the research network
Meet the Innovators
Our diverse team of experts dedicated to advancing clinical research.
the team
Meet the Innovators
Our diverse team of experts dedicated to advancing clinical research.
Laurens van Kleef
Postdoctoral Researcher and Resident
Laurens van Kleef is a dedicated medical professional and researcher currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Resident at Erasmus MC, one of Europe's leading academic medical centers. Based in Rotterdam, his work sits at the intersection of clinical practice and cutting-edge medical research. His dual role involves providing specialized patient care while advancing scientific knowledge through postdoctoral research.
Dr. Niks
Consultant Anaesthetist | Finance & Career Coach | Founder of The Portfolio Pathway
Dr. Niks is a Consultant Anaesthetist and a prominent coach dedicated to helping doctors achieve career clarity and financial independence. Known as "Doctor Niks," he is the creator of The Portfolio Pathway, a platform that guides medical professionals in diversifying their income and building fulfilling portfolio careers beyond the traditional single-pathway job. He is a regular contributor and speaker for the British Medical Journal (BMJ), sharing insights on finance and career development. Dr. Niks empowers fellow doctors to take control of their careers.
Bijan Geraili
Teaching Hospital Director | Self-Actualization & Organizational Leadership Coach
Bijan Geraili is a prominent healthcare leader and educator, currently serving as the director of a teaching hospital at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Iran. With a firm belief that "everyone needs to learn coaching," he pairs his leadership role with a passion for mentorship and guidance. As a self-actualization and organizational leadership coach, he is committed to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals and leaders. His academic affiliation with the University of the People, a US-based nonprofit, tuition-free online university, underscores his commitment to accessible global education. His work focuses on hospital management, organizational leadership, and coaching.
Dr. David Klonoff
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology | Medical Director, Diabetes Research Institute
Dr. David Klonoff is a world-renowned endocrinologist and a prominent figure in diabetes technology. He serves as founding editor-in-chief of the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology and as medical director of the Dorothy L. and James E. Frank Diabetes Research Institute at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center. He is also a clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Klonoff is credited with coining the term "diabetes technology" and pioneered the development of continuous glucose monitoring, artificial pancreas systems, and medical device cybersecurity.
Dr. Ahmed Fathelrahman
Associate Professor | Researcher | Reviewer | Editor
Dr. Ahmed Fathelrahman is an associate professor at the College of Pharmacy, Taif University, with a rich background in pharmacy practice and scientific research. He earned his PhD from the University of Science, Malaysia (USM) and has held academic appointments in both Saudi Arabia and Sudan. His extensive research focuses on pharmacy practice, including drug policy, drug safety, and community pharmacy services. Dr. Fathelrahman has co-edited important texts in the field, such as "Pharmacy Practice in Developing Countries" and "Pharmacy Education in the Twenty First Century and Beyond."
Dr. Ibrahim Mian
Physician | Clinical-Development-Driven Pharma Strategy & Business Development
Dr. Ibrahim Mian is an executive physician bridging clinical medicine and pharmaceutical strategy. He specializes in helping pharmaceutical industry leaders de-risk clinical assets and unlock portfolio value, often exceeding $500 million per asset. His expertise lies in clinical development and business development (BD), advising on the strategic advancement of high-potential drug candidates. Currently pursuing an executive MBA, he combines medical training with commercial acumen.
Professor Shafi Ahmed
Surgeon | Futurist | Innovator | Entrepreneur | International Keynote Speaker
Professor Shafi Ahmed is a multi-award-winning surgeon, futurist, and leading voice in healthcare innovation. He is the CEO and co-founder of Medical Realities, an award-winning company focused on augmented and virtual reality (XR) in medical education. He has served on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, Imperial College London, and Singularity University, and has delivered more than 300 keynotes across 40 countries. As a humanitarian, he was nominated for the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in global surgical education.
Dr. Laura Harris
Founder & CEO | Textbook Author | Bioinformatician
Dr. Laura Harris is the founder and CEO of the Harris Institute of Analytics, a bioinformatician, and a dedicated STEM educator. She holds a PhD in her field and has built a career spanning academia and entrepreneurship. After leaving a tenured academic post, she founded her own institute and rebuilt her career through academic and research contracts. Dr. Harris is also a passionate textbook author and course developer, committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her work focuses on making bioinformatics accessible.
Beza Addis Gelaw
Physician | MPH | Health Economist | Office of the Director General
Beza Addis Gelaw is a physician and public health expert with a specialized focus on health economics. She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In her role at the Office of the Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), she is at the forefront of shaping Ethiopia's public health policy and strategy. Her work applies health economics principles to improve population health outcomes, optimize resource allocation, and strengthen health systems.
Dr. Mohammed Idris Shariff
Family Medicine Consultant | Healthcare Leader | Clinical Innovation Advisor
Dr. Mohammed Idris Shariff is a family medicine consultant passionate about healthcare leadership and innovation. A graduate of the Christian Medical College in Vellore, India, he currently works with Daman in Kuwait. With more than three years of experience, he is dedicated to personalized, comprehensive patient care and is fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Kannada. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Shariff is a strong advocate of ethical practice and serves as an advisor for clinical innovation, contributing to leadership and policy work within WONCA.