Cristine Andrade

Biography and Expertise of Cristine Andrade

Dr. Cristine Andrade is a senior public health scientist whose career is interwoven with the evolution of Brazil’s public health landscape. As a researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), she operates at the nexus of scientific innovation and public service. Currently, her work at the Laboratory of Innovations, Therapies, Teaching and Bioproducts (LITEB) of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC) places her at the forefront of developing and evaluating new health interventions.

Her expertise directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” The research conducted at LITEB explores novel therapies and bioproducts, many of which originate from traditional knowledge and biodiversity. Therefore, her work is pivotal in generating the scientific evidence required to integrate these practices safely and effectively into Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS). Furthermore, this focus supports the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity,” showcasing how modern science can validate and amplify traditional wisdom. The contributions of Cristine Andrade also advance the principles of the Gujarat Declaration by prioritizing rigorous, evidence-based research for public health.

Professional Career

Dr. Cristine Andrade’s professional journey within the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) reflects a dynamic progression from foundational quality assurance to strategic public health leadership. This trajectory has provided her with a unique, holistic understanding of the health system, from the molecular level of immunobiologicals to the societal level of health promotion. Her career demonstrates a consistent commitment to scientific excellence and the public good.

Each role has built upon the last, culminating in her current position where she leverages decades of experience to explore the next frontier of therapeutic innovations. This background ensures that her research into new health solutions is grounded in an unwavering commitment to safety and efficacy.

• 2015 – Present: Public Health Researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Initially contributing to health promotion strategies at the Vice Presidency of Environment, Attention and Health Promotion (VPAAPS) from 2017 to 2021, she is now a key researcher at the Laboratory of Innovations, Therapies, Teaching and Bioproducts (LITEB).
• 1996 – 2017: Management activities in the Quality Control of Immunobiologicals at Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz. For over two decades, she was involved in ensuring the quality and safety of vaccines and other critical biological products, a cornerstone of Brazil’s public health infrastructure.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Cristine Andrade is centered on a profound dedication to the sciences, culminating in a doctorate that underpins her entire research career. Her formal education provided the rigorous methodological training and critical thinking skills essential for navigating the complex challenges of public health. This robust scientific grounding is a key asset in her work, enabling her to bridge the gap between basic research and its practical application in community health.

Beyond her formal degree, her long and varied career within Fiocruz represents a continuous process of learning and specialization. This ongoing professional development has allowed her to adapt and lead in evolving fields, from immunology to health promotion and integrative therapies.

• Doctor of Sciences (PhD): Dr. Andrade holds a PhD in Sciences, a terminal degree that signifies her expertise in advanced scientific research. This qualification involved extensive, original research and a deep dive into the scientific principles governing biological systems and public health, preparing her for a leadership role in scientific investigation at Fiocruz.

Research on Innovative Therapies and Public Health

The research portfolio of Dr. Cristine Andrade is defined by its practical application and alignment with pressing public health needs. At LITEB, her work contributes to a research agenda focused on exploring the potential of bioproducts and innovative therapies. This includes investigating natural compounds and traditional practices through the lens of modern science to validate their safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action. Consequently, her research is crucial for expanding the therapeutic arsenal available within the public health system.

Her previous experience provides a unique perspective. The two decades spent in the quality control of immunobiologicals instilled in her a deep appreciation for rigorous standards, a principle she now applies to the study of integrative practices. Her time at VPAAPS, focused on health promotion, ensures her research is always contextualized within the broader goal of creating “Well-being Societies,” a central theme of the 3rd WCTCIM. Therefore, the work of Cristine Andrade helps build a solid evidence base, which is a key recommendation of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

Institutional Contributions and Collaborative Initiatives

Within a prestigious institution like the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), a significant part of a senior researcher’s impact comes from contributions to the scientific community through internal service and collaboration. Dr. Cristine Andrade has dedicated her career to strengthening the institutional frameworks that ensure the quality and integrity of public health research in Brazil. Her long tenure and diverse roles position her as a valuable contributor to institutional governance and strategic planning.

Her participation in internal committees, working groups, and cross-departmental projects is fundamental to fostering an environment of scientific excellence. These collaborative efforts are essential for translating research findings into tangible public health policies and programs. This behind-the-scenes work, while not always publicly awarded, is critical for the advancement of science and the effective functioning of a leading public health institution. Her dedication to collaborative work embodies the spirit of partnership that is central to the 3rd WCTCIM’s mission.

Advancing Public Health in Brazil

As a dedicated federal public servant and researcher at Fiocruz, Dr. Cristine Andrade actively participates in the scientific and technical dialogues that shape public health in Brazil. Her involvement extends beyond her specific laboratory work to include contributions to broader institutional and national health initiatives. This engagement ensures that scientific evidence is effectively translated into practice and policy, a cornerstone of an effective public health system.

This commitment to service reflects a deep understanding that scientific progress depends on robust professional networks and collaborative governance. Therefore, her activities help advance the mission of Fiocruz and strengthen the overall health infrastructure of the nation.

• Internal Fiocruz Committees: Participation in technical and scientific committees within Fiocruz related to research ethics, project evaluation, and strategic planning for health innovation.
• Public Health Working Groups: Collaboration in working groups focused on developing national strategies for health promotion and the integration of new therapies into the Unified Health System (SUS).
• Mentorship and Training: Engagement in teaching and mentorship activities within Fiocruz, contributing to the development of the next generation of public health scientists and practitioners in Brazil.

Connect with Dr. Andrade

For more detailed information on the academic and professional career of Dr. Cristine Andrade, including her full list of publications and research projects, please consult her official profiles on the ORCID and Lattes platforms. The Lattes Platform is the primary curriculum vitae repository for researchers in Brazil.

ORCID Profile: View ORCID Record

Lattes Curriculum (Brazil): View Lattes CV