OTTERS Conference: Waves of Change

Dr Garabet Kazanjian is an assistant professor at the American University of Armenia and a senior researcher at the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment. He holds a MSc in Marine Ecology and a PhD in Limnology from Humboldt University of Berlin. Dr Kazanjian has extensive experience in interdisciplinary aquatic research having previously worked at the Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), as well as in environmental advocacy as a Greenpeace Oceans Campaigner. Currently, Kazanjian is coordinating the Horizon Europe OTTERS project as well as leading the development of The Iliad Policy Impact Facility and The Iliad Academy within the Horizon 2020 Iliad Digital Twin of the Ocean project.

Bruna Gumiero is a river ecologist (PhD) with over 35 years of experience in research, teaching, and science communication. She has taught at the University of Bologna since 1996 and co-founded CIRF in 1999. Her research focuses on macroinvertebrates, riparian buffers, and river restoration. She from 2016 to today leads Citizen Science projects at local, national, and EU levels. Bruna is a co-founder of Citizen Science Italia and has authored around 80 scientific publications.

Priscila Doran is the Vice-President of the Executive Council of NUCLIO. She has a post-graduation in Psychology of Education, a MSc degree in Human Biology and Environment and a degree in Biology. She is an accredited teacher trainer in Portugal in the areas of Psychology of Education, Biology and Natural Sciences. Her work focuses on several areas such as citizen science in education, Maker education, Student-centred approaches, Universal Design for Learning, among others.

Laura is a Project Manager at 21c Consultancy, with a strong track record in EU-funded innovation. She has led and been involved in over 70 bid preparations across Horizon Europe, H2020, FP7, FP6, Erasmus+, and Interreg. An engineer with sharp analytical and organizational skills, she streamlines processes, resolves challenges, and drives impactful collaboration. Passionate about communication, she crafts compelling materials and organizes high-impact events that foster engagement. Holding an MSc from Carnegie Mellon and a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Oradea, she brings strategic vision to every project.

Cristina Luís, PhD in Biology, is head of the communication office at CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, is member of cE3c and CIUHCT, and a lecturer at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon. Conducts research in science communication, citizen science, history of science and history of horse domestication and lectures in science communication. Has been involved in numerous projects and initiatives of public engagement with science, including the co-curatorship of several exhibitions. More recently has been involved and coordinated many citizen science projects and initiatives. Is a founding member and president of the Portuguese Citizen Science Network and coordinates a research project on the history of Portuguese amateur women in science. Has been part of various EU funded and national projects and an evaluator for several international funding agencies. Her publication record includes numerous research and science dissemination materials. 

Maria João Ferreira holds a degree in Social Communication and postgraduate qualifications in Communication Law, Political Science and International Relations, and Middle Management in Public Administration, with advanced training in the Management of Social Organisations. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience in communication within local administration, the third sector, and central administration entities. Since September 2023, she has been leading the Strategic Communication Unit at the Directorate-General for Maritime Policy and coordinating the Ocean Literacy programme, Escola Azul. Passionate about environmental and social causes, she advocates for cooperation and the promotion of synergies to address current challenges and foster a more sustainable future.

Carolina Doran, PhD in Behavioral Ecology, is a Project Officer and Scientific Coordinator at the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA). With a strong background in animal collective behavior, her research has focused on understanding group dynamics in ecological systems. Now driven by a firm belief that science literacy is fundamental to a mature and inclusive society, she works at the intersection of research and public engagement, striving to remove barriers to knowledge sharing. Her current efforts are dedicated to opening up science to diverse audiences, developing inclusive communication strategies, and tailoring knowledge exchange to various target groups irrespective of background, education, or social standing. Carolina has plays a central role in the coordination of the European Citizen Science Project and has been involved in several European initiatives aimed at enhancing public participation in science. She continues to bridge scientific research with citizen engagement, contributing both to scientific knowledge and to the democratization of science.