BIOGRAPHY

A. PERSONAL STATEMENT

Vera P. Simovska, born Jarevska is University Professor in Food Science, Nutrition

and Medical Dietetics, Food Quality and Safety at the University MIT - Skopje, Faculty
for Environmental Resource Management, Study Program for Food Quality and
Safety (BSc., MSc.) (2016 at present). She was also Associate Professor of Health Management (MSc.)
at the same University from 2011 to 2013, Associate Professor for Nutrition at the University of Bitola “St.
Clement of Ohrid”, Bitola (2010-2016), and Lecture of Sports Medicine at University “St. Cyril and
Methodius” in Skopje, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Specialization of Sports Medicine (2002-2014).
From 1980 to 2014, she was employment as medical doctor, subspecialist for hygiene of nutrition for
healthy and sick people-researcher (PhD) at the Public Health Institutions - Skopje establishing Nutrition
Research Unit.

B. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION (DIPLOMAS):

Simovska Vera graduated at the Faculty of Medicine, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje
(1972-1978) and took specialization of Sports Medicine at the same University (1985-1989). She decided
to sub-specialize in Hygiene of Nutrition for Healthy and Sick People at the Faculty of Medicine,
University of Belgrade (1989-1993). At the University of Belgrade, Serbia, she gained Diploma of Ph.D.
degree in Medical Sciences (VIII grade) in the area of nutrition and dietetics, and exercise medicine
investigating the effects of diet therapy and programmed physical activity on some atherogenic risk
factors in abdominal obese subjects.

C. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Specific professional experience:

Research topics and work description: integrated food, nutrition, food consumer patterns of different age
groups, disparities in food habits, food quality and safety, food labelling, food hygiene, nutrition and health
claims, diet and dietary components in chronic noncomunicable diseases management, prevention and
treatment, nutritional status monitoring, identification and treatment of behavioural (lifestyle) NCDs risk
factors and their determinants, FBDG-food-based dietary guidelines, food and nutrition strategy and
programs, nutrition education, healthy food production, obesity and nutrition-related chronic diseases,
lifestyle policy/strategies of community programs for NCDs prevention, health promotion, development of
national strategy for physical activity promotion and environmental medicine.

Prof. d-r Simovska has specific international professional experience in the European region on the
field: management and leadership of public health system, NCDs prevention strategy, research on food,
consumers and public health, lifestyle medicine, obesity and cardiometabolic risk, dietetics and physical
activity promotion: Italy/EC Join Research Center for Nutrition at European Commission, Finland/THL,
Helsinki (North Karelia Project) and UKK, Tampere (scholarship of the World Health Organization),
Germany/EFAD and Belgium/EC, Brussels.

Editorial appointments: She is also Editor of the special issue “Diet and Metabolic Disorders” at the
Journal of Nutritional Disorders & Therapy, and member of the Editorial Board of several International
Scientific Journals: International Journal of Nutrition and Food science, Health Problem of Civilization,
Journal of Nutritional Disorders & Therapy, Journal “EC Nutrition”, International Journal of Basic Medical
Sciences and Pharmacy, Journal of Kinesiology (RIK), Journal of Activities in Physical Education and
Sport (ASEP), Journal of Sports Medicine, and also reviewer of the WHO Journal of Public Health,
Journal of Physical Activity and Health, ASN Congress “NUTRITION 2018” etc.

Membership of professional organizations: She is a member of the “American Society for Nutrition”,
WHO “HEPA European network”, World “Move for Health”, Council for “Nutritional and Environmental
Medicine”, EACEA/ERASMUS “The thematic network of dietetics-DIETS2” network, “EUNAAPA research
network”, “European College of Sports Medicine” and “Macedonian Medical Society”.

General professional experience:

Occupation and activity: Dr. Simovska has been working in the field of preventive nutrition, dietetics,
sports medicine and sports nutrition for 38 years. In the past 18 years, she has been involved in
numerous studies in the field of food consumption and population health, diet-related diseases and the
development of guidelines for nutrition, especially school-aged children, and diagnosis and treatment of
patients with obesity and co-morbidities: diet therapy and programmed physical activity.
More than 10 years (2008-2018) she is an independent expert – evaluator and reporter at the European
Commission in Brussels (FP7-Knowledge-Based Bio Economy: Food, health and wellbeing, Europe Aids:
NCDs prevention and health in developing countries worldwide, HORISON2020, Erasmus+, EC/COST).

