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.
Ellen Kuhlmann, MPH, PhD
Conference co-president
Ellen Kuhlmann, PhD, MPH, is the initiator and president (until November 2023) of the EUPHA Health Workforce Research Section. Currently, she is based at Goethe-University Frankfurt, Institute for Economics, Labour and Culture, Germany, and guest researcher at Hannover Medical School, Institute of Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research (https://www.mhh.de/institut-fuer-epidemiologie/mitarbeiterinnen/dr-ellen-kuhlmann). She has many years of international work experience – among others at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, Aarhus University, Denmark, and University of Bath, United Kingdom. Main research areas include healthcare workforce, health systems, policy and governance, and gender and public health. She also has clinical experience as a specialised nurse in intensive care and anaesthesiology. Most recently, she has lead a project on migrant healthcare workers in Germany, funded by GLOHRA–Global Health Research Alliance Germany (BMBF).
Monica Georgiana Brînzac, PhD(c)
Conference manager
Monica Georgiana Brînzac PhD(c) 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, BA(c)
Mara Bumbu is a driven research technician at the esteemed Department of Public Health, Babeș-Bolyai University, where she is currently in her third year of pursuing a bachelor's degree in Public Health. With a deep-seated commitment to improving healthcare systems and outcomes, Mara actively engages in a diverse range of research fields. Her work encompasses critical areas such as health workforce, the pressing issue of medical deserts, and the broader landscape of public health challenges. Presently, she is making significant contributions to the BeWell project, a testament to her dedication to advancing our understanding of healthcare and its future. Through her unwavering commitment, Mara is leaving a lasting impact on the field of public health and its prospects for transformation.
Andrei Rus, BA(c)
Andrei Rus holds a crucial position as the (Jr.) Operational and Financial Manager within the Department of Public Health at Babeș-Bolyai University. With a distinguished career spanning more than three years, Andrei has honed his skills in overseeing and orchestrating the seamless execution of a multitude of research projects. His expertise is most pronounced in the intricate domains of project administration, financial management, and legal compliance, making him an invaluable asset to the department's ongoing progress and growth initiatives.
Ștefan Lazăr, M.Adv.(c)
Ștefan Augustin Lazăr is a dynamic individual with a bachelor's degree in Public Health. With previous roles as a Local Coordinator and Co-designer in the OurCluj project and his current position as a Research Technician in the Department of Public Health, he has acquired a profound understanding of health and community engagement. Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Advertising, he aims to leverage his unique blend of public health knowledge and advertising skills to bridge the gap between information and action.