Health Economics and Big Data Analytics Major ENG

Health Economics and Big Data Analytics (HEBDA) Master’s Program
Program Overview
Health Economics and Big Data Analytics (HEBDA) is a cutting-edge master’s program that combines health economics with data science to prepare you for the rapidly evolving digital healthcare sector. This unique interdisciplinary major equips students to analyze healthcare challenges from both an economic and a data-driven perspective. By integrating rigorous health economics training with hands-on big data analytics, HEBDA empowers you to drive smarter decisions in hospitals, public health agencies, biotech companies, and beyond. The result is a skill set tailored to the future of healthcare – a future where understanding both the financial and data aspects of health is crucial.
Get to know the leader of the program

Professor of Health Economics, Kozminski University, Warsaw, Poland
Founder, ISPOR Digital Health Special Interest Group
Author, The Digital Transformation of the Healthcare System (Routledge, July 2023)
Driven by a passion for improving healthcare, Professor Katarzyna Kolasa has dedicated her academic and business career to advancing health economics and digital health transformation.
Expertise and Industry Leadership
With over 25 years of experience addressing global pricing and reimbursement challenges, Katarzyna Kolasa has held numerous Regional and Global leadership positions at top organizations, including AstraZeneca, BMS, Biogen Idec, Lundbeck, GE Healthcare, Straub Medical, BD, and the Swedish County Council of Kalmar.
As Vice President of HEOR Modeling at Parexel, she led a global team supporting pharmaceutical and medtech companies in generating economic evidence for early- and late-stage compounds, as well as digital health solutions. Her achievements include:
• Completing over 50 pricing and reimbursement submissions in the EU.
• Leading more than 50 global economic modeling projects.
• Developing innovative data analytics platforms utilizing R-Shiny tools.
Dr. Kolasa is also a mentor for digital health startups in the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden, sharing her extensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical and medical device ecosystems.
Academic Contributions and Educational Innovation
Big Data and Health Economics
Katarzyna Kolasa established Poland’s first master's program in Big Data and Health Economics at Kozminski University. The program, awarded first prize in the POWER European grant program, integrates academic learning with internships, placing students at leading organizations, including the Ministry of Health, National Health Fund, and major pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca and Sanofi.
Digital Health Education
In collaboration with the Polish Medical Research Agency (ABM), Deloitte Digital, and the Polish Central Hospital of the Ministry of Interior Affairs, she launched the first six-month Digital Health Education Program in 2023. This program was designed for leaders driving digital transformation in healthcare.
Teaching Experience
Appointed as University professor in 2018 (habilitation in the field of public health at the Jagiellonian University, 2017). Katarzyna Kolasa has been an academic teacher for over 15 years, delivering more than 1,000 lectures on public health and health economics. She has worked at leading academic institutions in Poland, including:
• Warsaw Medical University
• Lazarski University
• Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz
• Kozminski University
Since 2018, she has been a professor at Kozminski University, where she leads the Division of Health Economics and Healthcare Management. In 2023, she became the Director of the Center for Digital Health at the university.
Katarzyna Kolasa has supervised over 100 MBA students and 10 PhD candidates, equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of health economics and digital health transformation.
Between October 2024 and March 2025 she was visiting professor at the University of Utah (NAWA – Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange in cooperation with Medical Research Agency under the Walczak Programme, grant numer BPN/WAL/2023/1/00084/U/00001.).
Research and Publications
Katarzyna Kolasa is the co-author of over 50 peer-reviewed publications, cited more than 900 times on Google Scholar, and has presented her research at over 70 international conferences. Recent highlights include:
• AI in Healthcare Research: Leading a study funded by the Sano Institute to evaluate public preferences for AI in healthcare using discrete choice experiments, with results submitted to Health Policy.
• Systematic Reviews of Machine Learning: Co-author of a comprehensive review revealing that fewer than 1% of the 10,462 machine learning algorithms in medicine published between 2010 and 2023 were externally validated against human doctors (Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research, 2024).
• Data analysis/machine learning: Dr. Kolasa has also led a pioneering project on machine learning adaptation for optimizing CT scanner utilization, funded by the Polish Ministry of Health which was published in Tomography in 2023
International Leadership in Digital Health
As the founder of ISPOR’s Global Digital Health Special Interest Group, Katarzyna Kolasa developed several educational programs, including:
• The Role of Digital Endpoints in the Value Generation for Health Technologies.
• Methodological Advancements for the Value Assessment of Digital Solutions.
• Risk-Sharing/Performance-Based Arrangements in Developing Countries.
She serves on ISPOR's Educational Council and has previously been a member of the Health Science Policy Council.
