Meet the 2018 EU-Australia Emerging Leaders The 2018 EU-Australia Emerging Leaders Forum is taking place from 18-22 November in Brussels, Belgium. Fifty young leaders from Europe and Australia, aged 35 years and under, have undergone a rigorous selection process to participate in the prestigious program.

The Emerging Leaders Forum supports young and energetic professionals, politicians, academics and policy makers from both Australia and Europe to engage in discussions around the future of the EU-Australia relationship. It is our great pleasure to introduce you to the EU-Australia emerging leaders of 2018.

MR ANDREW ANTENUCCI

Andrew is a communications, policy and strategy professional with a passion for international development cooperation. Having an academic background in international relations and marketing, Andrew has worked across Europe, Australia, Asia and the Pacific in government, not-for-profit and tertiary education organisations.

In addition, Andrew has extensive experience in civil society, and has advocated for such causes as inclusive multiculturalism, youth representation and sport for development. Andrew thrives in cross-cultural contexts and relishes the chance to build international relationships.

“The historical and contemporary relationship between the EU and Australia is one that I am very passionate about. I hope to assist in strengthening this relationship by exploring areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration, building from my own bicultural background and

professional experience.”

MS JANE ASLANIDIS

Jane is an innovative and entrepreneurial adviser with over eight years of experience; currently a consultant at the United Nations World Food Programme, contributing to global security and economic development policy. Given her previous background in strategy, facilitation and complex negotiations, she has a niche in advising organisations on issues relating to macroeconomics, geopolitics, technology and innovation. Jane has sat on a number of boards in Australia’s not-for-profit sector and uses this experience when advising clients. Jane started her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia and holds a masters from the University of New South Wales.

“My motivation is to contribute, learn, give feedback and maintain the EU-Australia relationship, striving for esprit de corps.”

MS KATHLEEN BEREZAY

Kathleen Berezay holds a master’s degree in European Policies and Programs from Aix-Marseille University. She has over five years of experience working across a variety of roles in international higher education and international affairs in Belgium, France and Australia.

Kathleen is also actively involved in a not-for-profit organisation in Sydney as a Board Member as well in young professional women networks in Australia and internationally. Working in Australia and having a European background, Kathleen is passionate about the EU-Australia relationship.

“Being part of the Forum is a great opportunity for me to engage in discussions around the future of the EU-Australia relationship, provide input and ideas to

diversify and intensify the relationship in key areas in collaboration with peers from a range of sectors from both Australia and the EU.”

MR NATANAEL BLOCH

Natanael Bloch is a strategic communication professional with ten years of experience in PR, public affairs, stakeholder engagement and crisis communication. He has worked in corporate senior consultant positions in France and Australia.

Natanael has also worked in political advisory and communication roles for both French and Australian Federal Government. Natanael is an occasional contributor for French and Australian media.

“I consider this participation to the 2018 EU-Australia Emerging Leaders Forum will give me the opportunity to be an ambassador for both Australia and European Union. My intention is to create and share with different stakeholders a better

mutual understanding of the EU-Australia relationship.”

MR CRISTIAN BOTAN

Cristian is a young professional passionate about government, diplomacy and international relations and an open government activist, advocating for innovation and new technologies to enhance government performance. In 2012, his web platform that digitalized civil service recruitment went public and he was therefore invited to join the Government of Romania as an Advisor in the Prime Minister’s Chancery, working on digital government tools and innovation, a position that he has held for the following five years, subsequently under two other heads of government. He’s currently the President of the Coalition for Digital Economy, a non-profit promoting digital innovation and its positive impact on Romania.

“I see this as a unique opportunity to connect to bright individuals and debate the current and future challenges in international relations.”

MR DAN BOURCHIER

Dan Bourchier is a multi-award-winning journalist with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). He’s a broadcaster and hosts Breakfast on ABC Radio Canberra, and anchors ABC Canberra’s 7pm news. He has reported across the country and around the world for 20 years.

