Thiago Novaes

Biography and Expertise of Thiago Novaes

Dr. Thiago Novaes is a leading voice in medical anthropology, whose research delves into the complex relationships between human bodies, technology, and diverse systems of knowledge. His work provides a crucial framework for understanding how different cultures and societies conceptualize health and healing. Consequently, he brings an essential perspective to the 3rd WCTCIM, particularly in relation to its central pillar of “Knowledge Diversity.” His expertise is not confined to a single medical tradition but rather examines the processes by which any health practice, whether a modern biomedical procedure or an ancient herbal remedy, becomes meaningful and effective within a specific social context.

His academic inquiries directly support the congress’s Thematic Axis, “Diversity of TCIM Modalities.” By analyzing both highly technological medical interventions and traditional practices, Dr. Novaes helps to deconstruct the opposition between “modern” and “traditional,” viewing them instead as different forms of technique and knowledge. This nuanced approach is vital for implementing the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy (2025-2034), which calls for a respectful and evidence-informed integration of diverse health systems.

Furthermore, as a Brazilian scholar contributing to a global dialogue, the work of Thiago Novaes embodies the spirit of South-South collaboration. His research, rooted in the Latin American academic context yet engaged with international institutions, offers valuable insights from the Global South on the challenges and opportunities of creating more inclusive and holistic public health models. Therefore, his participation enriches the congress’s mission to build a truly global and equitable approach to well-being.

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Dr. Thiago Novaes is marked by a deep commitment to interdisciplinary research and community engagement. His career path reflects a continuous effort to bridge theoretical academic work with social impact. This combination of roles has allowed him to develop a unique expertise that spans advanced academic research, university teaching, and on-the-ground project coordination in integrative health.

His experience at leading universities in Brazil and the United Kingdom has provided him with a broad perspective on global academic trends in medical anthropology and social sciences. Meanwhile, his leadership at Lar e Integração do Ser (LIS) grounds his work in the practical realities of community health, ensuring his research is relevant and applicable. This blend of experiences makes him a key contributor to discussions on integrating TCIM into public health systems.

• Present: Senior Postdoctoral Researcher in Anthropology of Medicine, developing advanced research on the cultural aspects of health.
• Present: Lecturer and Master Supervisor in the Public Policies Evaluation Program at the Federal University of Ceara, where he guides new researchers and policymakers.
• Present: Project Coordinator at Lar e Integração do Ser (LIS), leading initiatives that promote integrative health and well-being within the community.
• 2019: Postdoctoral Researcher at University College London (UCL) in Medical Anthropology, where he engaged with leading global scholars and research methodologies.
• 2018: Postdoctoral Researcher at Fluminense Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, in Communication Science, exploring the discursive and media-related aspects of health and technology.

Interdisciplinary Academic Foundation

Dr. Thiago Novaes has built an impressive academic foundation characterized by its breadth and interdisciplinary nature. His educational journey demonstrates a sustained intellectual curiosity that cuts across social anthropology, communication science, and medical anthropology. This diverse training equips him with a versatile set of theoretical tools and methodological skills to analyze the multifaceted phenomenon of health and medicine in the contemporary world.

His progression from a Master’s degree to a PhD and through multiple postdoctoral fellowships shows a clear focus on deepening his understanding of the human experience of technology and the body. Consequently, his qualifications from some of Brazil’s and the UK’s most respected institutions provide a solid basis for his insightful contributions to the field of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM).

• Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019): Medical Anthropology, University College London (UCL), United Kingdom.
• Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018): Communication Science, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Anthropology (2016): University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil.
• Master’s Degree in Social Anthropology (2012): State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil.

This comprehensive academic path has allowed Thiago Novaes to synthesize perspectives from different fields, leading to innovative research that challenges conventional boundaries and opens new avenues for understanding health and well-being.

Key Research and Scholarly Works

The research output of Dr. Thiago Novaes is central to his academic identity, offering profound reflections on the nature of technology and its impact on human life. His book, “Technique’s Children – assisted reproductive technologies and the future of the informational human” (Appris, 2017), is a cornerstone of his work. In this publication, he examines the social and philosophical implications of reproductive technologies, questioning how they reshape our understanding of kinship, nature, and the human body itself. This investigation provides a powerful analogy for TCIM, which also involves techniques that mediate and transform the body.

Beyond his monograph, Dr. Novaes has made significant contributions as an editor. He was the principal editor of the collection “Open Machine” (Dialetica, 2022), which is dedicated to the philosophy of Gilbert Simondon. Simondon’s thinking on technology, information, and the process of individuation offers a sophisticated theoretical lens for analyzing TCIM practices not as static objects, but as dynamic processes of relationship and transformation. Therefore, this work is crucial for developing a more robust theoretical understanding of how integrative therapies function.

Through these publications, Thiago Novaes advances a line of inquiry that is highly relevant to the 3rd WCTCIM’s goals. His research encourages a deeper consideration of what constitutes a “health technology,” inviting a more inclusive dialogue that values the technical and philosophical richness of both modern and traditional healing systems. His work ultimately contributes to building a more holistic and integrated vision of public health.

Leadership in Research and Community Integration

While not holding formal board positions in the traditional sense, Dr. Thiago Novaes exercises significant leadership through his roles as a principal editor and a project coordinator. These activities are functionally equivalent to committee work, as they involve strategic planning, community building, and upholding standards of excellence within his fields of influence. His editorial leadership, in particular, shapes the direction of academic discourse in the philosophy of technology and its application to social sciences.

As the principal editor of the “Open Machine” collection, he was responsible for curating and guiding a multi-author volume, a role that requires clear vision and collaborative skill. This work contributes to building an intellectual community around the important ideas of Gilbert Simondon. Consequently, it helps disseminate theoretical frameworks that can be applied to understand TCIM in new and insightful ways.

Furthermore, his position as Project Coordinator at Lar e Integração do Ser (LIS) represents a vital form of community leadership. In this capacity, Thiago Novaes is directly involved in the design and implementation of programs that bring integrative health practices to the public. This role requires him to navigate the complexities of community needs, resource management, and program evaluation, directly contributing to the integration of TCIM into society at a grassroots level. This practical leadership is essential for translating the high-level goals of the WCTCIM into concrete action.

Connect with Dr. Novaes

For more detailed information about the work, publications, and professional background of Dr. Thiago Novaes, please consult his official academic and institutional profiles. These resources offer a comprehensive overview of his contributions to medical anthropology and integrative health.

Lattes Curriculum (Brazilian Academic Platform): View Full Academic CV

Institutional Profile (Lar e Integração do Ser – LIS): Learn More about LIS

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn