Dr. Francesca Polverino is a distinguished physician-investigator specializing in respiratory diseases. Her journey into the realm of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) began during her medical school years, and her passion for this field has remained steadfast.
Dr. Polverino’s career as a COPD researcher commenced with an ERS research fellowship in 2007. Her academic journey led her to Harvard Medical School, where she made remarkable contributions. Notably, she elucidated the intricate B cell responses that underlie the onset and progression of lung cancer and COPD. Moreover, she achieved a significant milestone by pioneering the development of the first non-human primate model for cigarette smoke-induced COPD. Her research also unveiled the anti-inflammatory properties of Club Cell Protein 16 (CC16) in response to cigarette smoke exposure.
From a clinical perspective, Dr. Polverino made groundbreaking discoveries. She provided the initial evidence demonstrating that cigarette smoke causes extensive renal damage in both mice and humans. Additionally, her research shed light on the activities of the ADAM proteinases in cigarette smoke-exposed lungs. Furthermore, she played a pivotal role in demonstrating the beneficial effects of enalapril and metformin in pulmonary emphysema.
Dr. Polverino’s remarkable achievements in her field earned her early career success. At the age of 34, she received a well-deserved promotion to the position of Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. Subsequently, she was recruited as an Associate Professor with tenure at the University of Arizona. More recently, she joined Baylor College of Medicine, where she leads a translational research group focused on studying cigarette smoke-induced lung diseases, with a particular emphasis on COPD and lung cancer.
Despite her youth, Dr. Polverino has garnered international recognition. Her remarkable accomplishments include serving as a section editor for the European Respiratory Journal, known for its substantial impact factor of 32.7. In 2018, she was honored with the Rising Star of Research Award by the American Thoracic Society. In 2019, she received the Medal of Honor for Scientific Merits from the Presidency of the Italian Republic. Most notably, in 2022, she was awarded the prestigious GOLD medal for COPD from the European Respiratory Society.
Dr. Polverino has also demonstrated a successful track record in securing research funding. Following her ERS fellowship in 2009, she has received a total of eight grants, including the prestigious Parker B Francis grant and multiple grants from FAMRI and the American Lung Association. Her expertise has extended to serving on several DOD, ALA, and NIH study sections, including LIRR, IRAP, and OIA.
