Silvia Sookoian, MD, PhD, FAASLD

Professor Silvia Sookoian, MD, PhD, is a Senior Research Scientist at CONICET (National Scientific and Technical Research Council) and a graduate of the University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine (MD, Magna Cum Laude). As a dedicated physician-scientist, her professional role focuses on the translation of scientific knowledge in hepatology directly into patient care. Her current clinical and translational research centers on the genetic, epigenetic, and molecular mechanisms driving the pathogenesis and progression of MASLD. Dr. Sookoian has published extensively in the field of liver diseases, including MASLD (formerly NAFLD) and Hepatitis C. A board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine with a Fellowship in Hepatology, she has been in clinical practice since 1987. Her deep expertise is supported by advanced international training at premier centers of excellence, including the Karolinska Institute (Sweden, 1997), the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (Washington DC, 2000), and specialized programs in the genetics of complex diseases at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories (NY, USA) and the Wellcome Trust Advanced Courses.Contributions to science: Maintains an extensive academic output comprising over 230 peer-reviewed publications and a distinguished citation record (Scopus h-index: 66; Google Scholar h-index: 71). Demonstrated international leadership in advancing the understanding of MASLD through the pioneering application of cutting-edge OMIC technologies. This research has significantly reshaped the molecular landscape of metabolic liver disease, bridging the gap between high-dimensional data and clinical application. Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI): 2.419 (Scopus). My publications are cited 141.9% more than the global average for similar subject areas.Positions and Honors: Currently serves as the Head of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology at CENITRES (Translational Health Research Centre) and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Maimonides University, where she is also a Full Professor of Medicine. She was elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (FAASLD) in 2016. Editorial Boards: Current: Journal of Hepatology (2025–Pres.); GUT (2015–Pres.); Journal of Lipid Research (2019–Pres.); Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (2020–Pres.); Liver International (2020–Pres.); HBSN (2020–Pres.). Past: HEPATOLOGY (2016–21); PLOS ONE (Academic Editor, 2012–22); Clinical Science (Advisory Panel, 2012–15); World Journal of Gastroenterology (2008–13); Annals of Hepatology (2002–06).Associate or Academic Editor: Currently serves as an Associate or Academic Editor for several high-impact global journals, including the Journal of Lipid Research, Liver International, Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, and Hepatobiliary Surgery and Nutrition (HBSN). This sustained leadership in the peer-review process involves overseeing international research contributions across diverse scientific landscapes, including the United States, Europe, and Asia, reflecting a profound commitment to maintaining the highest standards of evidence in molecular and clinical hepatology.Other relevant international professional service: Demonstrates a longstanding commitment to global hepatology leadership through extensive service within the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), including memberships on the Program Evaluation Committee (2010–2013) and the Latin American Regional Advisory Council. Notably served on the Steering Committee for the Steatosis and Steatohepatitis Special Interest Group and as Co-Chair of its Global Outreach Subcommittee (2018–2020). Further contributions to international scientific governance include membership on the Scientific Committee of the Italian Liver Foundation (2023–Present) and the Global NASH Council (2025–Present). Additionally, served as a Co-Organizer for the Keystone Symposia on MASH and Fibrosis (Banff, Canada, 2024) and consistently contributes to the AASLD Abstract Review Committee for steatosis and steatohepatitis research. Leadership & International Recognition: Over a decade of leadership on international scientific boards and research assessment panels, including service as an Expert for the European Commission and European Science Foundation for the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programs.