Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irena Dimitrova Ivanova | microelements; biological variation; tumour markers | Best Researcher Award
Assoc. Prof. Irena Ivanova is a distinguished academic and clinical expert in the field of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. With over two decades of service in laboratory medicine and medical diagnostics, she currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Clinical Laboratory since 2023 and has been the Director of the Department of Clinical Laboratory at UH St. Ivan Rilski, Sofia, since 2009. Her role extends beyond clinical practice to academic instruction and international research, establishing her as a leader and innovator in her field. She is also an active member of prestigious professional societies and serves as a reviewer for scientific journals.
Profile
Education
Irena Ivanova’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to continuous learning and international collaboration. She recently completed a specialized training program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA, focusing on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (2023–2024). Earlier, she was involved in the IFCC Professional Scientific Exchange Programme at Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome, in 2015, where she studied trace elements and Alzheimer’s disease. In 2005, she also participated in the LEONARDO DA VINCI programme in Granada, Spain, gaining critical insight into the interdisciplinary treatment of immunological disorders. Her education underlines her dedication to advancing knowledge at the intersection of clinical chemistry and technology.
Experience
Prof. Ivanova has more than 20 years of experience in clinical laboratory science and academic leadership. She has led the Department of Clinical Laboratory at UH St. Ivan Rilski since 2009 and has played a crucial role in enhancing diagnostic practices and laboratory standards. Additionally, she lectures in Clinical Chemistry at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” in the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy. She has managed 11 scientific research projects, participated in 33 international congresses, and contributed to over 60 publications. Her multidisciplinary experience has equipped her to mentor students, lead laboratory innovations, and impact healthcare policy.
Research Interests
Her research interests are diverse yet focused on the core of medical diagnostics. Prof. Ivanova has explored topics such as neurobiology, trace element analysis, immunological disorders, and more recently, the integration of artificial intelligence in clinical diagnostics. She has worked on laboratory approaches to Alzheimer’s disease and has investigated the future of lab automation. Her commitment to combining traditional biochemical research with innovative technologies positions her work at the forefront of modern clinical laboratory science, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and healthcare delivery.
Awards and Memberships
Irena Ivanova has been recognized nationally and internationally for her contributions. In 2011, she became the first Bulgarian doctor accepted as a member of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC). She was appointed to the National Expert Specialized Medical Board of Clinical Laboratory of the Bulgarian Medical Academy in 2022 and joined the Board of the Bulgarian Society of Clinical Laboratory in 2023. Her memberships reflect her leadership and influence in shaping clinical laboratory standards in Bulgaria and across Europe.
Publications
Assoc. Prof. Ivanova has published over 60 scientific articles, receiving 175 citations with an h-index of 5. Her impactful research spans clinical neurobiology, immunology, laboratory standards, and AI in medicine. Selected key publications include:
- Trace Elements and Alzheimer’s Disease: Current Aspects and Future Perspectives, Clinical Neurobiology Journal, 2016 – cited by 18 articles.
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Immunological Disorders, European Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2007 – cited by 22 articles.
- AI Integration in Clinical Diagnostics: A New Frontier, Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, 2024 – cited by 7 articles.
- Clinical Chemistry in Complex Patient Care, Balkan Medical Review, 2019 – cited by 12 articles.
- Neurobiological Pathways in Alzheimer’s Diagnostics, Italian Journal of Neuroscience, 2015 – cited by 15 articles.
- Laboratory Automation and Its Future Implications, Journal of Medical Systems, 2020 – cited by 10 articles.
- Standardization in Clinical Laboratories: A Global Necessity, IFCC Bulletin, 2021 – cited by 9 articles.
Conclusion
Assoc. Prof. Irena Ivanova is a model academic and clinical leader whose career exemplifies dedication, innovation, and global engagement in the field of clinical laboratory sciences. Her combination of practical expertise, forward-looking research, and educational leadership has enriched the medical community both in Bulgaria and internationally. With a future-focused vision rooted in solid scientific training, she continues to shape the evolving landscape of clinical diagnostics and laboratory medicine.