Brunel Annual Health Economics and Policy Forum

Professor Catia Nicodemo, a Senior Research Fellow in Health Economics at the University of Oxford, is a distinguished academic with a wealth of expertise in the field. Alongside her role at Oxford, she serves as an Associate Professor in Health Economics at the University of Verona, demonstrating her commitment to advancing research and education in the realm of healthcare economics.

As a Member of the Review Panel of NIHR Predoc and a Research Fellow at UPF, Spain, and IZA, Germany, Dr Nicodemo's contributions to health economics are internationally recognised. Her research interests span a wide spectrum, encompassing topics such as GPs Workforce dynamics, Health Services and Public Health, Labour Economics, and the utilisation of Big Data for empirical research.

Currently, Professor Nicodemo is engaged in various projects aimed at addressing critical issues in healthcare delivery. These projects include investigations into GP workforce dynamics, ARRS roles in primary care, multi morbidity, immigration and its impact on health outcomes, and hospitals’ resilience during periods of heightened pressure, among others. 

Professor Aesun Shin is a distinguished researcher and educator affiliated with the Seoul National University College of Medicine. With a profound commitment to advancing healthcare knowledge, Professor Shin holds a prominent position within the BK21 Four - Smart Healthcare program, focusing on Preventive Medicine at SNUCM.

Professor Shin's research interests are diverse, covering a broad spectrum of topics within the realm of preventive medicine. She has dedicated her expertise to investigating colorectal cancer, cancer risk factors, and health outcomes, particularly in relation to lifestyle factors. Her pioneering work has shed light on the intricate associations between lifestyle choices and cancer risk, with a particular emphasis on women's health.

Professor Shin's research contributions are underscored by a series of notable publications that have significantly impacted the field of preventive medicine. Among her noteworthy studies, she has investigated reproductive and lifestyle risk factors for breast cancer across different birth cohorts in China, Japan, and Korea. Her research during the COVID-19 pandemic has explored emergency department visits of newly diagnosed cardiovascular disease patients in Korea, providing critical insights into healthcare utilisation patterns during crisis situations.

Professor Aesun Shin's unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare knowledge is commendable. Through her groundbreaking research endeavours, she has significantly contributed to our understanding of cancer risk factors and preventive measures, paving the way for improved healthcare outcomes globally. 

Dr Κastrinaki is a prominent figure in the field of economic policy and governance, serving as the Head of the Economic Growth and Structural Reforms Division at the Council of Economic Advisors, Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Hellenic Republic. With a distinguished academic background and extensive experience in academia and policymaking, Dr Κastrinaki brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

In her capacity as Head of the Economic Growth and Structural Reforms Division, Dr Κastrinaki oversees strategic initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and implementing structural reforms within the Hellenic Republic. Additionally, she serves as the Chair of the Energy and Climate Change Working Group, a subcommittee of the EU Economic Policy Committee, and as the principal national delegate to the OECD Working Party No1 on Macroeconomic and Structural Policy Analysis. Her multifaceted role also includes a visiting professor position at Athens University of Economics and Business, where she imparts her knowledge and expertise to future generations of economists.

Dr Κastrinaki’s research interests are diverse and encompass critical areas such as green transition, sustainable finance, digitalisation, upskilling/reskilling, strategic management, corporate governance, innovation, and sustainable development. Her research has been instrumental in informing policy decisions and has been funded by reputable institutions such as the NESTA innovation foundation and the European Commission. Her scholarly contributions have been published in esteemed academic journals, including Academy of Management Perspectives, Business Ethics Quarterly, Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, and Economics Letters.

Dr Κastrinaki’s contributions to academia, policymaking, and consultancy reflect her unwavering dedication to advancing economic growth, fostering structural reforms, and promoting sustainable development. Her visionary leadership and scholarly contributions continue to inspire positive change within the economic landscape of the Hellenic Republic and beyond.

Prof Moscone is an esteemed Professor of Business Economics and a prominent figure in Healthcare Management and Wellbeing at Brunel Business School. His research focuses on sustainable health expenditure, delving into potential savings from both demand and supply perspectives within healthcare systems.

On the demand side, Prof Moscone investigates various scenarios, including the potential economic benefits of transitioning smoking populations to reduced-risk products like vaping, encouraging moderate alcohol consumption, and promoting physical activity to improve public health outcomes.

On the supply side, his research explores questions related to productivity gains in hospitals, particularly examining how the adoption of cost-effective medical technologies by physicians can enhance operational efficiency and resource allocation within healthcare facilities.

His extensive academic career includes positions at renowned institutions such as the University of Cambridge, London School of Economics (LSE), University of Bergamo, and the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome. Francesco has also held visiting scholar positions at University of California-Berkeley, and University Pompeu Fabra.

In addition to his academic contributions, Prof Moscone has worked as a health economist for the National Collaborating Centre for Women and Children's Health and the National Agency for Regional Health Services. He has been involved in several research projects funded by EPSRC, ESRC, and the EU, focusing on topics ranging from credit risk assessment to economic performance and quality of life in European cities.

With a strong background in economics and a specialisation in digital economy and innovation strategy, Dr Tabaghdehi is dedicated to exploring the intersection of technology, ethics, and business.

Dr Tabaghdehi's research focuses on the ethical implications of the digital economy, with a particular emphasis on digital footprints and their impact on SMEs' performance and value creation. Her recent grant from UKRI underscores her commitment to investigating pressing issues within the digital landscape and providing evidence-based insights to shape policy initiatives.

She actively collaborates with industry players, policymakers, educators, and researchers to advocate for a responsible digital ecosystem. Her consultancy work and policy initiatives contribute to shaping ethical digital innovation practices both nationally and internationally, reflecting her dedication to driving positive change in the digital landscape.

Dr Tabaghdehi's research on connected technology has garnered significant attention, with her findings being presented as written and oral evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee. Her work has also been featured in national and international press, highlighting the relevance and impact of her research contributions.

Dr Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi's multifaceted role as a researcher, educator, and advocate for ethical digital innovation reflects her commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering positive change in the digital economy. With her expertise and passion, she continues to make significant contributions to academia, industry, and society at large.