Nelson Filice de Barros

Biography and Expertise of Nelson Filice de Barros

Professor Nelson Filice de Barros is a distinguished sociologist whose work is foundational to the study of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) within social and health sciences. His position at the University of Campinas (Unicamp), one of Brazil’s leading academic institutions, serves as a hub for groundbreaking research into the social dynamics of health practices. Consequently, his leadership of the 3rd WCTCIM in Latin America embodies the spirit of South-South collaboration, bringing a vital perspective from the region to the global stage.

His expertise directly informs the congress’s core objectives. As a consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO) on TCIM research methodologies, his work is integral to implementing the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy (2025-2034) and the principles of the Gujarat Declaration. This aligns perfectly with Thematic Axis 3, focusing on evidence-based contributions. Furthermore, Professor Barros’s research explores how diverse healing traditions are integrated into communities and healthcare systems, which directly supports the congress motto of “Knowledge Diversity” and Thematic Axis 2, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.”

Through his critical sociological lens, Nelson Filice de Barros examines the cultural, political, and social factors that shape the acceptance and application of TCIM. His scholarship provides the nuanced understanding required to build “Well-being Societies” by ensuring that health policies are not only evidence-based but also equitable and culturally competent. Therefore, his participation is instrumental in advancing a more holistic and inclusive vision for global public health.

Professional Career and Leadership

The professional career of Nelson Filice de Barros is characterized by a deep and sustained commitment to the University of Campinas (Unicamp), where he has held numerous leadership positions. His trajectory reflects a consistent ascent in one of Latin America’s most respected academic environments. Beyond his national influence, his career has been enriched by significant international collaborations and research stays, which have broadened his perspective and strengthened his global network.

His dedication to advancing collective health is evident in his multifaceted roles as an educator, researcher, and administrator. This extensive experience has established him as a central figure in shaping public health education and research policy in Brazil and beyond. His key professional milestones include:

• 2022 – Present: Full Professor (Professor Titular), Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (Unicamp).
• 2014 – 2022: Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Collective Health, Unicamp (served multiple terms).
• 2017: Senior Research Stay, University of London, UK.
• 2010 – 2012: Deputy Head of the Department of Collective Health, Unicamp.
• 2006 – 2007: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Leeds, UK.
• Ongoing: Coordinator of the Laboratory of Alternative, Complementary and Integrative Health Practices (LAPACIS).

Academic Foundations in Sociology and Health

Professor Nelson Filice de Barros possesses a robust and cohesive academic background, with his entire postgraduate training cultivated at the prestigious University of Campinas (Unicamp). This long-standing affiliation demonstrates a profound expertise developed within one of Brazil’s premier institutions for medical and social sciences. His academic journey began with a strong foundation in social sciences, which he systematically applied to the health field, culminating in the highest academic rank in the Brazilian university system.

This focused educational path provided him with a unique and powerful lens to analyze health phenomena, combining sociological theory with the practical challenges of public health. His qualifications represent a deep specialization in the social dimensions of health and medicine. A summary of his academic achievements is below:

• 2022: Full Professor (Professor Titular), University of Campinas.
• 2013: Livre-Docente in Collective Health, a distinguished post-doctoral teaching qualification from the University of Campinas.
• 2002: Doctorate in Collective Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas.
• 1997: Master’s Degree in Collective Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas.
• 1994: Specialization in Sociology of Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas.
• 1993: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas.

Advancing Research Methodologies in Integrative Health

The research contributions of Nelson Filice de Barros are pivotal in expanding the methodological toolkit for studying Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM). His work champions the use of qualitative methods, which are essential for understanding the complex social and cultural contexts in which health and healing occur. By focusing on approaches like sociology, cultural studies, and autoethnography, he generates a type of evidence that quantitative trials alone cannot provide.

This focus is particularly relevant for the global health agenda. The WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy emphasizes the need for a robust evidence base, and Professor Barros’s work ensures this evidence is holistic, capturing patient experiences and societal values. For instance, his influential publications, such as “Autoethnography in health: contributions, challenges and innovations,” provide practical guidance for researchers seeking to incorporate these vital methodologies. Moreover, his work adds a critical layer of analysis to the implementation of evidence-based practices.

His critical sociological analyses, exemplified in articles like “The ‘medicalization of life’ and the ‘judicalization of medicine’,” challenge the health community to think deeply about the social implications of health trends. Therefore, the research of Nelson Filice de Barros is not just about TCIM; it is about creating a more reflective, inclusive, and socially aware approach to all of public health, which is a central theme of the 3rd WCTCIM.

Global Recognition and Influence

The expertise of Nelson Filice de Barros is recognized through his appointment to leadership positions in some of the most influential international and national organizations in his field. These roles are a testament to his global stature as a leading sociologist in health and medicine. His guidance is sought by global bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and major academic associations, reflecting the impact and relevance of his work on an international scale.

These prestigious appointments function as significant recognitions of his contributions to science and public health. They highlight his central role in shaping the future of TCIM research and policy. His major institutional recognitions include:

• President, Research Committee on Sociology of Health (RC15) of the International Sociological Association (ISA) (2023-2027): In this role, he leads a global network of sociologists dedicated to advancing the understanding of health, illness, and healthcare worldwide.
• Consultant, World Health Organization (WHO) (2023-2025): Appointed to contribute to the “WHO Evidence Review of Traditional Medicine Research Methods” and the “Traditional Medicine Research Priority Setting Exercise,” directly influencing global standards.
• Coordinator, Forum of Graduate Programs in Collective Health, Brazilian Association of Collective Health (ABRASCO) (2020-2023): Served in a key national leadership role, guiding the direction of postgraduate education in public health across Brazil.

Commitment to Institutional and Community Leadership

Professor Nelson Filice de Barros has demonstrated a profound and lasting commitment to institutional service and academic leadership throughout his career. His activities on various boards and committees have been instrumental in building capacity for research and education in collective health and TCIM, both in Brazil and internationally. His leadership is not merely administrative; it is transformational, creating spaces for dialogue, innovation, and critical reflection.

At the global level, his presidency of the Research Committee on Sociology of Health (RC15) for the International Sociological Association (ISA) places him at the center of scholarly discourse in his field. In this capacity, he is responsible for steering the committee’s scientific agenda and fostering collaboration among researchers from diverse backgrounds. Nationally, his work with the Brazilian Association of Collective Health (ABRASCO) involved coordinating graduate programs, a role in which he helped standardize and elevate the quality of public health training in Brazil.

Locally, at the University of Campinas, his coordination of the Laboratory of Alternative, Complementary, and Integrative Health Practices (LAPACIS) has turned it into a vital resource. Under his guidance, LAPACIS has become a nationally recognized center for sociological research on integrative practices, nurturing a new generation of scholars. Through these activities, Nelson Filice de Barros actively builds the institutional foundations needed for TCIM to flourish as a credible and rigorous academic field.

Connect with Professor Barros

Explore the extensive work and professional contributions of Professor Nelson Filice de Barros through his official academic and institutional platforms. These resources offer detailed insights into his research, publications, and ongoing projects in the field of collective health and integrative medicine.

Official Lattes Curriculum (Brazil’s National Academic Platform): View Lattes Profile

ORCID Profile: View ORCID Record

LAPACIS Laboratory at Unicamp: Visit the Laboratory’s Website