Dr. Susanne Hecker
Chairwoman European Citizen Science Association | Museum für Naturkunde Berlin
Dr. Susanne Hecker is the current chairwoman of the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA). She is Head of the Science Programme Society & Nature at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Germany.
With a background in interdisciplinary communication science, her research focuses on citizen science at the intersection of science, society, and policy, with a particular interest in the role of communication in participatory research.
Susanne Hecker is actively involved in shaping the international citizen science landscape and regularly advises on strategic initiatives in science engagement and policy. Among others, she contributed to Germany’s White Paper Citizen Science Strategy 2030, served as an expert for the OECD report ‘Embedding citizen science into research policy’, and is member of the steering committee of #FactoryWisskomm, a national initiative on science communication launched by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
She is a founding member and former Vice-Chair of the German-speaking Society for Transdisciplinary and Participatory Research (GTPF).
In recognition of her contribution to advancing citizen science internationally, she was recently shortlisted for the first PCST Prize by the global network for public communication of science and technology.
With a background in interdisciplinary communication science, her research focuses on citizen science at the intersection of science, society, and policy, with a particular interest in the role of communication in participatory research.
Susanne Hecker is actively involved in shaping the international citizen science landscape and regularly advises on strategic initiatives in science engagement and policy. Among others, she contributed to Germany’s White Paper Citizen Science Strategy 2030, served as an expert for the OECD report ‘Embedding citizen science into research policy’, and is member of the steering committee of #FactoryWisskomm, a national initiative on science communication launched by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
She is a founding member and former Vice-Chair of the German-speaking Society for Transdisciplinary and Participatory Research (GTPF).
In recognition of her contribution to advancing citizen science internationally, she was recently shortlisted for the first PCST Prize by the global network for public communication of science and technology.
Dr Amanda Caples
Lead Scientist, Victoria
Dr Amanda Caples is Victoria’s Lead Scientist, a role that aligns and connects Victoria’s science, technology and innovation capability with business needs and with government’s economic development activities.
Amanda is Chair of mRNA Victoria’s Scientific Advisory Group; Chair of the Victorian Quantum Technology Network; and a non-executive Director of Agriculture Victoria Services Pty Ltd.
Amanda has led the development of industry and science and innovation policy in Victoria since joining the Victorian Public Service in 2002 as the inaugural Director of Biotechnology. During this time, she has delivered major policy reforms, a range of programs and global partnerships, and landmark initiatives including the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
Amanda is experienced in clinical trials, regulatory affairs, business development and licensing through prior roles with international pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Amanda is Chair of mRNA Victoria’s Scientific Advisory Group; Chair of the Victorian Quantum Technology Network; and a non-executive Director of Agriculture Victoria Services Pty Ltd.
Amanda has led the development of industry and science and innovation policy in Victoria since joining the Victorian Public Service in 2002 as the inaugural Director of Biotechnology. During this time, she has delivered major policy reforms, a range of programs and global partnerships, and landmark initiatives including the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
Amanda is experienced in clinical trials, regulatory affairs, business development and licensing through prior roles with international pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.