I am an independent consultant in the field of science communication and informal learning. Prior to working full time in science communication, I was a teacher and a researcher in the field of bioenergetics. In 2000 I was invited to work for Ciência Viva, the Portuguese National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture, where I was actively involved in developing a network of science centres. From 2010 till 2014, I was the Coordinator of PLACES, an Ecsite-led European project on local science communication policies that involved more than 23 EU countries. Currently, I work as consultant for project development for major European science centres and museums and as a consultant for public engagement in the Middle East.

I am a Science Education Research Fellow at King’s College London. My research interests include the pedagogical practices of museum educators, the design of natural history education, and equity and social justice in both school and out-of-school settings. I have also worked in partnership with museums across the UK and Europe conducting evaluation studies, and facilitating collaborative learning projects between individual museums, and between museums and schools.

I am a former Mathematics teacher. I am the Head of Education Unit of the Pavilion of Knowledge – Ciência Viva, and the coordinator of the Professional Development Centre of teachers. I have been working at the science centre for the last 15 years and have experience in coordinating EU projects under FP6, FP7, Lifelong Learning Programme and Horizon2020.

I am Executive Manager of the Austrian Association Science Center-Network which I co-initiated in 2005. I have been working in science communication since completing my PhD at the University of Vienna as a molecular biologist. Enabling joyful learning in open and engaging settings is what I cherish within the network and in science center activities for various publics. I am an advocate for social inclusion and diversity and was a Noyce leadership fellow in 2013/14.