António Mauro Saraiva

Biography and Expertise of António Mauro Saraiva

António Mauro Saraiva is a leading academic figure whose work is centered on the emerging and critical field of Planetary Health. As the head of the Planetary Health Brazil Network, hosted at the prestigious Institute of Advanced Studies at the University of São Paulo, he unites researchers from diverse Brazilian institutions to tackle the complex interdependencies between human well-being and the state of our planet’s natural systems. His leadership has been instrumental in building a collaborative national platform for research and action in this area.

His contributions align directly with the 3rd WCTCIM’s motto pillar of “Planetary Health.” Furthermore, his expertise directly informs the congress’s Thematic Axis, “Planetary Health, One Health, and Well-being Societies.” His research into food systems, climate change, and vector-borne diseases exemplifies the intersectoral strategies needed to address global health from a holistic perspective. Therefore, the work of António Mauro Saraiva provides a practical framework for implementing the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which emphasizes sustainability and evidence-based solutions.

His unique background, which combines Electrical Engineering and Agronomy, allows him to apply advanced technologies like data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for decision support in these critical domains. This approach of leveraging technology to understand and mitigate environmental health risks represents a significant contribution to developing innovative and effective public health strategies on a global scale.

Professional Career of António Mauro Saraiva

The professional trajectory of António Mauro Saraiva is defined by a distinguished career at the University of São Paulo (USP), one of Latin America’s foremost research institutions. His journey from faculty member to senior full professor reflects a deep commitment to academia, research, and institutional leadership. Moreover, his career demonstrates a progressive focus on interdisciplinary work, culminating in his current leadership role in the field of Planetary Health.

His roles have consistently placed him at the intersection of technology, life sciences, and public policy. This experience, including a term as USP’s Vice-Provost for Research, has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape and the mechanisms for fostering innovation.

• 2024 – Present: Senior Full Professor at the Institute of Advanced Studies, University of São Paulo.
• 1989 – 2024: Faculty member at the University of São Paulo, contributing over three decades to teaching and research.
• Present: Head of the Planetary Health Brazil Network, leading a national consortium focused on Planetary Health.
• Present: Member of the Planetary Health Alliance (PHA) steering committee, contributing to the global governance of the field.
• Since 2016: Representative for the University of São Paulo in the Planetary Health Alliance, fostering institutional engagement.
• 2021: Chairman of the Planetary Health Annual Meeting, co-hosted by the University of São Paulo and the Planetary Health Alliance.
• Former Vice-Provost for Research at the University of São Paulo, a key leadership position overseeing the university’s research activities.

Academic Qualifications and the Work of António Mauro Saraiva

The academic foundation of António Mauro Saraiva is notably interdisciplinary, providing him with a unique toolkit to address multifaceted global problems. His dual undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering and Agronomy from the University of São Paulo (USP) established an early precedent for bridging seemingly disparate fields. This combination of expertise in technology and agricultural science has been a consistent theme throughout his career.

He further specialized in technology, earning both a Master’s and a PhD in Electrical Engineering from USP. This deep technical training empowers his current work, allowing him to apply sophisticated computational methods to complex ecological and health-related datasets. Consequently, his academic background is not just a list of credentials but the very engine of his innovative approach to Planetary Health, where data-driven insights are crucial for creating effective interventions.

• PhD in Electrical Engineering: University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
• Master in Electrical Engineering: University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
• Degree in Agronomy: University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
• Degree in Electrical Engineering: University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.

Research Interests and Focus

The research program led by António Mauro Saraiva is situated at the forefront of Planetary Health, with a clear focus on actionable science. His work addresses some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including the security and sustainability of food systems, the multifaceted impacts of climate change, and the dynamics of vector-borne diseases. These areas are investigated through a lens that considers the intricate connections between environmental change and human health outcomes.

A distinctive feature of his research is the application of advanced computational tools. António Mauro Saraiva consistently employs data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to model complex systems and provide robust decision support for policymakers and public health officials. This approach transforms large datasets into strategic insights. For example, AI can be used to predict disease outbreaks based on climatic variables or to optimize agricultural practices for both food security and environmental sustainability.

Beyond technical research, he places a strong emphasis on knowledge translation and societal impact. His work actively involves communication, education, and outreach initiatives designed to engage the public and promote behavior change. This commitment reflects an understanding that solving Planetary Health challenges requires not only scientific innovation but also widespread social and political will.

Leadership and Institutional Engagement

António Mauro Saraiva actively shapes the field of Planetary Health through his significant involvement in key national and international organizations. His leadership roles are a testament to his commitment to building institutional capacity and fostering a global community of practice. These activities extend his impact beyond his own research, influencing the strategic direction and governance of the Planetary Health movement.

His participation in these committees is crucial for advancing collaborative research and policy initiatives. By representing the University of São Paulo and leading the Brazilian network, he ensures that perspectives from Latin America are integrated into the global discourse. Consequently, his work helps to build a more inclusive and effective international response to shared planetary health challenges.

• Head, Planetary Health Brazil Network: He leads this pivotal organization, which brings together members from various Brazilian institutions to collaborate on Planetary Health research and education. The network is hosted at the Institute of Advanced Studies, University of São Paulo.
• Steering Committee Member, Planetary Health Alliance (PHA): In this role, he contributes to the strategic direction and global coordination of the PHA, a consortium of over 300 universities, NGOs, and research institutes from around the world.
• Chairman, Planetary Health Annual Meeting 2021: He chaired this major international conference, which was co-hosted by the University of São Paulo and the PHA, bringing global leaders in the field to a virtual platform based in Brazil.

Explore Further

For a detailed and comprehensive overview of the research output and academic contributions of António Mauro Saraiva, his ORCID profile serves as a primary resource. This digital identifier connects his publications, projects, and professional affiliations, offering a transparent record of his scholarly work. Following this link is an excellent way to delve deeper into his specific research on Planetary Health, data science, and sustainability.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2283-1123