Olympia Christofilea | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Olympia Christofilea | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Chief Executive of 2nd RHA of Piraeus at University of West Attica | Greece

Dr. Olympia Christofilea is a highly accomplished professional and researcher in Public Health Policy and Healthcare Management, recognized for her expertise in occupational health, workplace safety, mental health, and healthcare workforce well-being. As Deputy Director of the 2nd Health Region of Piraeus and the Aegean, she plays a leading role in strengthening healthcare systems, designing strategic action plans, and improving healthcare delivery. She has made impactful contributions to the development of public health initiatives, crisis management strategies, and workforce sustainability programs. Her growing body of research, published in respected international journals, focuses on vital issues such as workplace quality of life, vaccination attitudes, and safety climate in healthcare settings. Combining her clinical background in nursing with advanced administrative and policy expertise, Dr. Christofilea bridges the gap between academic research and practical healthcare applications. Her leadership, research orientation, and multidisciplinary perspective make her a strong contributor to global health policy advancement.

Professional Profiles

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Olympia Christofilea has pursued an impressive educational journey that combines clinical training, administrative expertise, and advanced research. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Public Health Policy at the University of West Attica, focusing on critical issues in healthcare policy and occupational health. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from the National School of Public Health, which has strengthened her ability to design and evaluate healthcare systems and policies. In addition, she possesses two undergraduate degrees: one in Nursing, which provides her with clinical and patient-centered insights, and another in Business Administration and Organization, equipping her with skills in management, planning, and organizational leadership. This unique combination of qualifications has provided her with a multidisciplinary foundation, enabling her to approach public health challenges with a balance of scientific rigor, clinical understanding, and policy-making acumen. Her education underpins both her research and leadership activities.

Experience

Dr. Olympia Christofilea brings extensive professional experience in healthcare management and public health administration, having held senior leadership roles in hospitals, regional health authorities, and the Ministry of Health. As Deputy Director of the 2nd Health Region of Piraeus and the Aegean, she has been responsible for overseeing primary healthcare and mental health services, while actively shaping strategies to strengthen health systems. She has participated in inter-ministerial working groups and international collaborations, contributing to the design of policies and funding programs aimed at improving healthcare access and quality. Her work includes crisis management in healthcare, strategic planning, and the implementation of occupational health and safety measures for healthcare professionals. This professional track record demonstrates her ability to translate research into real-world solutions that enhance workforce well-being and patient outcomes. Through her administrative leadership and evidence-based approach, she has consistently influenced health policy at both national and regional levels.

Research Interest

Dr. Olympia Christofilea’s research interests lie at the intersection of public health, occupational safety, and healthcare workforce management. She is particularly focused on understanding and improving workplace safety climates, promoting healthcare workers’ quality of life, and addressing mental health challenges in high-demand healthcare settings. Another key area of her research involves vaccination policies and practices, especially concerning vulnerable populations such as migrants and refugees, highlighting her commitment to equity in public health. Her studies also emphasize the importance of workforce sustainability and the development of policies that safeguard healthcare professionals from burnout, stress, and workplace hazards. With her combined background in nursing, administration, and health policy, she integrates clinical insight with management strategies to produce research that is both academically rigorous and socially relevant. By prioritizing applied research with direct implications for health policy and practice, her work contributes meaningfully to the improvement of healthcare systems worldwide.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Olympia Christofilea has earned recognition for her contributions to healthcare leadership, public health research, and service management. While currently advancing her academic career through her Ph.D. and research publications, she has already established herself as a respected figure in health policy circles. Her active participation in inter-ministerial committees, international collaborations, and healthcare reform initiatives reflects the trust placed in her expertise and leadership skills. She has been acknowledged through invitations to working groups and collaborative platforms that shape health policies at regional and national levels. Additionally, her publications in reputable international journals stand as academic recognition of her ability to address critical issues in occupational health and safety, mental health, and healthcare workforce management. As her research profile continues to grow, she is well-positioned to receive further academic honors, keynote invitations, and professional distinctions that acknowledge her impact on healthcare systems and public health development.

Research Skills

Dr. Olympia Christofilea possesses strong research skills spanning quantitative, qualitative, and policy-oriented methodologies. She has demonstrated expertise in designing and conducting cross-sectional and case study research focused on healthcare systems, workplace safety, and occupational health. Her ability to analyze large-scale demographic and job-related data has contributed to evidence-based recommendations for improving healthcare workforce quality of life. She is skilled in survey design, statistical analysis, and systematic review techniques, which she applies to investigate complex healthcare challenges. In addition, her collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams highlights her competence in project coordination, academic writing, and dissemination of research findings through high-quality journals. She is adept at linking research outcomes with practical policy recommendations, ensuring her work has both academic and social impact. Her research skills extend beyond traditional scholarship to applied problem-solving, making her contributions particularly valuable to public health policy, workforce management, and healthcare service optimization.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Vaccination of healthcare workers against influenza: does a day off make a difference?
Authors: HC Maltezou, O Christophilea, A Tedoma, P Katerelos, G Dounias
Year: 2018
Citations: 14

