Doutoranda at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Brazil
Daniele dos Santos Lages is a dedicated Brazilian researcher specializing in public health, with a focus on epidemiology, particularly related to leprosy (hanseníase). Her work combines academic rigor with social impact, addressing neglected diseases and strengthening primary healthcare systems. She is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, which allows her to collaborate across international boundaries. Daniele has received multiple academic honors, presented research at notable conferences, and published significant contributions on disease surveillance and public health policy. Her involvement in research groups, notably NEPHANS at UFMG, underlines her leadership in advancing public health research in Brazil. She has also completed various international and national health training programs, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and capacity building. Daniele’s blend of academic achievement, research productivity, and social responsiveness positions her as an influential figure in public health, making her a strong candidate for recognition through research and academic excellence awards.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Daniele dos Santos Lages has pursued an outstanding academic path focused on nursing and public health at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), one of Brazil’s top universities. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Nursing, followed by a specialization in Family Health (Residência Multiprofissional) from the same institution. She further advanced her academic qualifications by completing a Master’s degree and is currently a doctoral candidate in Nursing with a focus on Public Health at UFMG. Throughout her educational journey, she has consistently focused on public health issues, particularly in disease prevention and control, with a strong emphasis on leprosy. Her academic background is complemented by several national and international certifications in epidemiology, health surveillance, and neglected tropical diseases, many of which are issued by globally recognized bodies like WHO and PAHO. This combination of formal education and specialized training gives her a strong foundation for conducting impactful, evidence-based health research.
Professional Experience📝
Daniele has built a meaningful professional career around research and public health services, with an emphasis on leprosy control and primary healthcare strategies. She is an active member of the NEPHANS research group at UFMG, where she contributes to epidemiological studies, health surveillance analysis, and healthcare delivery systems. Her work includes data-driven policy evaluations and healthcare service assessments focused on vulnerable populations affected by neglected diseases. Daniele has authored and co-authored several academic papers and posters, many of which were presented at national and international conferences, receiving awards for scientific excellence. In addition to her research, she has participated in teaching, public health campaigns, and collaborative projects with health institutions and government agencies. Her hands-on experience with Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) has informed her practical understanding of public health challenges. By combining academic insight with field engagement, Daniele bridges the gap between theory and practice, making her contributions highly relevant and applicable.
Research Interest🔎
Daniele dos Santos Lages is deeply committed to advancing research in public health, with her primary focus on the epidemiology of neglected tropical diseases, particularly leprosy (hanseníase). Her academic and professional endeavors revolve around disease surveillance, healthcare accessibility, health equity, and the effectiveness of Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS). Daniele is particularly interested in the social determinants of health, evaluating how poverty, education, and access to care affect disease prevalence and treatment outcomes. She explores the intersection of clinical practice and public policy to propose practical, evidence-based improvements in primary care. Her research integrates quantitative epidemiological data with qualitative insights from affected populations, aiming to inform public health strategies and reduce disease-related stigma. As a doctoral researcher, she is involved in multidisciplinary investigations that align with global health priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those concerning the elimination of neglected diseases and the promotion of universal health coverage.
Award and Honor🏆
Daniele dos Santos Lages has been recognized multiple times for her academic excellence and impactful research in public health. Among her accolades, she received awards for the best oral presentation at national conferences, highlighting her effective communication and the societal relevance of her work. She has also been granted scholarships and research support through prestigious programs like PROBIC/FAPEMIG, affirming the merit of her scientific inquiries. Her participation in highly competitive international training programs hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) further underscores her status as a distinguished emerging scholar. These programs focus on epidemiological intelligence, health surveillance, and strategies to combat neglected tropical diseases. Daniele’s consistent recognition reflects her commitment to scientific rigor, community health, and leadership within Brazil’s healthcare research community. These honors not only validate her contributions but also inspire her continued efforts to advance evidence-based practices in public health and epidemiology.
