Cesar Victora, Emeritus Professor of Epidemiology at the Federal University of Pelotas (Brazil), has held honorary positions at Harvard, Oxford, London, and Johns Hopkins Universities. His research focuses on maternal and child health, nutrition, long-term birth cohort studies, health inequalities, and evaluating global health programs in developing countries. Victora's findings have influenced global policy on recommending exclusive breastfeeding for six months and the creation of growth standards based on breastfed children, both adopted by over 140 nations. His cohort studies with 40 years of follow-up underscore the critical importance of the first 1,000 days of life for long-term health and human capital. Actively engaged in monitoring progress towards Sustainable Development Goals as a founder of the Countdown to 2030 global initiative, Victora is consistently included in listings of the world's most highly-cited scientists. Other achievements include his roles as President of the International Epidemiological Association (2011-2014), member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, recipient of the Canada Gairdner Global Health Award (2017), and the Great-Cross Order of Scientific Merit from the President of Brazil (2023).
Professional position
- Emeritus Professor and Director, International Center for Equity in Healths, Federal University of Pelotas