From 2001, she was a National coordinator of several programs covered by the World Health
Organization. She was a member of the Committee for Health Promotion (2001-2004), and an expert of
the Committee for the Advancement of healthcare system reforms at the Macedonian Ministry of Health
(2009-2011) writing many contributions and first chapter of the Green Book with title: “Good Governance”.
She was the founder and President of the National organization for the promotion of health-enhancing
physical activity HEPA Macedonia from 2005 to present.
Prof. d-r Simovska was President of the Scientific and Organizational Committee of the Its Symposium for
Nutrition in Macedonia within International Euro Global Summit & Medicare Expo on Weight Loss (2015),
and member of many Scientific Committees at Domestic and International Conferences.
She is the author of published 10 academic books and chapters and over 120 original scientific articles in
domestic and foreign scientific journals.

D. SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE

Univ. Prof. d-r Simovska provided an expert input as Founder Director of Postgraduate study/Master
study for Nutrition, and Food Quality and Safety at the Faculty of Technology and Technical Sciences
Veles, University St. Clement of Ohrid, Bitola (2010-2016). As a member of the EFAD/DIETS2 working
group, she has been creating European dietetics competencies and has been developing the first
academic study programs for “Food and Nutrition” (MSc, PhD.) in Republic of Macedonia, aa well as
“Food Quality and Safety. She has experience in academic education for food science, technology and
biotechnology, nutrition and dietetics as well as sports medicine at Universities over 25 years.
Core expertise:
Science fields:
Medical and Health Sciences: behavioural medicine, lifestyle medicine, clinical medicine, food sciences
and medical biotechnology, other medical sciences – sports medicine.
Research area:
Food, nutrition and dietetics, public and environmental health, health services and healthcare.

Other expertise:
Agriculture sciences: agriculture, animal and dairy sciences;
Natural sciences: environmental sciences;
Social sciences: education sciences, media and communication.
 E. PUBLICATIONS

1. Textbook and chapters of textbooks

Simovska V.: Editor. ADVANCED PERSPECTIVES FOR BETTER FITNESS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
NUTRITION TO REDUCE OBESITY AND RELATED CHRONIC DISEASES. Ed. Proceedings of the
Scientific Satellite Symposium for International Euro Global Summit & Medicare Expo on Weight Loss,
26-27 June, 2015. Symposium Proceedings 2015, Bitola, Republic of Macedonia. Skopje: Menora, 2015.
ISBN: 978-608-200-298-9.
Simovska V. OBESITY AND UNDERNUTRITION. Ed. Monography. Skopje:Menora 2015. Ministry of
Science and Education, Republic of Macedonia. ISBN:978-608-200-314-6
Simovska V.: EFFECTS OF DIETOTHERAPY AND PROGRAMMED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON
OBESITY AND IT’S COMPLICATIONS. Ed. Monography. Skopje:Menora 2008. Ministry of Science and
Education, Republic of Macedonia. ISBN: ISBN 978-608-200-025-1.
Vidin-Jarevska, Zivkovic N., Simovska-Jarevska V., Tusup-Petrovic Lj., Fotina L.: SYNERGISTIC
EFFECTS OF EXERCISE, NUTRITION AND BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH
SYNDROM X. Ed. Monograph. Belgrade 2007. COBISS SR-ID. ISBN: 8690944508.
Vidin M., Goldner B., Simovska V.: PRINCIP OF ORTOMILECULAR NUTRITION IN HYPERBARIC AND
UNDERWATER MEDICAL TREATMENT, SINERGISTIC ACTION OF BIOFLAVONOIDES AND VITAMIN
C. In: Zivkovic M. Ed. Hyperbaric and Underwater Medicine. Beograd: Nauka 1997, pp.147-154.
Simovska V., Vidin M.: STRESS, AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR OF ATHLETES DURING INTENSIVE
PSICHO-PHYSICAL TRAINING AND POSSIBILITY OF SPORTS NUTRITION. In: Mirilov, M. Ed.
Nutrition for sportsmen and recreatives. Novi Sad: Bibliotheca Matice Srpske 1995, pp.167-173.
Vidin M., Simovska V.: MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY, POSSIBILITY WITH BALANCED NUTRITION AND
DIETOTHERAPY. In: Mirilov, M. Ed. Nutrition for sportsmen and recreatives. Novi Sad: Bibliotheca
Matice Srpske 1995, pp.109-114.
Simovska V.: BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR DURING SPORTS
PERFORMING AND IMPORTANCE OF SPORT NUTRITION. In: Keramitciev V. Ed. Aggression in
sport’s games as negative public phenomen. Bitola: Kiro Dandaro 1993, pp.149-158.
Simovska V.: EFFECTS OF DIETOTHERAPY AND PROGRAMMED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON
OBESITY AND IT’S COMPLICATIONS. 1st edited by Ministry of Science and Education of Republic of
Macedonia, 02/2009; Menora., ISBN: ISBN 978-608-200-025-1.
Simovska V.: "GREEN BOOK", Advancement of Healthcare System in the Republic of Macedonia.
Chapter Book: “GOOD GOVERNANCE”, Author: Vera Simovska. Green Book, (in press), 06/2010: Ist.
chapter: Good Governance; Committee for the Advancement of Healthcare system of the Republic of
Macedonia., DOI:10.13140/RG.2.1.4816.6480
She is an author/co-author of over 130 scientific papers, presentation and abstracts of research activity
presented at the International Congresses, and published in the scientific peer-reviewed publications and
proceedings.