Dan grew up in the remote Northern Territory town of Tennant Creek, where he was mentored by regional elders, while coming to understand his own Indigenous heritage from his mum’s family. Dan is driven by giving voice to the voiceless, holding to account those in positions of power, and telling really great stories.

“At the core of my interest is listening and learning, to greater inform my understanding and views of Europe, and where Australia fits in that picture.”

MS AROSHA BROUWER

I am currently engaged in projects and research relating to both incremental and disruptive innovation, new business models and what needs to change in the modus operandi of traditional organisations. The majority of my work involves digitalization and scaling up innovation within international matrix organizations.

I take a practical and hands on approach to understand organisational behaviour and develop structures and principles to improve collaboration and cross-functional team performance.

“I am interested to discuss policies, strategic partnerships and networks which can lead to better organisations.”

DR RYAN BURROWS

Dr Ryan Burrows is an ecosystem ecologist and completed his PhD at the University of Tasmania. He worked for several years at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Umeå investigating climate change and forest management impacts on boreal and Arctic freshwater ecosystems. Ryan is currently a research fellow at the Australian Rivers Institute where his research addresses issues related to the impacts of groundwater extraction, land management and climate variability on freshwater ecosystems and the Great Barrier Reef. His experience in the public and private sectors has directly influenced government policy and industry practices.

“I am personally motivated to ensure that greater political and economic ties between the EU and Australia have a positive impact on our aquatic ecosystems and resources.”

MS PARIS COWAN

Paris has been watching the evolution of technology and digital government since 2010, firstly as a Journalist for outlets like iTnews and Intermedium, and since 2017 as a policy adviser at the federal government's Digital Transformation Agency. In this time, public and industry alike have shifted their attitudes towards privacy, data use and information security. Paris is interested in ways to achieve responsive, responsible, and seamless digital government, while navigating matters of trust, ethics and accountability in new and sometimes murky digital spaces.

“EU Member States are recognised as world leaders in digital government. The Emerging Leaders forum is a great opportunity for peers to engage in a dialogue about common

challenges and new solutions in this evolving policy space, particularly as Europe embarks the implementation of GDPR.”

DR MORENO DI MARCO

I am a conservation biologist with a strong interest in addressing the challenges that global change poses to biodiversity. I am passionate about the inter-connection between biodiversity conservation and other societal goals, such as climate change mitigation and food production. My research is linked to the objectives of international policy agreements, especially the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development. I am based at CSIRO (Australia) and have two adjunct roles as Fellow of the University of Queensland and Editor of the journal Conservation Biology. I am about to start a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship at Sapienza University of Rome (Italy).

“My aim is to strengthen collaborations between Australian and European institutions to address the environmental challenges that human societies face.”

MR MARK FITTOCK

My name is Mark Fittock and I'm an Australian space engineer who moved to Europe in 2009 to pursue my passion for space. I began at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) running a programme to launch student experiments on rockets and balloons. I also developed and built DLR’s HP3 experiment for NASA’s Insight mission, a digging probe that will land on Mars at the end of November this year. I'm currently working at OHB in Bremen as Project Manager and System Engineer on future Exploration and Science Missions including ESA’s HERA mission that shall investigate the potential to impact asteroids.

“I’m highly motivated for the EU-Australia Emerging Leaders Forum due to the changing potential for collaboration, especially within the space community.”

MR MARTIN FOO

Martin is an Associate at S&P Global Ratings in Melbourne, Australia. He is responsible for the credit ratings on a number of public entities across the Asia-Pacific, including governments, treasury corporations, universities, social housing providers, and municipal funding agencies. Before joining S&P, Martin worked as a researcher at the Australian Centre for Financial Studies (part of Monash Business School) and as an economist at the Australian Treasury, and spent 12 months on a foreign aid assignment in Mongolia. He has authored or co-authored public reports on a wide range of topics, including international trade, socially responsible investing, and financial technology.

“I hope this forum will allow emerging leaders to participate in and inform the debate on vital issues that affect all European and Australian citizens, like globalisation, migration, and

declining job security.”

