Teodora Lalova-Spinks
A lawyer by training, Teodora holds an interdisciplinary PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Laws (2023 KU Leuven, supported with an FWO PhD scholarship). Her research has previously focused on the legal framework for healthcare research, data protection, and patient empowerment.
Affiliation
Ghent University
Areas of expertise
- EU law, with focus on data protection, privacy, and health
- Clinical trials
- Biobanking
- Mixed-methods research designs (qualitative and quantitative)
Get to know Teodora
What do you think is the strength of The Symphony of Us?
‘We are four women with different backgrounds and approaches and yet we all have the same values and are committed to the same issues. We are united in our diversity. The fact that we act in concert and are also quite diverse is integral.’
What drew you to the project?
‘I took part in the project because I truly want to help and make a difference. This field is close to my heart as a human and as a professional. I love challenges and am interested in less common approaches in science where you step outside your comfort zone… that’s what transdisciplinarity is all about.’
How does your expertise contribute to this research?
‘As a lawyer, I contribute by casting a critical eye on health research regulations at the national and European level. My interdisciplinary PhD in pharmaceutical science and law gives me in-depth knowledge about cancer research challenges from an EU perspective. Empowering patients is also high on my list. The EU is working on important legal reforms, such as the European Health Data Space. These are promising for patients and research, but could also create new challenges.
As a lawyer, I critically analyse these developments and could assist in the dialogue between patients and research stakeholders with legislators and policymakers. It’s important that we consider these reforms and involve the patient community in the ongoing debates.’
"I love challenges and am interested in less common approaches in science where you step outside your comfort zone… that’s what transdisciplinarity is all about."
What insight from your field would you like to share with the world?
‘When I first started law school, a Latin phrase by a Roman jurist stuck with me: “ius est ars boni et aequi”’ or “law is the art of the good and the fair”. That’s how I see the law and how I look at (cancer) research. I’m guided by that concept. It pushes me to make the connection between law and real-world problems.’
How do you see the future of cancer research?
‘I’m optimistic about the future of cancer research worldwide. I believe we will see meaningful innovation continue, but I also notice that the divergent regulations are not always optimal for the research field. I dream of more synergy in law so that it really benefits patients and that the often-repeated patient slogan “Nothing about us without us” is applied in research, in law and in policy.’
Which song symbolises “The Symphony of Us” for you?
‘For me, ‘People Have the Power’ by Patti Smith fully embodies what The Symphony of Us is all about.’
“For me, ‘People Have the Power’ by Patti Smith fully embodies what The Symphony of Us is all about.”
What has touched you deeply recently? And why?
‘It’s difficult to pick a single situation. Let me give an example from literature as I love poetry. I was recently rediscovering the work of Miriam Van hee, a Belgian poet. The last part of her poem ‘Film’ touched me deeply.'
“The ending “we search, we search” touches me deeply together with the image of the cricket’s song; a melody somewhere in the night. It reminds me of the constant drive for knowledge, the beauty of questioning and of pushing through uncertainty.”
There is no end and no beginning
we don’t dissolve, we cannot hide
we hear how somewhere, nearby, a cricket
begins its song, first falteringly, then bravely
and unruffled, we do not find it
but we search, we search
- From 'Film' (Miriam Van Hee, Translated by: Judith Wilkinson)
Which qualities do you value in others?
‘I value honesty and openness as well as compassion, curiosity and perseverance. A sense of humour is also important: it allows you to take a step back and still laugh even in challenging situations.’
If you were to take a sabbatical year, how would you fill it?
I would love to teach, maybe volunteer at a high school to give back to the next generation and nurture curiosity. I would also love to travel and immerse myself in new environments and approaches. And I enjoy writing poetry and would love to have the time to experiment with prose and non-fiction, and to translate stories, experiences and reflections into longer forms of literature.’
Our other researchers
Nadine Boesten
Ghent University
Silke Léonard
AP Antwerp
Florence Horicks
Université Libre de Bruxelles