Leadership
Central & Eastern Europe Research Institute's activity is coordinated by 2 main bodies: the Operational Committee and the Medical Steering Committee.​​
Operational Committee
Medical Steering Committee
The Medical Steering Committee directs CEERI's clinical and medical efforts, coordinating sites and investigators, setting research priorities and ethical standards.
The Operational Committee manages CEERI's daily operations, projects, logistics, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and coordination across departments.
Medical Steering Committee
​Prof. Dr. Serhat Ünal
Medical Director,
Late Phase Clinical Trials
Prof. Dr. Serhat Ünal is a distinguished professor at Hacettepe University in Turkiye, renowned for his extensive research and contributions to the medical field. He is highly regarded for his work on HIV/AIDS, adult vaccination, and antibiotic resistance. Throughout his career, Dr. Ünal has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as President of the Turkish Society of Internal Medicine, and has published over 150 scientific articles. His impactful work has established him as a respected figure both nationally and internationally.
Sinem Kilic, BA
Governance & Corporate Affairs
Sinem Kilic, BA, worked in cooperation with leading global companies for 16 years and gained extensive experience in governmental affairs and law. During this period, Ms. Kilic worked in international relations and got involved in several projects, including regulatory affairs, contract management, foreign trade, and international business development in various industries such as health, mining, construction, and energy.
Sorin Bobolea, MPharm
Clinical Research Centers
Sorin Bobolea, MPharm, brings a strong background in pharmacy and is currently pursuing a qualification in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industry from the Romanian Ministry of Health. Mr. Bobolea has been with CEERI for the past 2 years, working on various projects, including as a project manager in Regulatory and Start-up capabilities.
Katarina Kovac, BA
Staffing
Katarina Kovac, BA, has over 5 years of experience in identifying clinical experts and managing human resources. She has a solid track record of building effective teams, meeting business goals, and delivering projects on time. In her roles as human resources manager, she has contributed to the success of international companies in the pharmaceutical and clinical trials sectors.
Prof. Dr. Laura Iliescu
Medical Director,
Early Phase Research
Prof. Dr. Laura Iliescu is a University Professor and Head of Discipline at the Fundeni Clinical Institute. For over 20 years, she has been a dedicated advocate for the approval of treatments for various critical conditions, such as HCV and cirrhosis. Dr. Iliescu's extensive experience in clinical research includes serving as the principal investigator in over 40 clinical trials, significantly advancing medical science. Her leadership in both patient care and research has earned her a prominent reputation within the medical community.
Operational Committee Leadership
Edita Atalay, BSN, RN
Cell & Gene Therapy
Edita Atalay, BNS, RN, has over 7 years of experience as a registered nurse, which gave her the ability to successfully lead clinical oversight over CGT studies, quality improvement, and policy development and implementation. Her experience in the clinical research industry has expanded her vast knowledge of healthcare regulations, quality assurance, and patient safety standards.
Stefan Ghiga, BS
Quality Control & Compliance
Stefan Ghiga, BS, has over five years of specialized experience in quality control and policy management. He excels at overseeing documentation, ensuring compliance with internal standards, and implementing effective SOPs. Stefan's keen attention to detail and deep understanding of operational processes contribute to maintaining high-quality standards and improving overall efficiency within the organization.
Lidya Abuno, MD
BE and Phase One Unit
Lidya Abuno, MD, brings over 4 years of experience as a registered medical doctor, during which she developed a deep understanding of clinical operations, patient care, and medical protocols. Her expertise in the healthcare sector has seamlessly translated into her roles, where she leads comprehensive project evaluations, strategic planning, and feasibility assessments.
Dr. Wissem Ben Azzouz
Medical Director,
Cell & Gene Therapy, Pharmacology Unit
Dr. Wissem Ben Azzouz has over 15 years of research experience, holding a doctorate and contributing significantly to clinical trials as a CRA and Project Manager. Her areas of expertise include regulatory affairs, feasibility and contract management, international relations, business development, and site management. Dr. Ben Azzouz's diverse skills and experience have made her an integral part of various clinical research initiatives.
Natasa Krstevski, BA
Rapid Start-up Network
Natasa Krstevski, BA, has 8+ years of experience in site feasibility, project management, and business development in clinical research. She excels at fostering partnerships with key stakeholders and enhancing global clinical trial capabilities. With a strong background in clinical operations and regulatory compliance, Natasa adeptly navigates the complexities of international clinical trials.
Alex Vshivkov, BA
IT Solutions
Alex Vshivkov, BA, brings over 5 years of experience in managing electronic clinical platforms. During this time, he has overseen the deployment, maintenance, and optimization of IT systems. Alex’s expertise ensures seamless system performance, robust security, and effective troubleshooting, while his proactive approach to problem-solving plays a key role in enhancing our technology infrastructure and supporting business growth.
Nikola Calic, BS
Training
Nikola Calic, BS, specializes in leading the development, delivery, and optimization of comprehensive training initiatives. Mr. Calic’s expertise ensures effective knowledge transfer, skill development, and user proficiency,
while his approach to training design and continuous improvement plays a key role in building team capabilities and supporting organizational growth.
Prof. Dr. Maria Staevska
Medical Director,
Regulatory Affairs
Prof. Maria Staevska is a specialist in Internal Medicine and Allergology. She graduated from the Higher Medical Institute in Sofia in 1991. She acquired the specialty of Internal Medicine in 1997 and Clinical Allergology in 1999. Since 1992, she has been working at the Clinical Center of Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, at the Medical University in Sofia, University Hospital "Alexandrovska". Starting with 2014, she has been the head of the Department of Allergology at the Medical University in Sofia, and from 2017 she became the head of the Clinical Allergology at Alexandrovska University Hospital. From 2019, she serves as the President of Bulgarian Society of Allergology.
Dr. Naser Dib
Medical Director,
Medical Devices Clinical Trials
Dr. Naser Dib is a specialist in general and oncological surgery with an impressive career. Graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical University of Bialystok, Dr. Dib has significant experience in the clinical research field. Notably, he has held positions such as Senior Assistant and Deputy Head of the General Surgery Department at the District Hospital in Wegrow. Additionally, he has worked at renowned hospitals in Warsaw, including the Grochowski Hospital and the Hospital Orłowski. Dr. Dib is the Head of the Department of Oncological Surgery at the European Health Center Otwock.