Conference management committee
Marius I. Ungureanu, MD, PhD
Conference co-president
Marius Ungureanu, MD, PhD, holds dual roles as the Chair of the Department of Public Health and Director of the Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. With over 13 years of experience in public health research, Dr. Ungureanu has led and contributed to projects in health systems, service delivery, human resources for health, and healthcare management. His expertise extends beyond academia, including positions as an Adviser to the Health Minister, Chief of Staff to the Health Minister, and Secretary of State (Deputy Minister) for Romania's Ministry of Health. Internationally, he consults for esteemed organizations such as the World Health Organization, International Labor Organization, USAID, and the World Bank across various countries. He's a member of the European Public Health Association's Governing Board and a steering board member of the Health Workforce Research Section of EUPHA, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in European public health.
Eszter Kovacs, PhD
Conference co-president
Eszter Kovacs works as Assistant Professor at the Health Services Management Training Centre, Faculty of Health and Public Services, Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary, where she acts as Head of Unit of the Health Workforce Planning Knowledge Centre. She has contributed to international health workforce projects for over 15 years, focusing on research, implementation, and policy development. Her leadership roles include the Joint Actions on European Health Workforce Planning and Forecasting, the SEPEN Tender, the WHO HRH Leadership and Management Prototype curricula, and EU projects like the TaSHI project on task shifting. Since 2015, she has coordinated the WHO Collaborating Center on HRH Development and Data-Driven Health. Her expertise spans HR management, health workforce data and policies, strategic planning, education, mobility, cross-border care, HRH innovations, digitalization, mental health and wellbeing of health workers, and health tourism.
Monica Georgiana Brînzac, PhD
Conference co-president
Monica Georgiana Brînzac, PhD, holds two master's degrees in Healthcare Management and in Science, Technology, and Innovation in Governance, along with a bachelor's degree in Public Health. She works as a Research Assistant at Babeș-Bolyai University's Department of Public Health, delving into areas like medical deserts, health workforce, mental health, maternal and youth health, along with broader public health matters. Monica is also an integral part of the EUPHA, where she fulfils the role of EUPHAnxt coordinator. She contributes to shaping and advancing public health initiatives and discussions at European level. Her multifaceted background and dedication to healthcare research and policy make her a valuable asset within both academic and public health spheres.
Mara Bumbu, MHE(c)
Conference manager
Mara Bumbu, MHE(c) is a driven research technician at the esteemed Department of Public Health, Babeș-Bolyai University. With a bachelor’s degree in Public Health, she is currently following a master's program in Health Economics. With a deep-seated commitment to improving healthcare systems, Mara actively engages in a diverse range of research fields. Presently, she is making significant contributions to the BeWell and THCS project, a testament to her dedication to advancing our understanding of healthcare and its future. Her work encompasses critical areas such as health workforce, health policy and management and immunization.
Judit Schmidt
Communication expert
Judit Schmidt graduated as a dietitian and vocational healthcare teacher from Semmelweis University. Recently, she joined the communication team at the Semmelweis University Health Services Management Training Centre (HSMTC). Her key responsibilities include creating and editing news and newsletters about the Institute’s educational activities and projects, as well as managing HSMTC’s social media presence.