Meet the team

Our team brings together the established EU researcher diasporas in the UK, uniting thousands of scientists, innovators, and community leaders with a shared commitment to strengthening Europe–UK research ecosystems. Together, we combine deep policy expertise, hands‑on research experience, and a strong record of public engagement to advocate for EU researchers, build international collaborations, and inspire the next generation through science outreach.

Working as a consortium, we leverage our diverse backgrounds and strong partnerships to create meaningful impact for researchers, communities, and future talent across the UK and Europe.

Our members volunteer their time and expertise within their diaspora associations while balancing demanding professional roles in research, academia, and industry.

Action Coordination Board (ACB)

The Action Coordination Board oversees the strategic direction, governance, and decision‑making of CONNECTS‑UK. It ensures the action progresses effectively and responsibly by setting objectives, monitoring delivery, managing risks, and approving key financial and personnel decisions.

Chairing

Javier Pardo Diaz (co-chair)
Parliamentary Affairs Manager
UKRI

Sara Alvira de Celis (co-chair)
Project and Partnerships Manager
University of Bristol

Secretariat

Anna Fumarola
Project Manager

Virginia Amigo Dotras
Research & Policy Analyst

Hugo Coria
Events & Communication Officer

Associations

Carla Molteni
Professor of Physics
King’s College London

Elisa Cavatorta
Reader in Economics
King’s College London

Paolo Radaelli
Professor of Physics
University of Oxford

Nathalie Van Meurs
Senior Lecturer Business & Management
Middlesex University

Niek Buurma
Senior Lecturer Physical Organic Chemistry
Cardiff University

Joanna Moscoso
Co-founder and executive director
Native Scientists

Rita Trindade
Project & communication coordinator
Native Scientist

Catarina M. Liberato
Postdoctoral Researcher
Conflict Analysis Research Centre

Elisa Couto Clemente
Finances & Operations Manager
Imperial College London

Inês Chico Viva
Science Diplomacy Advisor
PARSUK

Ala Santos
Managing Director
Artificial Intelligence Materials Institute

Agata Nyga
CEO & Founder
SynLaia Innovations

Aleksandra Krzywanska
PhD student
University College London

Observers

Observers support the CONNECTS‑UK Action Coordination Board by contributing expertise, insight, and advice during project discussions and represent partner organisations ensuring wider perspectives are considered.