The congress' contributors

Maria Dutarte has served as the Executive Director of the European Patients’ Academy on Therapeutic Innovation (EUPATI) since 2020. In this role, she leads efforts to enhance patient involvement in medicines research and development through education and training. Before joining EUPATI, Maria worked with the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG), where she was responsible for coordinating patient involvement in various training programmes and scientific research projects. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to patient advocacy and public health, with extensive experience in scientific and international organizations. These include the French National Research Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the International AIDS Society (IAS), The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the International Foundation for Science (IFS). Maria is dedicated to bridging the gap between science and patient communities, helping to ensure that patients’ perspectives are incorporated into healthcare innovation. She holds an academic background in International Education and Communications.