MR STEVEN FRIGERIO

Steven Frigerio is a freelance consultant and founder of The Hive Effect, a consultancy focused on bridging stakeholders and bringing impactful innovations into new markets. He firmly believes in the power of collaboration, having worked in diverse sectors of tourism, technology, international development, renewable energy and climate change. Steven is a United World College alumnus and holds international experiences across Asia and Europe, having lived over 16 years in South East Asia and working with partners in countries such as Cambodia, China, Italy, Belgium and Malta. Steven holds an M.Sc in Innovation and Technology from the Bocconi University in Milan.

“The Emerging Leaders' Forum is an excellent opportunity to meet with like-minded individuals that believe in promoting core issues to social progress.”

MR SIGI GARTMANN

An experienced economist who brings a strong understanding of public policy and fiscal analysis, Sigi works at the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities leading a review of the performance measures for the infrastructure investment program.

Previously at the Australian Treasury Sigi has experience with migration, employment, disability, budget, international finance and development policy issues. A career highlight has been his participation in the Australian Election Observation team at the first democratic general elections in Tonga in 2010 and the Australian consultation team for the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

“As a young professional with a passion for globalisation, international relations, trade and policy I am highly motivated to create new networks and build my knowledge base.”

MR TIM GOULAIN

Tim Goulain is Director for Policy and Networks at the European Australian Business Council (EABC), based in Sydney, where he was appointed in 2016. Prior to joining the EABC, Tim worked in public affairs in Brussels and Paris, as a consultant representing European associations, corporate organisations, Government agencies and others, at both the EU and Member States levels. Tim also worked at the European Parliament, as a parliamentary assistant.

A French national, Tim holds a Masters degree in International and European Affairs from Sciences Po Bordeaux.

“The Forum is a unique opportunity to meet with people from all sectors and horizons, who share the common interest in bringing closer together two like-minded economies and

societies.”

MS SALLY GRAHAM

I am a career Army Officer who is interested in the fundamentals of international relations. I have served with the Australian Army in a number of locations over the world, including in Afghanistan and Timor Leste. I have a professional interest in female leadership and international support to developing nations. I have worked in a number of logistics positions in Army, with Australia's border protection headquarters and am currently responsible for helping the Australian Army to explore research into human performance, particularly complex decision making. I am married to a fellow serving officer and together we have two young children.

“I am keen to better understand the multi-faceted dynamics between nations and regions - be they economic, social or environmental. I also think it is important for others to better

understand the role and use of militaries.”

MS RACHELE GRASSI

Rachele Grassi is CEO and Secretary General of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Sydney.

Rachele has an extensive experience in fostering business, institutional networks and promoting Italian companies and bilateral trade abroad, having joined the team in Sydney in 2016 after having worked at the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Tokyo for five years.

Rachele is from Milan and is the first female Secretary General of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia.

“Australia is a player of growing importance for Europe and therefore joining the forum provides a meaningful platform for inputs and feedbacks.”

DR ERIC HSU

Dr Eric L. Hsu is a Lecturer in Sociology at the School of Creative Industries at the University of South Australia. He also currently serves as Co-Research Platform Leader on 'Migration, Mobilities, and Cultural Identities' at the Hawke EU Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence.

Dr Hsu’s work is mainly situated in the sociology of sleep, the sociology of time, and the social analysis of automation and robotics. In addition to co-editing The Consequences of Global Disasters (Routledge, 2016) with Anthony Elliott, he is editor of Sleep: Critical Concepts in Sociology (Routledge, 2017). Visit his website, www.ericlhsu.com, for more information.

“I am motivated to participate at the Emerging Leaders’ Forum because it will increase dialogue on the sociological research I have been undertaking on the social drivers and

impacts of high-speed technological changes.”

DR TAMARA INKSTER-DRAPER

I have enjoyed a varied career working on climate change action, biodiversity conservation, and science education across thought leadership institutions, federal government, and academic environments. I am committed to working to resolve the global challenges we collectively face and have a passion for driving action on climate change. Currently I work for the European Climate Foundation in the International Climate Politics Hub. In this role I help to coordinate the Hub’s global network to increase climate action and ambition by 2020. I'm an Australian currently living in Brussels, where my free-time is spent learning French and travelling around Europe.