Title: Neutralizing antibody responses in healthcare personnel after three doses of mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine and association with baseline characteristics and past SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: L Psaridi, HC Maltezou, S Simonidou, I Lialliou, D Athanasopoulou, …
Year: 2022
Citations: 9

Title: Assessment of Workplace Safety Climate among Healthcare Workers: A Case Study of the Public Sector Hospitals in Greece
Authors: O Christofilea, G Farantos, L Psaridi, M Tsaousi, S Sartzi, G Dounias
Year: 2025
Citations: 1

Title: Assessment of Workplace Safety Climate among Healthcare Workers: A Case Study of the Public Sector Hospitals in Greece
Authors: O Christofilea, G Farantos, L Psaridi, M Tsaousi, S Sartzi, G Dounias
Year: 2024
Citations: 1

Title: Demographic and Job-Related Predictors of Work-Related Quality of Life Among Healthcare Workers: Evidence from Public Sector Hospitals in Greece
Authors: O Christofilea, M Tsaousi, L Psaridi, P Sourtzi, V Papanikolaou, …
Year: 2025
Citations: –

Title: Hospital occupational health and safety services and accidents in Greek hospitals: A case study in a Greek health region
Authors: G Farantos, O Christofilea, G Dounias
Year: 2025
Citations: –

Title: Knowledge and attitudes of healthcare personnel about vaccination of migrant and refugee children and adolescents
Authors: Z Ouzounidou, HC Maltezou, K Chrysoula, E Polysiou, O Christofilea, …
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Overall, Olympia Christofilea is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She combines rigorous academic research with hands-on leadership in public health, contributing significantly to healthcare workforce safety, public health policy, and health service management. Her scholarly publications, coupled with her administrative influence, show a clear commitment to improving both scientific knowledge and practical health outcomes. With her strong foundation and growing research trajectory, Olympia demonstrates not only past achievements but also immense future potential as a thought leader in public health research and policy.

Panayota Sourtzi | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Published on by NESIN Awards

Prof. Dr. Panayota Sourtzi | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Teaching and Research Staff at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece

Professor Panayota Sourtzi is a highly accomplished academic and researcher in the fields of Occupational and Environmental Health, Gerontology, Health Promotion, and Nursing Education. With a career dedicated to advancing public health and improving the well-being of vulnerable populations, she has combined research, teaching, and leadership to make a lasting impact. Her work emphasizes the intersection of health education, occupational safety, and aging, bridging gaps between research and practice. She has led and participated in numerous European and international projects focused on active aging, climate change and health, and innovative approaches to gerontological education. Beyond research, she plays a vital role in academic administration, student mentorship, and professional organizations, where she contributes to shaping nursing policies and healthcare strategies at both national and international levels. Widely published in high-impact journals and academic books, Professor Sourtzi has established herself as a thought leader and role model in public health and nursing research.

Professional Profiles

Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile | Google Scholar

Education

Professor Panayota Sourtzi’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in nursing and public health. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, which laid the foundation for her career in healthcare and academia. She continued her studies at the University of Birmingham, UK, where she pursued a Master of Medical Science in Occupational Health, gaining expertise in workplace health and safety issues. Building upon this, she completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Studies, focusing on advanced research methodologies and public health applications. Her educational background, spanning nursing, occupational health, and interdisciplinary public health, has provided her with a broad perspective on health promotion and disease prevention. This strong academic preparation, combined with international exposure, has enabled her to develop innovative approaches in teaching, research, and healthcare leadership, equipping future professionals with skills to address evolving public health challenges.

Experience

Professor Sourtzi has extensive academic and professional experience in teaching, research, and leadership within the health sciences. She has served as a faculty member in nursing and public health, where she has taught courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including Occupational Health, Gerontology Nursing, Health Education, Demography, and Applied Epidemiology. Alongside her teaching, she has directed research programs addressing critical societal issues such as the health of older adults, occupational safety, and healthcare education. Her experience extends to international collaborations through projects funded by European networks, Erasmus+, and COST actions, demonstrating her ability to foster global partnerships. In addition, she has undertaken leadership roles as Director of postgraduate programs, coordinator of evaluation committees, and counselor for students with disabilities. Beyond academia, she has contributed to national councils and professional societies, shaping healthcare policy and practice. This combination of teaching, research, and organizational leadership highlights her multi-dimensional expertise and influence.