2. Projects/Programmes/Field experiences:

2018: European Commission, AECA/Erasmus+ Sport: Type of action: European Week of Sport “#Be
Active”, Workshop: Title “Developing FIT Nation through physical activity and balanced nutrition”, Skopje
19.09.2018, Coordinator: State Agency of Youth and Sport, Skopje (Collaborative partner: HEPA
Macedonia).
2011-2013: European Commission - AECA/Erasmus: “Dietitians ensuring education, teaching and
professional quality - DIETS2 (Erasmus thematic network for dietetics)”, Project number: 177201-LLP-1-
2010-1-UK-ERASMUS-ENWA, Sub-programme: Exploiting ICT in Learning and Higher Education (WP2
member).
2011-2012: St. Clement of Ohrid University research project: EVALUATION OF DIETARY HABITS,
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS AND BMI kg/m2 MONITORING AS BASIS FOR A NEW HEALTH
PROMOTION PROGRAM IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA. University “St. Clement of Ohrid”-Bitola,
Faculty of Technology and Technical Sciences-Veles (National project: Coordinator).
2010-2013: European Commission-RTD/FP7: “FoodLinks”. University “St. Clement of Ohrid” Bitola,
Faculty of Technology and Technical Sciences (Collaborative Project: Researcher).
2007: European Commission, RTD/FP7: Designing Collaborative large-scale research international
proposal: “DietFactLongevity” (Coordinator, HEPA Macedonia).
2009-2010: European Commission-RTD/FP7: “Why We Age-A road map for molecular Bio gerontology”.
Workshop: Vascular ageing, University of Cardiff, UK (Collaborative Project:Researcher).
2007: Vera Simovska, FYR of Macedonia: PLAN OF ACTION FOR INTEGRATED COMMUNITY AND
CONTROL OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND OTHER NCD IN FYR OF MACEDONIA, 2002-2007, 2002. In
WHO: Preventing Chronic Diseases: A Framework for Country Action. Background document 1/7, WHO
Expert Consultation Meeting 5-8 February 2007. (National Programme: Coordinator)
http://new.paho.org/bra/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=1175&Itemi d=423 .
2001-2005: National CINDI programme for prevention and control of noncommunicable disease in
Macedonia (www.cindi.makedonija.com ) - WHO CINDI Programme. Ministry of Health, Republic of
Macedonia. (National Programme: Coordinator).
1997-1998: Research project "Effects of diet therapy and programmed physical activity on morpho-
functional parameters and atherogenic risk factors in obese subjects". Ministry of Education and Science,
Republic of Macedonia. (National Project: Coordinator).
1994-1995: Project: Regional Ecology Centre for Central-Eastern Europe "Promotion of food production
in natural way". NGO” Healthy Nutrition”, Republic of Macedonia. (International project: Researcher).
1990-1991: Research project “YUSAD”, Clinical-epidemiological Yugoslav study for risk factors of
coronary heart disease at children in three Yugoslav Republics: Serbia, Monte Negro and Macedonia.
Ministry of Education, Science and Physical Culture, Republic of Macedonia (International Project:
Principal investigator).
She has been prepared and submitted the proposal at the Ministry of science and education of
Macedonia with title: "Improving health through nutrition education: Support to proactive partnership to
produce quality education standards for nutritionists using innovative information and communication
technology (ICT)".

3. Technical Reports:

1. Simovska V. The REPORT for Draft-European Health Strategy, EU 2006 – 2015.

http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_overview/strategy/docs/consultation_frep_en.pdf
2. Simovska V.: The REPORT of Revision of Draft-National Health Strategy of the Republic of
Macedonia, 2006-2015. Project Unit at the Ministry of Health, Arch. No 01/6 March, 2006.
3. Simovska V., et al.: The REPORT of assessment of national capacity for noncommunicable disease
prevention and control of the Republic of Macedonia 2001. In. Alwan A., Maclean D., Mandil A.: THE
REPORT OF GLOBAL SURVEY. Geneva, World Health Organization 2001 (Document WHO/MNC/01.2).
4. Simovska V: The REPORT of REVISION of Draft-Action Plan for food and nutrition in Republic of
Macedonia, National Committee for Food and Nutrition at the Ministry of Health, 2003.
5. Simovska V: Country Draft-Plan of Action for development and implementation of the CINDI
Programme (2002-2007) with situation analysis in the Republic of Macedonia, Ministry of Health,
Republic of Macedonia, 2002 (pp.1-130). (http://www.cindi.makedonija.com