“I am pleased to be participating in the Emerging Leaders Forum to join important debates on priority areas of EU-Australia relations, contribute my knowledge on sustainability and climate

change, and meet with other emerging leaders working in both Europe and Australia.”

MR URBAN JAKŠA

Urban Jakša is currently finishing his PhD in International Politics at the University of York. His research focuses on geopolitics and security in Eurasia, particularly on external relations of de facto states in post-Soviet space. Urban was formerly a Fulbright scholar at Columbia University and a visiting scholar at Higher School of Economics Moscow. Hie has worked for Caucasus Research Resource Centers, Transparency International, NATO, the Polish Institute for International Affairs (PISM) and the OSCE. Urban continues to lecture and publish widely and is involved in various civil society initiatives, including in the European-level discussions on the implementation of UNSCR 2250 (youth peace and security) with EEAS.

“I see the Forum as an environment for young leaders to meet, discuss, and establish contacts in view of future cooperation. For me, it is a perfect opportunity to advance my research

interest in ways EU and Australia could enhance their cooperation in areas of security and education.”

DR FATEMEH JALALI

Dr. Fatemeh Jalali is a research scientist specializing in distributed computing projects and IoT at IBM Research Australia, and is also an author of several technical papers and patents. Fatemeh is a strong advocate of diversity, equality and wellbeing within the workplace and is actively involved in encouraging and inspiring young women in the engineering and ICT space. Fatemeh was recently awarded as one of Australia's Most Innovative Engineers in 2018 by Engineer Australia, and was also selected by as one of the 200 Most Qualified Young Researchers by Heidelberg Laureate Forum 2017.

“I am motivated to attend the 2018 EU-Australia Emerging Leaders Forum to expand and deepen the existing connections between the Australia and Europe in these areas.”

MR WILLIAM BULLOCK JENKINS

Will is Erasmus Scholar in Global Economic History at Leipzig and LSE. He has variously taught Persian and Arabic at the Australian National University, worked at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (bilateral trade and productivity), the Australian Senate, and was inaugural Indo-Pacific Fellow for Young Australians in International Affairs. He led parts of Ernst & Young’s Iran and Arab markets commercial compliance section from Dubai. Having worked closely with decisive government, civic and commercial organisations in Australia and Europe, Will is dedicated to globally connecting Australia and Europe’s common social values through civil society and business diplomacy.

“The EU-Australia Leadership Forum’s substance, breadth and reach mean it can bring serious change. The EU and Australia share values but can learn much from each other.”

MS ELIZABETH KILLEN

Liz is a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge, and works for the UK Government Office for Science. Prior to moving to the UK, she worked as a Chemical Engineer within the Australian government's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Liz's PhD research focusses on factors that affect inequality in educational outcomes. To understand how these vary based on policy, her research will aim to compare Australia and the EU.

“I am lucky enough to be a dual citizen of Australia and the EU - and having worked and studied in both continents - I am keenly interested in our shared future.”

DR GEORGIOS KONSTANTINOU

Georgios Konstantinou is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW Sydney, Australia. His research and teaching focuses on the transformation of the electricity sector, particularly the impact of Power Electronics on Power Systems with the increased deployment of large and small-scale Distributed Energy Resources. He is also supported by the Australian Research Council through an Early Career Research Award (DECRA). Georgios has a bachelor of Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2007), a GradCert in University Learning and Teaching (2016) and a PhD in Power Engineering (2012) both from UNSW Sydney.

“Both Australia and the EU are at crossroads in their electricity sectors as a critical part of the transition towards a greener energy future. As an Australian and European citizen, I believe

that collaboration is imperative for success and I aim to contribute to this goal.”

MR MICHAEL KOSS

Michael is the CEO and a Co-Founder of Netik Quick Clinic, an Australian startup providing telemedicine services in Asia. He has been ranked in the 100 Most Impactful Healthcare Leaders in India in 2017 and 2018. Michael is the first and only foreigner to hold a leadership role in India’s peak healthcare body, NatHealth. He was also recognised as an emerging leader in Australia and ASEAN relationship by the DFAT in 2017 and is a 2018 Westerwelle Foundation Young Founder. Michael advises companies, State and Federal Governments on privacy policy and digitisation in healthcare as well as Asia business strategies.

“I am excited to meet with emerging leaders from Europe and Australia to discuss critical issues. That the program is woven into the Senior Leaders Forum makes this an outstanding

opportunity to be heard and generate policy impact.”

MS JULIA MITCHELL

Julia has a passion for space and is currently the SBAS Test-bed Program Manager at FrontierSI. In this role, Julia manages 27 projects in 10 industry sectors testing the SBAS technology. Julia has worked as a Spacecraft Systems Engineer on large communication satellite projects for the SES-16 and Jabiru-1 spacecraft for SES and NewSat respectively. In prior roles, she has worked for Qantas and Aerospace Concepts. Julia has completed a Master of Science in Astronautics and Space Engineering from Cranfield University and combined Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) with first class honours and a Bachelor of Science (Physics) from UNSW.

“I believe that Australia and Europe could strengthen existing ties and work on further space projects together. At this Forum, I would like to hear views about space, what it is, who

participates in space activities and why space is important to our regions.”

MR GORAN MLADENOVSKI

Experienced professional with a demonstrated multinational and multicultural history of working in the refractory, mining, cement, tourism and retail industry. Skilled in management, negotiations, sales and after sales services, logistics and marketing. Interested in further academic and professional improvement in order to be prepared for stronger future international business challenges. Since 2008, I work as GM of Nikex - a small private trading company from Macedonia, and as Sales Representative of Refratechnik Germany for Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro – one of the world’s leaders in production of refractory materials.

“I hope we will build a strong bond between ourselves, turn many ideas into successful projects and prepare ourselves for implementing the FTA in order to increase and develop the

mutual cooperation and communication between Australia and the EU.”

MS MERCEDES PAGE

Mercedes is the founder and CEO of Young Australians in International Affairs. She currently works in the Australian defence industry. She is a non-resident WSD-Handa Fellow and a member of the Young Leaders Program at the Pacific Forum, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). She sits on the Youth Working Group of the Global Diplomatic Forum. Mercedes was named one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence by the Australian Financial Review for 2018 and is recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Global Shaper. She holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the University of Adelaide.

“The EU and Australia share many values and interests that are increasingly coming under threat at a time when upholding them has never been so important.”

MS ALISON PRIOR

Alison is a water engineer with a background in economics, international development and environmental management. Alison recently founded a start-up using space technology for advancement in the water sector. She has worked for ESA Business Applications as a regional ambassador in the UK and as an expert scientific evaluator for the European Commission. Alison is working towards a PhD at Imperial College in London where she is using satellite data to couple the carbon and water cycles to enhance climate modelling. She co-founded the networks Women & Water and The Academic Woman to improve gender equality in these sectors.

“I would like to share my insight into the EU water and space sectors. I look forward to meeting others who are passionate about enhancing relations between Australia and the EU

and forging links for innovation and collaboration.”

MS SIMONA PRONCKUTĖ

Simona Pronckutė is a Programme Assistant for the European Politics and Institutions Programme of the European Policy Centre (EPC). Before joining the EPC, Simona worked at NATO and was previously a trainee at the Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture of the European Commission. She has also worked as an Electoral Analyst for VoteWatch Europe. Simona was an organiser of the first ever European Citizens' Initiative ‘Fraternité 2020’ and has written extensively on democracy and youth related issues. She acts as an external expert on the European Citizens' Initiative for EU institutions.

“I would like to learn more about the potential cooperation of civil society organisations and think tanks under the EU-Australia Framework Agreement as well as to explore about the

potential of EU-Australia collaboration among young professionals.”

