Velislava Petrova

Recognizing that scientific breakthroughs require supportive policies and robust financial ecosystems to create real-world impact, Velislava has built a diverse career spanning academia, international organizations, and government.

She began at UNAIDS, focusing on healthcare innovations for the Global South and building critical connections between inventors, funders, and policymakers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, where she worked on vaccine investments for emerging pathogens. She has also took different assignments as a consultant for WHO and The World Bank in vaccine policy and disaster risk management.

Complementing her international experience, Velislava served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Bulgaria, where she led European affairs, multilateral organization relations, and economic diplomacy initiatives.