Alumni Profile: Dr Nora Markova

Nora Markova, (Social Policy, 2000) writes

I began my journey at then-Green College as a Chevening Scholar in 2000, and from the very start, I embraced a piece of advice from the orientation lecture that profoundly impacted me: to seize each day of the following ten months as the grandest adventure, racing against time itself. This principle became my guiding ethos, catalysing not only academic growth but also a profound transformation in my worldview across all facets of life. In fact, it would be a decade before I could bid farewell to Oxford.

Despite glimpsing the college’s beauty in its brochure, nothing prepared me for the awe-inspiring sensation of stepping into its magnificent gardens, with the Radcliffe Observatory looming majestically overhead. From the moment I would draw my curtains, I found myself captivated by its solemn grandeur, evoking a sacred ambiance akin to entering a hallowed temple brimming with enigmatic secrets. Even now, when I return to Oxford, I cannot resist the allure of reminiscing upon those joyous moments.

Meeting so many captivating individuals all at once was an utterly overwhelming experience, each person bringing a wealth of ideas that swiftly reshaped my perception of humanity. It was the perspective of a twenty-year-old, coupled with the overwhelming positivity surrounding me, that fostered my optimism and ignited a drive to effect positive change – a drive that has profoundly influenced my career trajectory.

Undoubtedly, Oxford’s greatest gift to me was its people – passionate visionaries driven by a desire to reshape the world and share their knowledge. While discussions often gravitated towards politics, economics, and social policy, I found myself engrossed in impassioned dialogues encompassing quantum computing, gene editing, and reverse perspectives. There was an abundance of giving that drove social interaction. I met most of my dearest friends in the very first weeks, and I’ve never ceased to admire their brilliance and cherish them for all they have given me over the years.

Coming from a generation that epitomised the ‘work hard, play hard’ mantra, I eagerly embraced the academic rigours while seeking equally exhilarating challenges beyond the lecture halls. Oxford offered boundless opportunities for adventure. Rowing, despite my track record of losses, became a non-negotiable passion. Its demand for teamwork and synchronisation provided a unique avenue for personal growth and boundary-pushing. Riding thought me on the power of human intention. Sneaking into the squash court for a midnight game or gliding through the skies in a glider were moments that truly encapsulated the thrilling blend of mental exploration and physical adventure that defined my time at Oxford.

When I first joined Green, I already knew that my background in economics had a niche in the unsolvable healthcare management challenge. However, my journey there taught me something deeper: the importance of doing the right things for the right reasons. Motivated not only by the vibrant social milieu but also by a fervent desire to effect tangible change, I embarked on a DPhil journey exploring equity in health and healthcare delivery – a journey that continues to fuel my passion for creating a world where no one is left behind. I converted part of my thesis into an International Monetary Fund project and another one shaped as part of an internship at the UN University WIDER. These experiences steered my career towards the field of international organisations.

Subsequently, my post-doc experience in Australia underlined for me the significance of the relationship between academia and politics, further igniting my passion for utilizing evidence for meaningful change. Joining the Health System Strengthening team at the World Health Organization allowed me to design and implement impactful healthcare reforms, build capacity, and provide support to healthcare systems across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

My interest in the health technology sector saw me spearheading the implementation of artificial intelligence and data technologies in health management, driven by a firm belief in the necessity of career agility and adaptability to change. This led me back to university, where I pursued an MBA and underwent training in Health Innovation at Harvard Business School. My current interests lie in strategic management, innovation, and technology, areas where I see immense potential for transformative impact.

In my present role as an International Expert on Health Industry for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, I remain constant in my commitment to effecting positive change. Working across various regions worldwide, I leverage technology and innovation in the pharmaceutical and health industry sectors to address pressing societal needs, prepare countries for emergencies, and lead sustainable industrial development.