MS CLODAGH QUAIN

Clodagh Quain is the Security and Defence Researcher at the Institute of International and European Affairs. Previously, she worked as an attaché for the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the OSCE in Vienna; prior to this she was a research assistant at the EU Institute for Security Studies in Paris and Brussels, and a trainee at the EU Delegation for the Pacific in Fiji.

Clodagh Quain was also a Pat Cox Fellow at the European Parliament. She holds an MA in European Political and Administrative Studies from the College of Europe, Bruges and a BA from University College Cork and Sciences Po, Paris.

“This forum presents a unique opportunity to participate in a public diplomacy initiative with a broader network, and discuss global challenges with a like-minded partner.”

MR CHRIS QUIRK

High Earth Orbit Robotics is developing a 6U CubeSat for operations above geosynchronous orbit. The satellite will be capable of intercepting other spacecraft, for inspection and damage control, and undertaking Space Situational Awareness monitoring in high earth orbit. Shortly after beginning operations the satellites will intercept and categorise near earth asteroids. Before joining HEO, Chris had a career in finance, including investment analysis of aerospace start-ups for the Space Angels investment network. He is also an aerospace and deep tech mentor for Australia’s start-up accelerator, Startmate. Chris has an MBA from the University of Oxford and a Master of Engineering from the University of Canterbury.

“I am passionate about the new space industry in Australia and believe fostering cooperation with European space organisations will be critical to the advancement of

Australian space capability and the global space industry as a whole.”

MS SKYE RIGGS

Skye is the founder of Y Vote, a non-partisan social enterprise dedicated to strengthening democracy through increased civic participation of young people. Skye has worked across government, the non-profit sector and tech; most recently working on the launch of Airbnb’s Social Impact Experiences program across the Asia Pacific region. Skye is a graduate of the ‘Leadership, Organizing & Action’ Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education program and has represented Australia as a delegate to the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Summit and World Forum for Democracy.

“The Forum is a unique opportunity to share ideas, foster relationships and build collaborative partnerships with the critical cross-section of stakeholders required to drive progress on

issues like strong democracy and gender equality in leadership.”

MS NATASHA RYAN

Natasha Ryan is currently working to strengthen children’s access to justice in Zimbabwe. Armed with a legal background, Natasha has a particular interest in defending vulnerable groups, especially working as part of and closely with civil society organisations and government. She has advocated for minority rights in the EU at the highest international levels. Her overall experience at UNICEF, in UK politics, the European Commission, the Swedish MFA and lecturing has been gained in Stockholm, Berlin, Brussels, Cape Town, Vienna, London and Harare. Natasha speaks English, Swedish, German and some Spanish and French.

“I believe inclusive leadership is the way forward for EU and Australia. This new relationship is an opportunity to ensure a race to the top in relation to responsible governance and allowing

civil society to flourish - especially with regard to protecting vulnerable groups in both regions.”

MR ROBERT SCIBERRAS

Robert is currently leading a work digitisation programme for the world’s second largest theme park company - working to develop strategies and implement systems that manage engineering and work data across the EU and Australia as well as USA and Asia. In this role, Robert has led a compliance piece for GDPR as well as German BDSG regulations. Prior to his current role, Robert supported work digitisation and Engineering Information Management projects in the British public transport sector, continuing on from his prior similar work in the international mining sector.

“I am motivated by my desire to contribute from my practical experience in my specialisation in work digitisation, as well as my lived experience of working as an Australian expatriate living

and work in the EU.”

DR MARINA ŠEKUTOR

Dr. Šekutor has over ten years of experience in scientific research in the field of chemistry. After completing her PhD in Croatia and doing a 2-year postdoctoral research stay in Germany, she obtained a permanent position of Research Associate at the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Croatia. She is a principal investigator on several scientific projects, including a 5-year start-up Installation Research Project funded by the Croatian Science Foundation. Dr. Šekutor currently leads her own research group with scientific interests in the field of organic synthesis, computational chemistry and diamondoid nanomaterials.