Research Interest

Professor Sourtzi’s research interests lie at the intersection of occupational health, environmental health, gerontology, and nursing education, with a strong focus on promoting well-being across the life course. She has explored the health and safety of workers in diverse environments, addressing occupational risks and workplace culture. Another key area of her research is the healthcare of vulnerable populations, including the elderly, migrants, and those facing social inequalities, ensuring that evidence-based strategies support inclusivity in healthcare systems. She has also conducted impactful studies on health promotion, health literacy, and preventive practices in community and workplace settings. Additionally, her interest in nursing education has led to contributions in developing innovative curricula, e-learning platforms, and training modules for healthcare professionals, enhancing their capacity to respond to public health challenges. Through collaborative, multidisciplinary, and applied research, she has advanced knowledge in fields essential to addressing emerging global health concerns such as aging populations and climate change.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Professor Sourtzi has been recognized for her academic excellence and contributions to nursing and public health. She received a prestigious Hellenic State Scholarship to support her postgraduate studies abroad, which reflects her early promise and commitment to advancing nursing science internationally. Her work has consistently been acknowledged by both national and international research networks, particularly through her active participation in European Union projects that focus on innovation, active aging, and healthcare development. As Vice-President of the Hellenic Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, she has also been honored for her leadership in advancing gerontological research and education. In addition to formal awards, her recognition extends to the influential roles she plays in policy-making councils, scientific committees, and professional associations, where her expertise contributes to shaping healthcare practices and standards. These honors collectively highlight her status as a respected researcher, educator, and leader in the nursing and public health community.

Research Skills

Professor Sourtzi possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that span qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, enabling her to address complex healthcare challenges. She is adept at designing and implementing large-scale international research projects, with experience in proposal writing, securing competitive funding, and managing collaborative teams across multiple countries. Her expertise includes survey design, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and advanced statistical analysis for evaluating health interventions and policy outcomes. She has also demonstrated strong skills in translating research findings into practical tools, such as e-learning platforms and educational frameworks, to benefit healthcare practitioners and students. In addition, she excels in interdisciplinary collaboration, working with professionals in medicine, nursing, social sciences, and public health to produce holistic insights. Her ability to disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, books, and conferences further reflects her communication and knowledge translation skills. Collectively, her research competencies establish her as a versatile and impactful scholar.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Caring for a relative with dementia: family caregiver burden
Authors: E Papastavrou, A Kalokerinou, SS Papacostas, H Tsangari, P Sourtzi
Year: 2007
Citation: 849

Title: Hypertension and exposure to noise near airports: the HYENA study
Authors: L Jarup, W Babisch, D Houthuijs, G Pershagen, K Katsouyanni, E Cadum, …
Year: 2008
Citation: 707

Title: Acute effects of night-time noise exposure on blood pressure in populations living near airports
Authors: AS Haralabidis, K Dimakopoulou, F Vigna-Taglianti, M Giampaolo, …
Year: 2008
Citation: 324

Title: Annoyance due to aircraft noise has increased over the years—Results of the HYENA study
Authors: W Babisch, D Houthuijs, G Pershagen, E Cadum, K Katsouyanni, …
Year: 2009
Citation: 293

Title: Noise annoyance—A modifier of the association between noise level and cardiovascular health?
Authors: W Babisch, G Pershagen, J Selander, D Houthuijs, O Breugelmans, …
Year: 2013
Citation: 290

Title: Attitudes and knowledge of the Greek nursing students towards older people
Authors: E Lambrinou, P Sourtzi, A Kalokairinou, C Lemonidou
Year: 2009
Citation: 267

Title: Health Belief Model applied to non-compliance with HPV vaccine among female university students
Authors: EM Donadiki, R Jiménez-García, V Hernández-Barrera, P Sourtzi, …
Year: 2014
Citation: 244

Title: Effectiveness of heart failure management programmes with nurse-led discharge planning in reducing re-admissions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: E Lambrinou, F Kalogirou, D Lamnisos, P Sourtzi
Year: 2012
Citation: 204

Title: Caring and coping: the dementia caregivers
Authors: E Papastavrou, H Tsangari, G Karayiannis, S Papakostas, G Efstathiou, …
Year: 2011
Citation: 172

Title: Hypertension and Exposure to Noise near Airports (HYENA) – study design and noise exposure assessment
Authors: L Jarup, ML Dudley, W Babisch, D Houthuijs, J Kwekkeboom, W Swart, …
Year: 2005
Citation: 153

Title: Exposure modifiers of the relationships of transportation noise with high blood pressure and noise annoyance
Authors: W Babisch, W Swart, D Houthuijs, J Selander, G Bluhm, G Pershagen, …
Year: 2012
Citation: 135

Conclusion

Professor Panayota Sourtzi is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to her outstanding academic achievements, international collaborations, and impactful contributions to public health, gerontology, and nursing education. Her work has significantly advanced healthcare research for vulnerable groups, developed innovative educational resources, and promoted evidence-based nursing practice. With her strong track record of leadership, publications, and research excellence, combined with her clear potential for future global impact, she exemplifies the qualities of a world-class researcher and a role model for the academic and healthcare community.