Dr. Marija Jelusic | Genetic Variation | Best Researcher Award

University of Zagreb School of Medicine | Croatia

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👩‍⚕️ MARIJA JELUSIC, MD, MSc, PhD: A LEADING LIGHT IN PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Marija Jelusic began her medical journey with rigorous training in pediatrics, ultimately earning her MD, MSc, and PhD from the University of Zagreb, School of Medicine in Croatia. Her commitment to specialized fields such as pediatric rheumatology and clinical immunology was evident early on, forming the foundation for a career devoted to clinical excellence and scientific advancement.

đź’Ľ PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Professor Jelusic currently serves as Full Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Zagreb and Head of the Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergology at the University Hospital Centre (UHC) Zagreb. She is also the Founder and Head of the Referral Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology, a recognized body under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia and a full member of the European Reference Networks – ERN-RITA.

Her leadership extends internationally through her active roles in organizations like:

  • PReS (Pediatric Rheumatology European Society): Council Member, Chair of the Training and Education Committee (since 2023), Chair of the Vasculitis Working Party (since 2017), and former Secretary (2013–2017)

  • EULAR (European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology): Member of the Paediatric Committee (since 2023) and Education Committee (starting in 2025)

  • PRINTO (Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization): National Coordinator (since 2017)

  • Croatian Pediatric Society: Council Member (since 2022)

Her previous administrative responsibilities include Secretary of the Macrophage Activation Syndrome Working Party of PReS (2014–2018) and National Coordinator for the EULAR Standing Committee for Paediatric Rheumatology (2013–2016).

🧬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON GENETIC VARIATION

Dr. Jelusic’s research centers around pediatric rheumatology, with a significant focus on vasculitis, particularly IgA vasculitis, and personalized immunology. Her scientific pursuits delve into genetic and cellular analyses of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, bridging clinical medicine and cutting-edge molecular research.

As both principal investigator and co-investigator, she has participated in numerous national and international research initiatives. Her ability to integrate clinical insight with research methodology has earned her wide recognition.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Professor Jelusic is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered over 200 invited lectures at national and international scientific meetings. Her influence resonates in medical education, research collaborations, and clinical standards within pediatric rheumatology across Europe and beyond.

She has supervised 10 PhD theses and 29 diploma theses, actively nurturing the next generation of clinical scientists and pediatric specialists. Her academic leadership ensures sustainability and growth in pediatric immunology and rheumatology.

đź“š ACADEMIC CITES

Her prolific publication record includes over 150 peer-reviewed clinical research papers, a testament to her persistent contributions to the field. Additionally, she has been awarded 18 funded research grants, including 7 as principal investigator, which demonstrate both trust and respect from the scientific funding community.

🏅 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

With prestigious awards from both the European and Croatian Pediatric Societies, Professor Jelusic has already cemented a formidable legacy. Her dedication to collaborative international work, innovation in pediatric immune disorders, and excellence in mentorship will continue to shape the discipline for decades to come. As she steps into roles with EULAR’s Education Committee in 2025 and continues to lead initiatives within PReS and ERN-RITA, the global pediatric community can anticipate further innovations in personalized medicine, genomic diagnostics, and evidence-based treatments for autoimmune diseases in children.

đź“‘NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

"Diagnostic approach to a child with fever of unknown origin" 

  • Authors: M., Ĺ estan, Mario , M., Frković, Marijan , N., Kifer, Nastasia , M., Jelušić, Marija
  • Journal: Paediatria Croatica
  • Year: 2025

"Current treatment in macrophage activation syndrome worldwide: a systematic literature review to inform the METAPHOR project" 

  • Authors: F., Baldo, Francesco , R.G.A., Erkens, Remco G.A. , M., Mizuta, Mao , S.J., Vastert, Sebastiaan J. , F., Minoia, Francesca
  • Journal: Rheumatology
  • Year: 2025

"Novelties in the diagnosis and treatment of the most common systemic vasculitides in childhood" 

  • Authors: M., Jelušić, Marija , M., Ĺ estan, Mario , M., Frković, Marijan
  • Journal: Paediatria Croatica
  • Year: 2025

"Comparison of EULAR/PRINTO/PReS Ankara 2008 and 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for granulomatosis with polyangiitis in children" 

  • Authors: Ăś., Kaya-Akça, ĂśmmĂĽĹźen , E.D., Batu, Ezgi Deniz , M., Jelušić, Marija , P.A., Merkel, Peter A. , S., Ozen, Seza
  • Journal: Rheumatology
  • Year: 2024

"Highlights from the breakout session: vasculitis in paediatric rheumatology" 

  • Authors: Y., Bayindir, Yagmur , M., Jelušić, Marija , S., Ozen, Seza
  • Journal: Rheumatology
  • Year: 2025
Marija Jelusic | Genetic Variation | Best Researcher Award