Smita Salunke - Paediatric medicine - Best Researcher Award

University College London - United Kingdom

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🌍 GLOBAL PEDIATRIC FORMULATION EXPERT

With over a decade of experience, Smita Salunke has been at the forefront of pediatric medicine formulation, leading global initiatives to identify and address unmet needs in pediatric healthcare. As the founder of the Paediatric Medicines and Healthcare Initiative (PMHI) in India, she has significantly contributed to the development of safe and effective medicines for children worldwide. Her expertise extends to consultancy roles with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, making her a highly respected figure in the field of pediatric formulations.

🔬 RESEARCH IMPACT

Smita's research is deeply rooted in improving pediatric healthcare, especially in low- and middle-income countries. She has a rich portfolio of 40 publications and an H-index of 17, underscoring her influence in the scientific community. Her work has been recognized as a research impact case study in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, highlighting her commitment to making a difference in pediatric medicine. Smita has also secured significant funding to support her research, supervising multiple PhD students and research associates, furthering her impact on the next generation of scientists.

🏅 AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Smita's contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Outstanding Woman Researcher in Pharmaceutics at the 9th Venus International Women Awards (VIWA 2024). Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets, including UCL's global Twitter spotlight and The Telegraph, where her efforts in addressing global health challenges have been acknowledged. Additionally, she has received multiple Best Poster Awards at European Pediatric Formulation Initiative (EuPFI) conferences, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing pediatric medicine.

📚 ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP

As the Chief Scientific Officer at the European Pediatric Formulation Initiative (EuPFI) at UCL, Smita plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of pediatric formulations. She also serves as the Chair of the Early Career Network (ECN) and Research Ethics Committee at UCL School of Pharmacy, mentoring the next generation of researchers and guiding ethical research practices. Her leadership extends beyond academia, as she is actively involved in mentoring programs like In2research and the LMICs mentor program at MRC Clinical Trials Unit.

🌐 INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS

Smita's work is characterized by extensive international collaborations, working with researchers, policymakers, and healthcare providers across India, Thailand, China, Nigeria, Brazil, Jordan, and Japan. These collaborations have been instrumental in driving forward her research and ensuring its global impact. Through her nonprofit organization, PMHI, Smita continues to foster research initiatives within India, bridging the gap between global scientific advancements and local healthcare needs.

💡 INNOVATION IN PAEDIATRIC MEDICINE

Innovation is at the heart of Smita's work. She has been instrumental in developing novel pediatric formulations, including a patent on a prebiotic pessary for the treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) in 2021. Her work has led to new methods and approaches in pediatric medicine, ensuring that children have access to the best possible treatments. Smita's dedication to innovation has not only advanced the field but also improved the lives of countless children around the world.

🎓 MENTORSHIP AND EDUCATION

Throughout her career, Smita has been a passionate educator and mentor, supervising numerous MSc/MPharm students, research assistants, and PhD candidates. Her dedication to education ensures that her knowledge and expertise are passed on to the next generation, fostering a community of researchers committed to improving pediatric healthcare. Her mentorship has had a lasting impact on her students and colleagues, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to the field.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION