Austrian Institute of Technology

EDYN N.O.

Strategic Design Scenario

We Do

Missions Publiques

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Instytut Filozofii i Socjologii Polskiej Akademii Nauk

European Partnership for Democracy

European University Institute

European Youth Forum

Make ORG

Austrian institute of technology

The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is Austria’s largest research and technology organization, with a focus on bridging between scientific research and technology utilization. Additionally, the AIT advises public authorities through comprehensive research on science and technology topics to support policy decisions. Through the Center for Innovation Systems and Policy, AIT coordinates and contributes regularly to large-scale foresight processes, studies, and evaluations in service of Austrian and European ambitions for just, digital, green transitions.

Michael J. Bernstein

Senior Scientist and Research Field Leader

Michael J. Bernstein is a senior scientist at the Austrian Institute of Technology, where he leads the strategic foresight team at the Center for Innovation Systems and Policy. He applies descriptive and participatory social science research methods to align innovation with long-term societal interests. He currently coordinates the YouthDecide 2040 project on visions of European democracy with and for future generations. Additionally, he serves as a co-PI in the RE4GREEN project on environmental and climate ethics in European research and innovation (R&I). He has worked extensively on supporting researchers and policy makers to anticipate, reflect on, and respond to social and ethical challenges associated with science and technology in democracies.

Susanne Giesecke

Senior Scientist

Susanne Giesecke is a senior scientist and project specialist for “Foresight” at the Austrian Institute of Technology’s Center for Innovation Systems and Policy. A political scientist by training, she presently works on qualitative innovation research and Grand Challenges, transformative technology policy, technology assessment, evaluation of R&D programmes as well as foresight. She has been engaged in several research projects and foresights as well as foresight networks, and future Research and Innovation Policies at EU and international level, always pursuing a participatory approach. Next to the “Eye of Europe” consortium she is also a member of the “Foresight on Demand” (FoD) consortium for the European Commission.

Masafumi Nishi

Junior Scientist

Masafumi Nishi (male) is a junior scientist at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Center for Innovation Systems and Policy. He holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology from Central European University. Masafumi is currently working on a master’s thesis about nuclear fusion development in a Master’s program of Science and Technology Studies at the University of Vienna. His research interests lie in energy, sustainability, and artificial intelligence. In the research field “Societal Future” at AIT, he has been engaged in various foresight/technology ethics projects such as FWC Foresight on Demand in Science, Technology, Research and Innovation Policy (FOD) and TechEthos project.

Renata Mandzhieva

Junior Scientist

Renata Mandzhieva is a junior scientist in the research field of Societal Futures at AIT Austrian Institute of Technology. She draws on foresight and Science and Technology Studies (STS) to understand how we perceive and relate to our futures, be it cities, creative economies, or visions of democracy in Europe. She is currently a co-project manager of YouthDecide 2040 on visions of European democracy with and for future generations. Her other projects include “Ethics for Technologies with High Socio-Economic Impact — TechEthos”, “Eye of Europe – The Research and Innovation foresight community”, “Future Infectious Disease Threats to Europe: A Foresight Approach”, “FWC Foresight on Demand in Science, Technology, Research and Innovation Policy (FOD)”, “Building Capacities for the Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission (CapaCITIES)”.

EDYN (European Democracy Youth Network)

Founded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Democracy Youth Network (EDYN) is a network of 23 country chapters across Central and Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and the South Caucasus. Each EDYN country chapter is cross-partisan and made up of young pro-democracy politicians, activists, lawyers, (social) entrepreneurs, and journalists. These young individuals, aged between 18 and 32 and referred to as ‘EDYN members’, represent diverse identities. They belong to all political factions; share different ethnic, gender and religious identities; have different sexual orientations; represent the Roma community; and include persons with disabilities. From our headquarters in Bratislava, Slovakia, we manage our 820+ members and 75+ alumni, cooperating with them to promote young people’s participation in civil society and defend democracy against growing authoritarianism and polarization which threaten Europe’s civic spaces, democracy, and security. We do so by supporting our young leaders through capacity-building trainings, workshops, study visits, financial support for their local activities, advocacy campaigns, and access to networking opportunities. Depending on our members’ needs and chapters’ priorities, our activities address issues such as political polarization, hate speech and extremism, women’s political participation and empowerment, low youth voter turnout, conflict resolution, disinformation, EU enlargement and integration, the brain drain and career training.

Carlotta Serioli

Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy

Based in Bratislava, Slovakia but originally from Milan, Italy, Carlotta leads EDYN’s fundraising and outreach efforts. She is in charge of developing, maintaining and expanding the network’s partnerships with a range of institutions, think tanks, foundations, NGOs and universities across Europe, the US, and the UK. She monitors political developments and key trends in the region that inform EDYN’s programmatic portfolio, advocacy priorities and fundraising efforts. She also advises the Executive Director on EDYN’s three-year fundraising strategy, annual programmatic activities, and long-term vision and mission. Carlotta has a background in policy advocacy and project management at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); political research and communications at Italy’s leading think tank (the Institute for International Political Studies); and strategic consulting for Europe’s largest investment banks. Carlotta holds a B.A. in Politics and International Relations from the University of Manchester and a M.Sc. in International Political Security from University College London. She is fluent in English, Italian, French and Spanish.

Strategic Design Scenarios

Strategic Design Scenarios [SDS] is a design lab, based in Brussels [Belgium] created in 2003 by the designer François Jégou. SDS is working on public and social innovation by design with all levels of governance (cities, regions, ministries, EU Commission). SDS is also doing research through EU or national or regional research projets on sustainable ways of living and democracy. SDS is also conducting foresight activities aiming at exploring the future and co-creating, together with citizens, desirable visions. Even though our lab is based in Brussels, Belgium, our team is working all over Europe and sometimes even beyond. Finally, SDS is training civil servants and elected officials on design for policy as well as user-centered and participatory co-creation approaches.

Christophe Gouache

Designer & researcher

Designer & researcher at Strategic Design Scenarios since 2012, Christophe studied industrial product design and responsible innovation and received his Master from The École de Design Nantes Atlantique, Nantes, France. His focus is on sustainable and social innovation, collaborative and participative scenario building, participatory foresight (prospective scenarios of future sustainable ways of living) and service design. He is working on various projects of public policy design and public innovation with regional authorities and ministries, as well as action-research projects at EU level (H2020). Christophe gives trainings at the National Institute for Territorial Studies (INET) (Strasbourg, France) and teaches “Public design and innovation” at Sciences Po (Lille, France). He is also Lead Expert of URBACT networks of European cities (Active Citizens on participatory democracy and citizen participation) and now currently Breaking Isolation (fighting against social isolation). He is also, occasionally, giving trainings for the account of the European Institute of Public Administration.

François Jégou

Administrator

Designer by training and founder of the Brussels-based design lab Strategic Design Scenarios, François has 30 years’ experience in research, consulting and training on strategic design, participative scenario building and development of new product-services-policy system. He is professor of strategic design at La Cambre, Brussels, trainer for civil servants at INET, Strasbourg and co-founder of DESIS network of design for social innovation and sustainability. As expert for URBACT and EUI, he is supporting transfer of practices between European cities in sustainable food transition, urban regeneration or social cohesion. François has a large experience as researcher on transition processes, citizen participation and foresight as partner of various FP5, FP6 and H2020 exploring sustainable lifestyles, energy transition, future of innovation or adoption of Responsible Research and Innovation. His last publication: “Reinventing Participatory Democracy?” is the result of a capitalisation and foresight on 25 years of participation in the city of Ghent.

WeDo Project Intelligence made easy

WeDo specializes in the management of complex, distributed international research and innovation projects. Based in Barcelona, the company works with the public and private sectors, applying a strategic, holistic lean project management approach to creating effective collaborative frameworks for results-driven decision-making. Its multi-disciplinary team of skilled professionals has broad experience in international collaborative projects and EC-funded initiatives since FP6 (ICT, health, environment, NMP, IMI-JU, SSH, SWAFs).

Mario Magaña

Communication officer

Mario Magaña is an expert in project communications, graphic design, and visual thinking. With a Bachelor’s in Art (2004), and Master’s degree in Corporate Communication (2020), and director of communications at WeDo, MM contributes more than 15 years of experience in visual communication and design. He developed communication plans and tools for 14 research projects, including FP6, FP7, and H2020, where he applied his experience in project branding and editing, communication tools and actions, social media management, and outreach material.

Ángel Honrado

IP - WP Lead

Since 2004 Ángel Honrado has worked as a Project Manager in the planning, management, and implementation of collaborative and multidisciplinary research projects, ?with total funding of ~ €95M. He has been directly involved in the preparation and management of more than 80 R&I proposals presented to the EC. He has also worked in the development and implementation of communication and outreach strategies (including the organization of workshops and international conferences). Co-founder and Public Funding Manager of FreeOx Biotech S.L., a start-up developing a neuroprotective treatment that prevents damage caused by reperfusion after stroke, based on the results of clinical research.

