Roy Rillera Marzo

“Hi, I’m Roy Rillera Marzo, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences at Curtin Malaysia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the world came to a near standstill and we were confined to our homes, I was driven by a deep sense of duty to contribute meaningfully to society. This sparked a pivotal research initiative, uniting a diverse team of friends and colleagues from across the globe, encompassing around 20 countries.

Together, we sought to understand the hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccination among adults. This endeavour taught me the importance of collaboration and leadership, and the essence of impactful project management.

Our research comprised two significant studies. The first sought to unravel the reasons behind vaccine reluctance among adults. The insights gained were crucial for fostering vaccine confidence, a cornerstone for public health and community wellbeing. This study was awarded the ‘Award-Winning Research of 2022’ by BMC Tropical Medicine and Health in the UK, serving as a testament to the impact of our work.

The second study, on perceived COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, acceptance, and drivers of vaccination decision-making among the general adult population, was a global survey of 20 countries. It earned the distinction of being among the top 10% of viewed papers in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases in 2023. This recognition highlighted the global relevance of our findings and the importance of informed decision-making in vaccination strategies.

Furthermore, I was honoured to have 30 of my COVID-19 research articles included in the World Health Organisation Research Database, a recognition that underscored WHO’s efforts to bring together scientists and health professionals globally to advance research and combat the pandemic.

These initiatives reflect the values championed by Curtin University: People, Planet, and Partnership. My recent experiences have not only affirmed my belief in the power of collective action but have also fuelled my passion for continuing public health research that benefits humanity and the planet.” – Roy Rillera Marzo, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences

3 March 2024