María Belizán, MSc, is IECS´ Responsible of Qualitative Research Unit and coordinates the Social Communications (from March 2013). She is social scientist and senior researcher with expertise in strategies to improve quality of health care and evidence based health practices, working together with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the public health sector in developing countries. Maria has an extensive experience in conducting formative research within clinical trials and implementation science.

She has a degree in Social Communications Sciences (National University of Rosario, Argentina), a Master degree in Social Sciences and Health (FLACSO-CEDES, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1997-1999), and a post-graduate degree in Health Promotion (National School of Public Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain, 2001). 

Maria has worked as a Senior Scientist and executive coordinator (2003-2007) at the Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS); being responsible of the institutional communication and providing technical leadership in the design and management of qualitative research projects and formative research studies.  She has been involved in research projects for the Cochrane Consumer Network (2007- 2009). She has performed consultancies for Health and Development Africa, Johannesburg (2012); Howard University’s Regional Office, Pretoria (2012) and has collaborated with the Research Unit for Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies, Medical Research Council (MRC), South Africa (2009-2012).

María Belizán’s publications