DrChiara Pittalis

I am a Research Fellow at the RCSI Institute of Global Surgery, where I contribute to the development and implementation of a variety of research initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery in low-resource settings. My work is all about connecting different sectors—academic research, government, civil society, the private sector, and healthcare providers— to produce meaningful, actionable insights. Whether through research papers, strategic reports, or creative solutions, my aim is to share knowledge that not only clarifies complex issues but also inspires hope and drives positive change.

With a solid background in policy analysis across health, social protection, and education, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with universities, research institutes, NGOs, and government bodies both in Ireland and internationally. This experience has shaped my approach to bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. A career highlight has been my involvement in the SURG-Africa project (2017-2021), a €6m initiative to improve access to essential surgical care for rural populations in Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. I’ve also worked with the Irish Aid Ethiopia programme under the Department of Foreign Affairs, which gave me valuable insights into the complexities of international development.

Currently, I am lead researcher in several projects covering a broad spectrum of issues - from breast cancer care (Akazi project, IRC-funded, €350k) to innovative ways to help rural health facilities adapt to the challenges posed by climate change (SURG-Water project, SFI-funded, €1.2m) - always with the ultimate goal of creating more equitable and sustainable healthcare solutions for those who need it most.