Glauco Villas Bôas

Biography and Expertise of Glauco Villas Bôas

Dr. Glauco Villas Bôas stands at the forefront of a critical global movement: the scientific and strategic integration of biodiversity into public health. His work at Fiocruz, one of Latin America’s leading public health research institutions, embodies the mission of the 3rd WCTCIM. He focuses on transforming biological resources into evidence-based health innovations, directly aligning with the congress motto pillar of “Planetary Health.” This approach recognizes the deep interconnection between the health of ecosystems and human well-being.

His leadership at the Center for Innovation in Biodiversity and Health (CIBS) is particularly relevant to the congress’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” Dr. Villas Bôas develops and manages projects that create a bridge between traditional knowledge about medicinal plants and the rigorous demands of modern pharmaceutical science and regulation. Therefore, his efforts provide a practical roadmap for how nations, especially in the Global South, can harness their natural resources sustainably and equitably, a core principle of the Gujarat Declaration.

Furthermore, the work of Glauco Villas Bôas is a powerful example of South-South collaboration. By fostering innovation within Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS), he contributes to a body of knowledge and technology that can be shared with other countries facing similar challenges. His research on public policies for medicinal plants and herbal medicines provides a framework for creating regulatory and productive arrangements that promote both public health and environmental conservation, reflecting a holistic vision for creating “Well-being Societies.”

Professional Career

Dr. Glauco Villas Bôas has built a distinguished career within the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), demonstrating a consistent progression of leadership and impact. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to strengthening Brazil’s public health system through science, technology, and innovation, particularly in the strategic area of biodiversity. He has systematically advanced from technical roles to positions of significant strategic coordination, shaping national policies and research agendas.

His trajectory showcases an ability to navigate the complexities of public health administration, scientific research, and policy development. Beyond his institutional roles, Dr. Villas Bôas has become a respected voice in the national dialogue on pharmaceutical policies and the sustainable use of natural resources for health.

• 2018 – Present: Coordinator of the Center for Innovation in Biodiversity and Health (CIBS), Vice-Presidency of Production and Innovation in Health, Fiocruz. In this role, he leads strategic initiatives to articulate and promote the development of health products from Brazilian biodiversity.
• 2012 – Present: Technological Development Specialist at Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, focusing on pharmaceutical policy, innovation, and health regulation.
• 2010 – 2012: Public Health Technologist at Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, where he contributed to projects related to pharmaceutical services and policy.
• 2009 – 2010: Pharmacist at a private pharmaceutical company, where he gained initial experience in the industrial sector before dedicating his career to public health.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Glauco Villas Bôas combines a rigorous scientific education in pharmacy with advanced specialization in the social and political dimensions of public health. This unique blend of expertise allows him to understand the full lifecycle of a health product, from its biological origin to its regulation, production, and ultimate impact on the population. His education was strategically pursued at some of Brazil’s most renowned institutions.

Each stage of his academic training built upon the last, progressively deepening his focus on the intersection of medicinal plants, pharmaceutical policy, and innovation within the public sector. Consequently, his qualifications provide him with the multidisciplinary perspective necessary to lead complex health innovation projects.

• 2012 – 2016: Doctor of Sciences (PhD) in Public Health from the National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca (ENSP/Fiocruz). His doctoral thesis explored the challenges and opportunities for innovation in herbal medicines in Brazil.
• 2010 – 2012: Master of Science (MSc) in Public Health from the National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca (ENSP/Fiocruz). His master’s dissertation analyzed the implementation of Brazil’s National Policy of Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines.
• 2009 – 2010: Specialization in Sanitary Surveillance of Medicines and Health Products from Fiocruz, providing him with expertise in regulatory affairs.
• 2003 – 2008: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Pharmacy from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), one of Brazil’s top universities for pharmaceutical sciences.

Research and Publications

The research contributions of Dr. Glauco Villas Bôas are central to his influence in the field of public health and biodiversity. As the leader of the CNPq Research Group “Inovação em Medicamentos da Biodiversidade” (Innovation in Medicines from Biodiversity), he guides a multidisciplinary team dedicated to creating a viable pathway for developing health solutions from Brazil’s natural assets. This research is not merely academic; it is mission-oriented, aiming to generate tangible benefits for the public health system and Brazilian society.

A key aspect of his work is its focus on policy and regulation. Dr. Villas Bôas investigates the institutional arrangements necessary to foster innovation, from intellectual property models that respect traditional knowledge to regulatory frameworks that ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines. This work is critical for implementing the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034, as it provides evidence-informed models for governance and integration.

Furthermore, as Editor-in-Chief of *Revista Fitos*, a prominent scientific journal in the field, Glauco Villas Bôas plays a crucial role in disseminating high-quality research from Brazil and across Latin America. This position allows him to shape the scientific discourse, promote rigorous methodologies, and build a robust, open-access knowledge base. His extensive list of publications in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters reflects his deep engagement with topics such as pharmaceutical policy, technological innovation, and health sovereignty.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Glauco Villas Bôas‘s significant contributions to science, technology, and public health in Brazil have been formally recognized through prestigious national awards. These honors highlight the impact and relevance of his research, particularly its direct application to strengthening the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Such recognitions underscore his position as a leading researcher whose work generates both academic knowledge and practical solutions.

These awards serve as external validation of his innovative approach to integrating biodiversity and health. Consequently, they confirm the importance of the research agenda he champions at Fiocruz and on the national stage.

• 2012: Incentive Award in Science and Technology for the SUS (Prêmio de Incentivo em Ciência e Tecnologia para o SUS): This is one of Brazil’s most important awards in the health sector. Dr. Villas Bôas received this prize from the Ministry of Health for his master’s dissertation on the national policy for medicinal plants, recognizing its outstanding contribution to public health policy.
• 2012: Honorable Mention – Capes Thesis Award (Menção Honrosa – Prêmio Capes de Tese): His master’s work was also recognized by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes), a key federal agency in Brazil, signifying its high academic quality and originality.
• 2011: Honorable Mention at the 1st Brazilian Congress on Medicinal Plants (Menção Honrosa no I Congresso Brasileiro de Plantas Medicinais): This award acknowledged the quality of his research presented to the scientific community specializing in medicinal plants.

Board and Committee Activities

Beyond his primary research and coordination roles, Dr. Glauco Villas Bôas actively shapes his field through participation in key editorial boards and strategic committees. This involvement reflects his commitment to building the institutional and scientific infrastructure needed to advance the study and application of medicines from biodiversity. His leadership extends beyond his own projects to fostering the entire ecosystem of research and publication.

These activities are vital for ensuring quality standards, promoting collaboration, and influencing the direction of public policy. Therefore, his contributions in these forums have a multiplier effect, elevating the work of many other researchers and practitioners in Brazil and beyond.

• Editor-in-Chief, Revista Fitos: As the head of this important scientific periodical focused on research and innovation in phytomedicines, he is responsible for its scientific direction, quality control, and strategic growth.
• Leader, CNPq Research Group: He leads the research group “Innovation in Medicines from Biodiversity,” registered with the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). This role involves mentoring students, defining research lines, and securing funding.
• Committee Memberships: Throughout his career, Dr. Villas Bôas has served on numerous technical chambers, working groups, and advisory committees within Fiocruz and in collaboration with the Brazilian Ministry of Health, contributing his expertise to the formulation of national policies on medicinal plants and herbal medicines.

Connect with Dr. Villas Bôas

For more detailed information about the work and publications of Dr. Glauco Villas Bôas, you can consult his official academic and professional profiles. These platforms offer comprehensive insight into his research projects, scientific output, and ongoing contributions to public health and innovation in Brazil.

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