Research - Our Team

Anna Roca is an infectious diseases epidemiologist with her work aiming at preventing deaths associated with bacterial and viral infections in Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable groups. She obtained a BSc in Chemistry and a PhD in Molecular Epidemiology of the RSV in Mozambique, both from the University of Barcelona. She earned a MSc in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Currently, she holds a position as an ICREA Research Professor based at ISGlobal and an Honorary Research position at the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM. Throughout her career, she has headed multi-disciplinary research groups across Europe and Africa and served on several international experts’ panels.

Roca’s research focuses on understanding the transmission dynamics of infections and the design of novel strategies to control disease. She has extensive experience in conducting large-scale innovative clinical trials, notably pioneering the use of intra-partum azithromycin to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes in countries with highest burden. In recent years, her portfolio has broadened to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in West Africa and strengthening regional preparedness for future pandemics. 

Anna Roca is a dedicated mentor. She is also an advocate for gender equality with a track record of promoting inclusivity and diversity within the scientific community.

Lines of research

• Intrapartum azithromycin to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes
• Role of infection in adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes (stillbirth, intrapartum asphyxia, perinatal and neonatal mortality)
• Effect of environment on maternal and infant health
• COVID-19 and epidemic preparedness
• Surveillance of severe bacterial infections and AMR
• Vaccines