Dr Özge Tunçalp, new Executive Director of the Institute of Tropical Medicine

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp has appointed Dr Özge Tunçalp as its new Executive Director. With an impressive career in public health, she is ready to lead ITM into a new chapter.

ITM proudly welcomes its new Executive Director, Dr Özge Tunçalp. A renowned physician and epidemiologist, Dr Tunçalp brings extensive international experience, including her work with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. With her focus on low- and middle-income countries and innovations, Dr Tunçalp has made a significant global contribution to safer and higher-quality maternal and perinatal care. Her expertise aligns seamlessly with ITM's mission to advance global health.

"I am honoured to lead an institute with such a rich network in tropical medicine and public health," says Dr Tunçalp. "Together, we can continue to push boundaries and contribute to a world where quality healthcare is accessible and equitable for all."

The future of ITM

Dr Tunçalp begins her tenure with ambitious plans. Under her leadership, ITM aims to be one of the most trusted and innovative academic institutions in tropical medicine and public health by 2035, fueled by groundbreaking research, world-class medical services, excellent teaching and unwavering commitment to equal partnerships. "Our mission is simple: to address health inequities and contribute to a better future for everyone," says Dr Tunçalp. She emphasises the importance of education and capacity sharing: "Strengthening health systems starts with knowledge and collaboration. ITM will continue to invest in talent development, both locally and globally."

Dr Tunçalp shares leadership with General Manager Ann Peters. In this collaborative approach, scientific and managerial expertise go hand in hand. With the appointment of Dr Tunçalp, ITM closes a chapter under the interim leadership of Professor Lut Lynen.