Impact with Advancing AI in Healthcare
Katarzyna Kolasa has been instrumental in shaping Poland's approach to AI in healthcare:
• AIValue4Health Conferences: Organized two high-profile conferences in 2023 under the patronage of the Polish Parliament’s Commission for Digitization, Innovation, and Modern Technologies. These events focused on assessing the value of AI in healthcare and developing legal frameworks for its integration.
• Policy Dialogues: Led discussions on societal preferences for AI adoption in healthcare, sponsored by the Polish Parliamentary Commission for Innovation & Digitalization.
• AI Special Interest Group Leadership: Since 2022, she has chaired the AI Special Interest Group at the Polish Chamber of Physicians.
Impact on Digital Transformation
Katarzyna Kolasa played a pivotal role in organizing the 2024 Fast Track for e-Health expert debate under the auspices of the Polish Parliament’s Commission for Digitization, Innovation, and Modern Technologie and the Polish Chamber of Physicians. The event, attended by over 3,000 participants, produced actionable recommendations for public funding of non-drug digital innovations and legislative reforms to accelerate digital healthcare implementation in Poland.
Through her work, Katarzyna Kolasa continues to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policy, fostering innovation and driving meaningful change in global healthcare systems.
Vladimir (Vlad) Zah, Ph.D. brings 20+ years of Health Economics technology and business experience. Since 2000, in various roles as Health Economist, Project Manager and Chief Investigator, Dr. Zah has implemented more than 170 health economic models and assessments in the phase 2, 3 and 4 settings, across various disease areas, which resulted in over 50 publications. He also consults and has provided HTA training relating to both medications and medical devices to Ministry of Health, National Insurance Funds or at national congresses in Russia, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Republic of Srpska, Japan and India. Vladimir Zah has organized and led Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) consensus seeking project among representative European countries (Poland, Ukraine, Greece, Austria and Serbia) to identify common set of criteria for: a) rare diseases, b) late stage oncology. This project lasted from 2016 through 2018 and resulted in common criteria presented firstly with pilot data (2016), secondly after adjustments with final data (2017) and with manuscript in production. In addition to, over the years, we have organized many HTA roundtable discussions among different country representatives. Thus, his main focus would be on supporting the consensus development aspects of the project: seeking HTA consensus, collaboration and effective implementation
Katarzyna Piotrowska, MA, is employed as an assistant in the Department of Quantitative Methods and Applications of Computer Science. Her research interests focus on social research methodology, risk taking, economic psychology and statistics. Co-author of the ALK Sustainable Development Index. In the years 2008-2009 she was an intern at the Nobody's Children Foundation. Statistical editor of POLISH SOCIOLOGICAL REVIEW magazine (from 2015). Co-author of monographs, author of chapters in monographs and articles from JCR list. Active participant of national and international conferences.
Axel Mühlbacher is a Professor of Health Economics and Health Care Management at Hochschule Neubrandenbergand adjunct professor in the Duke Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University (USA). He is a CHPIR Senior Research Fellow in the Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research at the Duke Global Health Institute.He received his PhD in Economics from the Technical University Berlin, and MSc in Business Administration from Eberhard-Karls Universitat (Tübingen). Past positions of Dr. Mühlbacher include assistant professor at Technische Universitat Berlin and research fellow, German Coordinating Agency of Public Health, Albert-Ludwig Universitat Freiburg. He has also served on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Health as academic advisor to the steering committee, "Measures to create a new definition of 'requiring care,' and a new uniform instrument of evaluation" for the National Association of Statutory Health Funds.
Dr. Mühlbacher's research experience focuses on methodological advances in decision analysis, operations research, econometrics and choice experiments and their application in the health domain. Recent work includes stated preferences research, empirical research to understand the behavioral aspects of health and problems of multi-criteria decision making to inform the optimal design of policies and regulatory decision making. Dr. Mühlbacher has teaching experience in Health Economics, Health Economic Evaluation,Decision Making Theory, Evaluation of Health Care Innovations and Patient Preferences –Discrete choice experiments. Dr.Mühlbacher is a member of the International Health Economics Association, International Society for Quality of Life Research (Co-Chair SIG Preference Research), ISPOR Conjoint Analysis Experimental Design Good Research Practice Task Force. He currently also co-chairs the ISPOR Working Group stated preference in European healthcare decision making(Stated Preference Research in the European Union).
Ken Redekop, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Health Technology Assessment at the Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, The Netherlands. He is a clinical epidemiologist with more than 20 years of experience in observational research, clinical trial analysis, and medical technology assessment and an author of over 100 papers in the medical literature. Current studies include early-stage cost-effectiveness analyses of medical devices and tests, RCT-based economic evaluations, economic evaluations in the Diagnostics Assessment programme of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, UK) and outcomes research studies to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of expensive medicines in daily practice. Most studies relate to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, and most involve modelling and evidence synthesis.
