Congratulations to Michele on his PhD defence and TV appearance

Michele defends PhD on health impact of heated tobacco products and is featured on the Dutch TV show Kassa

On December 16th 2025, Michele Davigo sucessfully defended his thesis entitled “Heated Tobocco Products: A Reduced-Risk Revolution or a New Public Health Threat?”

His thesis investigates the acute cardiovascular and pulmonary effects of using IQOS, a heated tobacco product, compared with conventional cigarettes and non-smoking. Through human exposure studies, puffing analysis, and cellular experiments, the work shows that IQOS use raises heart rate, delivers harmful chemicals, and affects bronchial and alveolar cells. The results emphasize the need for independent research on HTP risks and support stricter regulation and public awareness of their potential harms.

In addition to defending his thesis, Michele and his research were featured on Dutch national television programma Kassa on February 7th, 2026. His supervisor Alex Remels shared the findings of the thesis. Rewatch the episode here.

Congratulations Michele!

The full thesis is available for download here, and the recording of the defence can be rewatched here.