U of A Researcher Spotlight Series with Maya Kalogirou

Can We Have Healthy People Without a Healthy Planet?

What happens when we look at human health and the health of our planet as deeply connected? Planetary health takes this broader view, recognizing that the well-being of people depends on the health of the natural systems that sustain us.

Maya Kalogirou, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Nursing, will introduce the concept of planetary health and explore why it matters now more than ever. She’ll share insights from her research examining the role of green teams and sustainability offices in Canadian hospitals, looking at how healthcare organizations can reduce their environmental impact while supporting better health outcomes

Dr. Kalogirou will also discuss what planetary health means in practice for healthcare professionals, as well as for those working outside the health sector. Whether you work in healthcare or simply want a better understanding of the connection between the environment and our health, this conversation will offer practical ways to think about our collective role in creating healthier, more sustainable communities.

Speaker Information

Dr. Maya Kalogirou was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She is a Registered Nurse with a clinical background in emergency room nursing, and is a doctoral graduate from the University of Alberta. Maya is a planetary health nursing researcher who is specifically interested in 1) the decarbonization of the Canadian healthcare system; and 2) exploring the intersection between climate change and health. Her Post-Doctoral work examined the landscape of Green Teams and Sustainability Offices within Canadian hospitals, trying to get a better understanding of who participates and the work they do.

She is passionate about engaging nurses and other healthcare professionals in addressing the climate crisis, as well as finding ways to work together to advocate for a health sector that promotes the health of people and the planet. Maya was the President for the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment/Association canadienne des infirmières et infirmiers pour l'environnement (CANE/ACIIE) from 2023-2025 and remains on the board as Past President. She is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta.

Space is limited. Registration will close when the event reaches capacity, or on October 8, 2026