“A possibility of a joint research project with the Australian academic or commercial sector is for me a strong driving force for attending this Forum.”

DR GRACE SHEPHARD

Grace Shephard is a researcher in geology and geophysics. She received her PhD from the University of Sydney in 2014 and has since held a postdoctoral researcher position at the Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED) at the University of Oslo, Norway. She has received project funding from the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and was awarded a European Geosciences Union (EGU) Early Career Award in 2016. Her research and teaching interests include the marine and Arctic regions (even went to the North Pole) as well as the Earth’s deep interior, and science outreach more generally.

“This Forum presents a unique opportunity to meet, discuss and engage with leaders and contemporaries alike. To foster the next leadership generation — especially at the science-

policy interface — visibility, open dialogue and mentorship is key.”

MS SAMANTHA SMITH

Beginning my career in Australia, I worked for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on a variety of policies. Including, on humanitarian crises and refugees stemming from conflict and natural disasters. After gaining over four years’ experience with the Australian government I moved to Europe, as I believe contemporary challenges are best addressed through multilateralism. I had the pleasure to work on challenges peace and security for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and the European Parliament.

“The Forum will provide me with an opportunity to learn and exchange ideas on how to address the challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region and European neighbourhood.”

MS NINA SZCZEPANIK-SCISLO

I am an engineer specialising in the field of Environmental Engineering. My current employment is at The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). For the past five years I have also been associated with the Cracow University of Technology where I am pursuing a PhD as well as conducting scientific research and lectures. Prior to this, I worked in technology and intellectual property transfer for two years as a Commercialisation Associate.

“As I am a citizen of both Australia and the EU, it is important for me that both continue to grow economically while promoting sustainable development, scientific cooperation and

equal rights.”

MS MELINA TAPRANTZI

Melina Taprantzi studied Philosophy and Social Science and has worked for 10 years in the field of Marketing. She is the Founder of the social enterprise “Wise Greece”, that helps small Greek artisan producers to expand and provides food for people that live under the poverty line. Wise Greece has received multiple prestigious awards such as the “Models of Excellence Award” awarded by the President of the Greek Republic as well as the “European Social Challenge Award”. Melina is a key note speaker at international seminars on social and female entrepreneurship and a mentor to start up social enterprises.

“I expect to inspire and be inspired! I hope I will be able to share the European perspective on the most pressing issues and learn more about the best practices from my peers that I will

have the chance to work with!”

DR ROWAN TREBILCO

Rowan Trebilco is an emerging leader in marine ecosystem conservation and management research. His work aims to support society in making well-informed decisions regarding interactions with marine ecosystems, to meet current needs without compromising those of future generations. To do this, he focuses his research on disentangling what drives ecosystem structure and function and engages at the interface between science, decision-making and environmental stewardship. Rowan's diverse experience ranges from the Southern Ocean to temperate and tropical reefs and he has maintained strong collaborative links with EU colleagues since studying at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in 2007-8.

“At the Forum I would like to stimulate discussion of how to ensure that science is adequately supported and accounted for in environmental policy and decision-making in

areas of joint interest to the EU and Australia.”

MR TOMAS URBONAS

I'm a CEO and co-founder of an innovative cloud-based software development company ""SONARO"" and also experienced member of various NGO organisations Executive Boards. My areas of expertise include bridging NVO and business societies, entrepreneurship, digitalisation of business processes including Industry 4.0 innovations, IoT, sharing economy. Moreover, I had a pleasure to take part in 'Business Beyond Borders' event in Sydney, Australia where discussions on the future of Europe's economic landscape, the role of innovation and technology in the growth of bilateral trade, and a possible European Trade Agreement took place.

“My focus is to strengthen relationships with representatives from Australia with the intention to establish trust and future collaboration opportunities.”

DR ANGELIQUE VAN OMBERGEN

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Antwerp where I am investigating how the human brain adapts to vestibular disease and long-duration spaceflight, a project for the European Space Agency. I am a passionate science/STEM advocate and engage frequently in science communication of all sorts. Also, from my position as a young woman and female researcher, I am interested in ways to contribute to the facilitation of female presence and leadership, in particular in the area of academia and STEM.

