Julia Appelskog | Senior Director, EU QPPV, Global Vaccine Safety
Novavax

Dr. Julia Appelskog serves as the EU/UK QPPV and leads the QPPVs Office at Novavax, bringing an extensive background in pharmacovigilance operations within the healthcare sector. With more than 22 years of leadership experience, she has spearheaded diverse aspects of PV operations, complemented by 8 years dedicated to cancer and diabetes research. Julia's strategic insights into biological and biopharmaceutical products are well-regarded, especially her expertise with vaccines, over-the-counter medications, generics, cosmetics, and medical devices. Her previous roles have positioned her at the forefront of pharmacovigilance leadership, including as the QPPV team leader at TFS, Head of PV and EU QPPV at Bluefish Pharmaceuticals, and overseeing PV Quality Management Systems and strategy at Merck. Furthermore, she played a pivotal role in managing Nordic PV Hubs for renowned organizations such as MSD, Johnson & Johnson, and Sanofi Pasteur MSD. Dr. Appelskog, who graduated from the prestigious Karolinska Institute in Sweden in 2001, holds a Ph.D. in cell biology and diabetes. She further enhanced her research portfolio as a postdoctoral fellow in the Institute’s Department of Clinical Neuroscience, focusing on groundbreaking studies into epigenetic mechanisms and DNA modification related to tumor cells. A proactive contributor to the field, Julia is actively involved with the International PV Working Group (IPWG) at the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and has been a vital member of various significant groups in her career, including the EMA EudraVigilance Working Group (EWPWG), EuropaBio, TransCelerate, AESGP, Medicine for Europe, and serving as the Chairman of the PV Working Group at the Swedish Generic Medicines Association (FGL). Julia’s recent publication, "ChatGPT in Pharmacovigilance," marks a significant contribution to the field, showcasing her commitment to advancing PV through innovative technologies. Her distinguished career, marked by leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to enhancing patient safety in pharmacovigilance, sets her apart as a leading figure in the healthcare sector.