Olaya Moena Latasa

Content Creator

Olaya is a Science Communicator with experience in health sciences, social studies, and epidemiology. She has worked on research projects related to the health needs of migrant populations, disability and community inclusion, cancer, knowledge valorisation, and climate change, among others. Her areas of interest and expertise focus on social participation and citizen science, as well as the development of museum and audiovisual narratives with an inclusive approach.

JORGE GUTIERREZ

Content Creator

Jorge is a multidisciplinary cultural communicator and content creator with a strong background in graphic design, digital storytelling, and cultural management. He has collaborated with museums, public institutions, and architectural studios on participatory projects related to heritage rehabilitation and cultural outreach. His experience bridges both the creative and strategic dimensions of content creation—from ideation and visual design to communication planning and audience engagement. Passionate about inclusive narratives and public participation, Jorge connects culture, heritage, and community through powerful, purpose-driven storytelling.

Missions Publiques

Missions Publiques is an independent agency that supports public and private stakeholders in addressing complex situations and making sound decisions. We specialize in the design and implementation of collective intelligence processes.​ Our team is based in Paris, Brussels, and Bonn. Since 1998, we have initiated or organized, together with our partners, over 1,500 dialogues in 125 countries. Missions Publiques works to foster a permademocracy: a vibrant and sustainable democracy where the perspectives of individuals, elected officials, economic actors, civil society, and the scientific community interact. This diversity of voices enhances and balances decisions, ensuring they benefit society as a whole, all living beings, and the seventh generation to come.

Jeanne Perreul

Participatory project officer

Jeanne Perreul is a consultant specializing in participatory project management and citizen engagement. Drawing on her background in political science, she has gained valuable experience contributing to initiatives that foster dialogue and co-create public policies. As part of the team for the European Horizon project “YouthDecide 2040,” she helps implement deliberative workshops aimed at exploring future democratic scenarios. Jeanne has worked with various organizations, including the European Commission and NGOs, supporting citizen panels on topics such as energy efficiency, social cohesion, and climate change. She has also been involved in designing and facilitating participatory processes in areas like urban planning and cultural policy. Her approach emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, striving to create welcoming spaces for dialogue. Jeanne is committed to contributing to meaningful and collaborative projects that empower communities to engage actively in shaping the decisions that impact their lives.

Kevin Haddad

Director of European Projects

Kévin Haddad is the Director of European Projects at Missions Publiques, an agency which helps public and private players resolve complex situations and make the right decisions. With over fifteen years of experience, he has contributed to numerous large-scale EU-funded projects, notably in the fields of youth, training, education, physical activity, and citizen participation. With an academic background in Political Science, Kévin previously held key roles as Projects and Programmes Manager in several Brussels-based European membership organisations: the European Vocational Training Association, EuropeActive, and the European Peer Training Organisation, where he developed strong training and facilitation skills in the field of diversity and inclusion and a hands-on project management experience. Throughout his career, Kévin has focused on fostering inclusive processes and building meaningful partnerships. His work reflects a strong belief in the power of dialogue and cooperation to address shared challenges and create impactful solutions.

Fraunhofer ISI - Institute for Systems and Innovation Research

The Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI carries out research for practical applications in nine departments and aims to be an independent thought leader supporting society, politics and business. With our research-based foresight methods, The ISI Foresight department facilitate navigation through the complexities of uncertain future developments, question biases in future thinking, initiate learning processes, and open up new possibilities within robust future strategies..

Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the Polish Academy of Sciences

IFIS is one of the research centers of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The Institute’s primary objective is to carry out advanced research in philosophy and sociology as well as in cognitive and communication fields. The Scientific Council of the Institute is authorized to confer PhD and habilitation degrees in the sociology field. It can also initiate the review process for awarding the title of professor. Apart from its research activity, the Institute is engaged in education, publishing, and popular outreach activities such as Science Festivals for the wider public. The Institute is involved in multiple international programs and projects. The international dimension of its work is essential. IFiS PAN has significant experience in managing national, European, and international research projects. Since early 1990, it has been involved in over 200 projects spanning all thematic areas in social sciences and humanities and horizontal activities.

Piotr Zagórski

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Piotr Zagórski is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Previously, he held academic and research positions at the SWPS University in Warsaw and the Autonomous University of Madrid, where he obtained his PhD in Political Science in 2021. Recently, he has been a Visiting Scholar at the Institute of Slavic, East European, and Euroasian Studies at UC Berkeley. He has published in journals such as Political Behavior, West European Politics, European Union Politics and Government and Opposition. He participated in three Horizon (2020) Europe projects as well as several regional and national research projects.