Research Skill🔬
Daniele dos Santos Lages possesses a robust set of research skills that equip her to address complex public health issues with analytical precision and social sensitivity. Her expertise spans epidemiological data analysis, qualitative and quantitative research design, health indicators assessment, and policy evaluation. She is proficient in statistical software and epidemiological tools used for surveillance and data interpretation, allowing her to derive actionable insights from large health datasets. Daniele also demonstrates strong competencies in scientific writing, grant proposal development, and knowledge translation for both academic and public audiences. She actively applies mixed-method approaches to explore healthcare access, disease distribution, and the effectiveness of Brazil’s health policies. In addition to technical skills, she excels in collaborative research, working across disciplines and institutions to contribute to national and international public health projects. Her fluency in Portuguese, English, and Spanish facilitates international collaboration, making her a versatile and globally relevant public health researcher.
Conclusion💡
Daniele dos Santos Lages exhibits exceptional promise and achievement as a public health researcher, particularly in the domain of leprosy surveillance and primary healthcare systems. Her strong academic background, dedication to neglected diseases, and proactive engagement in capacity-building initiatives mark her as a passionate and purpose-driven professional. Her research is not only scientifically relevant but socially responsive, aligning closely with global health equity goals. Although she would benefit from more diversified research themes and wider international exposure, her foundation is solid and future potential is significant. With continued interdisciplinary collaboration and publication in global platforms, Daniele is well-positioned to make substantial contributions to global public health. Therefore, she is a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially within categories that recognize early-career excellence, commitment to social determinants of health, and contributions to underrepresented health issues in vulnerable populations. Her work exemplifies the blend of academic rigor and societal relevance that such awards aim to honor.
Publications Top Noted✍️
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Title: A baixa escolaridade está associada ao aumento de incapacidades físicas no diagnóstico de hanseníase no Vale do Jequitinhonha
Authors: D dos Santos Lages, BM Kerr, I de Caux Bueno, ENA Niitsuma, FCF Lana
Year: 2018
Citations: 51
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Title: Spatial analysis of the epidemiological risk of leprosy in the municipalities of Minas Gerais
Authors: IC Bueno, DS Lages, FCF Lana
Year: 2023
Citations: 12
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Title: Profile of the leprosy endemic in the district of Murrupula, Nampula, Mozambique: A population-based study
Authors: GC Ribeiro, DS Lages, ATC Lages, VB Souza, A Marega, FCF Lana, …
Year: 2023
Citations: 4
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Title: Consistência do registro dos casos de hanseníase no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação em Minas Gerais-período: 2017 a 2021
Authors: GCS Reis, DS Lages, FCF Lana
Year: 2024
Citations: 2
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Title: Avaliação do grau de incapacidade física por hanseníase em Minas Gerais
Authors: D dos Santos Lages, BM Kerr, I de Caux Bueno, ENA Niitsuma, SL Vidal, …
Year: 2022
Citations: 2
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Title: Spatial, Social and Serological Factors in the Prevalence and Risk of Leprosy in Areas of High Endemicity: An Integrative Review
Authors: DS Lages, ICL Maciel, SL Vidal, FCF Lana
Year: 2025
Citations: Not listed (assumed 0 or pending)
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Title: Análise da ocorrência de sífilis em gestantes em um município da Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte entre 2011 e 2021
Authors: SL Dias, D dos Santos Lages, ICL Maciel, FCF Lana
Year: 2025
Citations: Not listed
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Title: Correlation and Trends in Primary Health Care and Family Health Strategy Coverage of Leprosy Detection in Minas Gerais
Authors: DS Lages, ICL Maciel, SL Vidal, FCF Lana
Year: 2025
Citations: Not listed
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Title: An interrupted time series study of the leprosy case detection in Brazil after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: GJB Sousa, DS Lages, PPL Barbosa, MCN Rocha, SA de Sena Neto, …
Year: 2025
Citations: Not listed
