Dr Akke Vellinga, National University of Ireland, Galway

I am an epidemiologist and moved to Ireland from Belgium (Antwerp) in 2005. Currently I have two half-time positions in the National University of Ireland, Galway (Senior Lecturer in Primary Care/Bacteriology).

My research interests find their origin at the crossing of medical, methodological, epidemiological and biological subjects. My goal is to do research which can add to and support evidence-based decision making in practice and policy. This aim is the thread though my study areas which have been various in their subjects.
My primary research focuses on the problem of antibiotic resistance. Bacteria have become less responsive to antibiotic treatment causing infections that are difficult to cure. My research is looking into novel ways to limit the use of antibiotics and understand the effect of (changes in) antibiotic use at every level, from the human population level to the bacterial genome. I am also involved in other research projects, one of which studies women with gestational diabetes focusing on how this affects them and their children in later life.

My research experience spans epidemiological and health services research, on a variety of topics: vaccine evaluation, vaccination coverage, asthma and allergies and zoonotic diseases in various places in Belgium. My interest in statistical modelling is clear from my papers on these topics. I also enjoy teaching statistics and epidemiology. I have a PhD in Medicine (Epidemiology), a Master in Epidemiology, Master in Science and diplomas in Health Economics and Teaching in Higher Education.