Dr. Edit Zgut-Przybylska

Assistant Professor (European Studies Unit, IFIS PAN)

Dr. Edit Zgut-Przybylska is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology (IFIS) in the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) and a Research Affiliate at CEU Democracy Institute. Her research interest covers informality and populism in the context of democratic backsliding and the constraining role of the European Union. Edit conducts policy analysis about Russian and Chinese influence, including disinformation. She is also a visiting lecturer at the Foreign Service Institute of the US State Department. Synthetic versions of her work are available on POLITICO EUROPE, Foreign Policy and Visegrad Insight. Edit held a re:constitution fellowship 2022/2023, a Rethink.CEE fellowship at the German Marshall Fund of the United States and a Visegrad Insight Fellowship. She previously worked at Political Capital Research Institute and prior to that, she was a journalist at various media outlets in Hungary.

EDYN (European Democracy Youth Network)

The European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) is a network with a global remit to support democracy. In 2008, several organisations came together to create EPD as a partnership to reinforce European democracy support by building a community that advocates and acts for democratic values around the world. EPD works inside and outside Europe because we recognise that democracy is a universal aspiration and that the contemporary challenges and opportunities for democracy are global in scope.

Ana Mosiashvili

Research and Programme Officer

Ana Mosiashvili is a Research and Programme Officer at the European Partnership for Democracy. Ana holds a Master’s degree in International Human Rights Law and has hands-on experience in project management, research and advocacy in the fields of meaningful youth participation, youth work, social justice, gender mainstreaming and intersectionality. Ana has worked with several national and international organisations, including Y-PEER Network, Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN), European Confederation of Youth Clubs (ECYC), as well as an expert for UNESCO, UNFPA and PMNCH.

European University Institute

The European University Institute (EUI), located in Florence, Italy, is Europe’s postgraduate and postdoctoral research university dedicated to the social sciences and humanities. Established in 1972 by the European Union’s founding member states, the EUI is an intergovernmental organisation providing advanced academic training and cutting-edge research opportunities in the fields of economics, history, law, political and social sciences, and beyond.

Jonathan Moskovic

Democratic innovation advisor

Jonathan Moskovic is a specialist in democratic innovation with extensive experience in citizen participation and deliberative democracy. Passionate about fostering more inclusive and participatory political systems, he has worked on designing and implementing citizen assemblies that empower people in decision-making. He has collaborated with public institutions, think tanks, and civil society organizations to develop cutting-edge democratic practices, ensuring that deliberative processes are transparent, inclusive, fair, and impactful Currently, Jonathan is leading efforts to renew the Socialist Party in Belgium, integrating deliberative and participatory mechanisms to shape its future. He is also the founder of What About Dem, a platform dedicated to strengthening democratic practices through citizen-led initiatives.

European Youth Forum

The European Youth Forum is the biggest platform of youth organisations in Europe, representing over 100 youth organisations, which bring together tens of millions of young people from all over Europe. The European Youth Forum works to empower young people to participate actively in society to improve their own lives and advocates for their rights. The Youth Forum promotes youth participation, making young people catalysts for positive change and contributors of innovative solutions to Europe’s challenges.

Anna-Kate Blackwell

Acting Director of Policy and Advocacy

Anna has worked at the European Youth Forum since Summer 2021, leading the organisation’s engagement with the EU institutions and providing the secretariat function to the European Youth Forum President Silja Markuula’s Chairing of the Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Working Group of the Conference on the Future of Europe plenary. Prior to this, she worked for 8 years in the UK civil service – with roles in London and Brussels focused on national, EU and international youth policy, including as youth, culture and health attaché at the UK Representation to the EU.

Make ORG

MAKE.ORG is a European, non-partisan civic tech organisation committed to strengthening democracies through innovative technologies and participatory methodologies. By collecting citizen proposals, running awareness campaigns, and fostering public engagement, MAKE.ORG transforms ideas into concrete actions. The organisation aims to generate meaningful, visible impact at national and local levels, contributing to the development of a more inclusive and responsive society.

Hendrik Nahr

Head of European Affairs

Hendrik Nahr serves as the Head of European Affairs at Make.org, where he represents the organisation at the EU level, engaging with institutions, civil society, foundations, think tanks, and the private sector. With expertise in public affairs, political communication, project management and network building, Hendrik advocates for Make.org’s initiatives and leads EU project development. Hendrik holds a Postgraduate degree in AI for the Common Good from FARI Brussels, a Master’s in European Governance from the College of Europe, a Master’s in European Affairs from the University of Maastricht, and a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences from the University of Düsseldorf. His professional background includes roles at the European Parliament, Spotify, and the European Citizen Action Service.

Maria Tazi

International Project Manager

Maria Tazi oversees European and international projects and leads the international business development of Make.org.