Joanna Leśniowska, PhD - Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Economics and Health Care Management at KU. Her scientific interests include health economics and health care, macroeconomic policy, institutional economics, management in the health sector. She is a member of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics, and Outcomes Research and Western Economic Association International (from 2014), and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (from 2015). Author of publications in the field of economics in international journals (also with IF coefficient assigned). Active participant of the conference at the national and international level.
Why Choose HEBDA?
Global demand has never been higher for professionals who can bridge the gap between health economics and data analytics. Healthcare systems worldwide are seeking experts who understand economic policy and can harness data to improve care. For example, the demand for health economists in the UK has grown by 22% over the past five years (Health Economics for Hospital Admin Certificate), reflecting a need for specialists who can navigate complex healthcare finances. At the same time, data science skills are at a premium – data scientist jobs are projected to grow 36% from 2023 to 2033 in the United States (10 Data Science Jobs That Are in Demand – Dataquest), far outpacing the average for all occupations. HEBDA graduates will possess this rare dual expertise.
You’ll be able to evaluate cost-effectiveness and policy impacts and perform advanced analytics on health datasets – a combination highly sought after in today’s job market.
In short, choosing HEBDA means positioning yourself at the forefront of two in-demand fields, opening doors to careers in healthcare consulting, health tech, government, and international organizations.
Meeting Global Healthcare Challenges
Healthcare today faces complex challenges that require innovative solutions. Populations are aging rapidly – by 2030, one in six people in the world will be over 60 years old (Ageing and health) – which means greater demand for healthcare services and wise resource allocation. Yet health systems are grappling with workforce shortages; WHO projects a shortfall of about 11 million health workers by 2030 (Health workforce). Meanwhile, healthcare expenditures continue to rise steeply. In 2021, global health spending reached a staggering $9.8 trillion (about 10% of the world’s GDP) (Health spending takes up 10% of global GDP. Can tech reduce those costs – and improve lives? | World Economic Forum), putting pressure on governments and insurers to get the best value for every healthcare dollar. This is where HEBDA’s focus becomes invaluable: the program trains you to apply economic principles and data analytics to make healthcare more efficient, effective, and equitable.
You will learn how to perform cost-benefit analyses of health policies, forecast needs based on demographic trends, and devise data-backed strategies to optimize limited resources. By understanding both the economics and the data, you can help healthcare organizations do more with less – an essential skill as global health needs grow.
Big Data and Digital Health: The Future is Now
(RBC Capital Markets | Navigating the Changing Face of Healthcare Episode) Healthcare data’s growth rate (36% CAGR) from 2018–2025 outpaces other industries like manufacturing or finance, underscoring the sector’s big data explosion. Healthcare is in the midst of a data revolution. Hospitals, clinics, and research institutions are generating massive amounts of data – in fact, roughly 30% of the world’s data volume comes from the healthcare industry, and it’s growing about 36% per year (RBC Capital Markets | Navigating the Changing Face of Healthcare Episode), faster than any other sector. This explosion of big data, alongside rapid advances in AI and machine learning, is transforming how we prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Digital health tools such as electronic health records, wearable sensors, and AI-driven apps are becoming commonplace.
The global digital health market (telemedicine, health apps, data platforms, etc.) was estimated at $288 billion in 2023 and is projected to soar to over $900 billion by 2030 (Digital Health Global Business Report 2023-2030: Startups), reflecting how quickly healthcare is embracing technology. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend – it spurred a major shift toward remote care and telemedicine (Digital Health Global Business Report 2023-2030: Startups), leading to greater investment and adoption of virtual health services. In the HEBDA program, you will explore how to leverage these big data and digital health innovations. Through coursework and projects, you’ll learn to analyze large healthcare datasets to uncover trends, use statistical and machine learning techniques to inform clinical or policy decisions, and evaluate how digital health interventions can improve patient outcomes while controlling costs. By mastering big data analytics in a health context, you’ll be ready to shape the next generation of healthcare solutions.
International Relevance and Real-World Experience
The HEBDA master’s program is designed for both Polish and international students, reflecting the global nature of today’s healthcare challenges. All coursework emphasizes real-world applicability – you won’t just learn theory, you’ll apply it to case studies and live data from healthcare systems around the world. For example, you might analyze hospital cost data to find efficiency improvements, assess the economic impact of an aging population in a European country, or develop a predictive model for patient outcomes using public health datasets. Throughout the program, you’ll gain experience with the tools and methods used by professional health economists and data scientists: statistical software, programming for data analysis, economic modeling techniques, and data visualization, to name a few. This practical approach means that upon graduation, you can step directly into roles where you make data-driven decisions on health policy, strategy, or innovation. Moreover, the international scope of HEBDA ensures you develop a broad perspective. You’ll study healthcare models from different countries and understand how digital health is adopted in various markets, preparing you to work wherever opportunities arise. The diverse cohort of Polish and international students also creates a rich learning environment – you’ll collaborate and network with peers who offer global insights and cultural perspectives. In an increasingly interconnected healthcare industry, this international outlook is a huge advantage. HEBDA’s value lies in producing graduates who are not only technically skilled but also globally aware, capable of leading in any health system.