“Women can play a large role in economy, politics, science and society. Attending an event which has the aim to discuss this topic and initiate bilateral initiatives is an

enlightening and unique opportunity.”

MS SARAH VANDE VELDE

With a background in economics and languages, Sarah has over eight years’ experience in international partnerships and education. Currently Manager, Strategic Projects and Partnerships for the Australian National University, Sarah is responsible for developing and implementing the university-wide EU-Australia strategy for Research and Innovation, focusing on building collaborations in the Physical Sciences and Engineering. She also leads the University’s European Reference Group and is on the board of The Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation (AFRAN).

“I am passionate about building networks and links across Europe and into Australia to identify and form the key strategic initiatives that have the opportunity to move the dial

for the regions and constructively influence policy making.”

MS ANCA VELICU

Anca is an open, collaborative and passionate individual, interested in constantly discovering and embracing new ideas and cultures. In that vein she recently transitioned from a career in M&A and Energy Law in Europe to strategy consulting in Australia. In order to ensure a seamless transition, Anca pursued an MBA at London Business School and Wharton. During the MBA, she completed internships with two major oil and gas companies in India and the UK. Anca founded GRASP Sydney, a chapter of the Global Romanian Society of Young Professionals, having been an active member of same in London.

“The Forum represents the perfect format for a community of dedicated and accomplished citizens to raise important questions whilst proposing innovative solutions

to drive the success of that partnership.”

MR THOM WOODROOFE

Thom Woodroofe is a UN Representative with Independent Diplomat, a diplomatic advisory firm supporting some of the world’s most marginalised countries and political actors. In this role, Thom helped the Marshall Islands play a key role in securing the Paris Agreement including through acting as a key advisor to the President and Foreign Minister, and now leads the firm’s work with the Rohingya. Thom is also finishing a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford by writing a book on diplomatic activism. The founder of two Australian NGOs, Thom also previously held an Asia Society fellowship and remains a regular foreign policy commentator.

“The EU-Australia relationship will only grow in its geopolitical significance in the coming years, particularly against the background of uncertainty around the Transatlantic and ANZUS alliances, and driven by the proposed EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement and

heightened defence cooperation. Brexit will also necessitate Australia casting its European understanding and engagement much wider.”

MR JOSE ANTONIO BATISTA DE MOURA ZIEBARTH

Jose Antonio Ziebarth is a seasoned policy consultant, attorney, scholar, and education and civic engagement advocate with over 13 years of experience. His expertise includes anti-corruption, competition, internet and technology, data protection, privacy, and international trade. Ziebarth has an interdisciplinary resume, including extensive volunteer activities, and has had diverse experiences in the federal government, private sector, and academia. A former senior federal policy-maker and official representative at the OECD and UNCTAD, he provides strategic advice and develops creative solutions to complex policy, compliance, and regulatory matters, especially in emerging markets.

“Having a solid experience on internet and technology, data governance, privacy, blockchains, and artificial intelligence, I am highly interested in discussing topics related

to Industry 4.0.”

DR MIMI ZOU

Dr Zou holds the first academic appointment in Chinese law at the University of Oxford. She is developing the subject as a new field of study at Oxford, exploring how best to understand Chinese law and the links between law, economy, politics, and society within China and as it affects international relations. She has DPhil and BCL degrees from Oxford and LLB and BEc first class honours degrees from Sydney University. She qualified as a barrister in England and Wales and a lawyer in New South Wales (Australia). She has over 15 years of professional experience in leading law firms, international organisations, civil service, and financial institutions in Asia and Europe.

“I look forward to stimulating and lively discussions on diverse aspects of the EU-Australia relationship against the backdrop of significant global uncertainty.”

Media enquiries Emerging leaders are available for interview on request to:

Amber Carvan Key Expert, Media and Communications EU-Australia Leadership Forum media@europeaustraliaforum.eu www.europeaustraliaforum.eu