Photo by: Bjarne Røsjø. Licence: CC BY 4.0

It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend Angela Lupattelli. Angela’s sudden departure is an immense loss to her family, friends, colleagues and the scientific community.

Angela was a brilliant researcher in pharmacoepidemiology, a passionate and compassionate mentor to her team at the Department of Pharmacy of the University of Oslo, and a dedicated advocate for maternal and child health.

As a member of the VERDI Consortium, she was committed to advancing our understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 variants and COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy influence health outcomes for both mothers and infants. Her leadership was instrumental in driving forward research and shaping clinical guidance on drug safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding, ensuring that pregnant people and their babies receive the attention they deserve. She was deeply passionate about her work, and always dedicated to her research.

Beyond her professional excellence, Angela was known for her kindness, warmth and dedication to those she worked with. She inspired colleagues with her passion and generosity, always fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.

Angela’s legacy will live on through the research she led, the colleagues she mentored, and the lasting impact of her work in maternal and infant health. Her absence leaves a deep void, but her contributions will continue to guide and inspire future generations of researchers.

“We were so happy that Angela and her team joined the VERDI consortium, especially given her reputation as a brilliant researcher and excellent collaborator. VERDI provided us with the opportunity to work closely with Angela, and we were always deeply impressed by her extensive knowledge and passion for her work, kind and gentle presence, and lovely warmth, which shined through conversations. She strengthened our consortium and our work enormously. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues.” 

— Ali Judd, VERDI Project Co-Coordinator, on behalf of the Project Steering Committee

“Angela was deeply loved and cherished. She was truly one of the most talented, kind, and compassionate individuals I have ever had the privilege to work with. It was an honour to have her as a mentor and colleague. Her dedication to the research was truly inspiring. I will forever cherish the memories of her guidance and support, her insightful words of encouragement, and the unwavering kindness she extended to all. Her passion for research was contagious, and her influence will continue to inspire us all. She will be deeply missed.”  

— Anna Cantarutti, Pedianet and University of Milano-Bicocca