For the patients struggling with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as their families and friends, the organization of everyday life activities can be challenging. Dementia Diary by Fashmel Applications offers an easy to use and modern way to support them. Find out more about its defining qualities by reading the review below.
Oluwadara Olatoke and Karolina Borys are students of the first year of Health Economics and Big Data Analytics at Kozminski University in Warsaw, Poland. With Oluwadara’s medical background and Karolina’s in economics, they tried to put their Health Technology Assessment skills into practice by writing a review of a useful mobile application for seniors.
🎓 Unique Values of the HEBDA Master’s Program
🌍 Global Perspective for a Global Challenge Designed for both Polish and international students, HEBDA reflects the international nature of today’s healthcare needs and digital health trends.
📊 Real-World, Data-Driven Learning Learn by doing: analyze real hospital cost data, evaluate the economics of aging, and build predictive models with live public health datasets.
🔬 Innovative, Patient-Centered Curriculum The program is structured around the needs of key healthcare stakeholders – patients, payers, providers, pharmaceutical and medical device industries – for a truly 360° perspective.
📈 Cutting-Edge Big Data & Predictive Modelling Focus on advanced data science applications in healthcare, including predictive analytics to support evidence-based decision-making in digital health.
🏆 Recognized and Award-Winning HEBDA was awarded the highest number of points in its category under the Operational Program Knowledge Education Development (Measure 3.1), confirming its academic and practical excellence.
👥 Strong Industry & Academic Partnerships The first edition brought together 30 students and 12 strategic partners, including organizations from healthcare, pharma, and tech sectors, creating direct pathways to internships and employment.
Meet the partners of the program's first edition
During the establishment of the program, the following partners were included as part of its corporate and public advisory board, so students can be sure that the courses and curriculum prepared meet national and global standards.
Strategic partner of the program:
Substantive Public Partners of the program:
Declared partners of the program:
See what we have done with our partners so far:
🎓 Who is this program for?
- You hold a bachelor’s degree and are passionate about data science and its impact on healthcare
- You’re comfortable with mathematics and statistics
- You’re curious about economics, especially in the context of health
- You want to apply big data to solve real-world problems in healthcare systems
💡 What will you gain?
- Core knowledge of health economics and data science
- Practical experience in predictive modelling, decision algorithms, and big data analysis
- Tools to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and value of health technologies
- Skills to interpret healthcare regulations and assess innovation profitability
- Insights into how health policies impact systems at national and international levels
- Ability to analyze data across pharma, medical devices, digital health, and insurance sectors
🚀 Career Opportunities
- Health Economics Advisor
- Health Data Scientist
- Market Access Manager
- Health Outcomes or Clinical Consultant
- Health Economics & Value Strategy Specialist
🌟 Ready to Lead in Digital Health?
- Join HEBDA and turn your ambition into real-world impact. This unique master’s program equips you with 21st-century skills in health economics and big data analytics – exactly what the future of healthcare demands.
- Learn from top experts, work on real-life projects, and graduate with a degree that sets you apart in a growing global field.
- 🚨 Limited spots available – the program launches with a minimum of 17 students, so secure yours early!
- 👤 Get to know the program leader and see how HEBDA can accelerate your career in digital health.
- Your future starts now. Be part of the change.
Study Resources
Students have access to multiple study resources allowing them to collect all the necessary information for solving practical business problems as well as to dwell into academic science:
- Real world data containing healthcare resources consumption
- statistical and analytical software, as well as interpreted programming language, necessary to create, manage and integrate databases and perform statistical analysis.
- KU library resources, including access to the international scientific journal "Value in Health".
- Anonymized Real World Evidence data on large scale populations informing about patient pathways and treatment patterns (IQVIA databases)
Selected Courses
COURSES ON THE HEBDA MAJOR
- Health Economics
- Introduction to Health Tecgnology Assessment
- Models of Healthcare Financing
- Methodology of Economic Modelling in Healthcare
- Big Data in Health Economics
- Advanced Statistical Methods for Real World Data Analysis
Class Schedule
- Full-time programs
Classes take place from Monday to Friday in the morning and in the afternoon.