; and the Cohorts of Maré, a population-based study focusing on vaccination and health system utilization.
He serves as a board of directors member at the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC) and offers technical advice to WHO and GLoPID-R. He is supported by Wellcome Trust, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, CDC-Atlanta, and Fiocruz grants. He is a co-author of over 300 peer-reviewed publications.