Anna Laura Ross PhD is the Head of Emerging Technologies, Research Prioritization and Support, in the Research for Health department of the WHO Science Division and the Head of the Secretariat for the WHO Science Council. In this role, Anna Laura oversees activities related to the use of new and emerging technologies to maximize the benefits for global health, and anticipate and mitigate biorisks.
Anna Laura also leads activities to facilitate, support and optimize steps in research and development for health products. Originally from Italy, Dr. Ross has over fifteen years of experience in global health. Her areas of interest are in the field of HIV biomedical research, scientific programme management, implementation research, and global health policy. Prior to joining the World Health Organization, Anna Laura Ross served as Head of International Affairs and Scientific Relations at the Agence nationale de recherche sur le sida et les hépatites (ANRS) in Paris, France. Previously, Dr Ross carried out biomedical research at the UK Medical Research Council, London, England and at the Institut Pasteur network. In the latter role she worked in France, Cameroon, and Cambodia on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Dr. Ross is particularly interested in facilitating and accelerating equitable access to science and research products for the benefit of global health. She holds a PhD in biomedical research from the University of Cambridge and a post-graduate qualification in Global Health Policy from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Anna Laura Ross is the Unit Head for Emerging technologies, research prioritization and support of the WHO Science Division. Prior to joining WHO, Anna Laura Ross conducted and coordinated biomedical research, primarily in HIV, ranging from basic to clinical research.
