Preparing Strong Proposals: Community‑Led Actions (BAAC-01) and Transition Agenda (BAAT-01) Planning

Niamh Flavin

Project Manager within the Policy, Information and Research Services (PIRS), Marine Institute, BlueActionAA WP1 Leader (Project’s coordination)) 

Niamh is responsible for overall project coordination of BlueActionAA. She brings extensive experience in the management and delivery of EU‑funded, multi‑partner and multi‑sectoral projects, with particular expertise in project leadership, coordination and communications. Niamh has a strong track record of supporting collaborative initiatives within complex policy and governance environments.

Emmanouil Detsis

Head of Science Operations, European Science Foundation, BlueActionAA WP2 and WP3 Leader (BAAC-01 management)

Emmanouil is responsible for the management of science operations of the ESF, overseeing several teams across thematic and operational areas. The ESF Science Operations focus on: i) collaborative R&D projects in Europe, ii) large scale Grant Evaluation, iii) Administration of several expert boards, committees, virtual institutes with focus on science and iv) managing and participating in various funding programmes, including EC Horizon Europe projects with cascade funding.

Marta Pujol Martin

Research Scientist at SINTEF Ocean, BlueActionAA WP5 Leader (Ensuring an Enduring Impact)

Marta Pujol Martin is a researcher at SINTEF Ocean in Trondheim, working on European Research and Innovation projects that address marine sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary research and inclusive stakeholder collaboration. Her work focuses on improving engagement and co-design processes to develop solutions that are both scientifically robust and practically implementable, ensuring research leads to measurable real-world impact. 

Dionísia Laranjeiro

Science Manager and Communication Researcher at University of Aveiro

Dionísia Laranjeiro is an assistant researcher at the University of Aveiro, specialising in science communication, with a focus on environmental and sustainability projects. She is responsible for developing and implementing communication plans and materials, creating content for diverse audiences, and organising stakeholder engagement activities. Her research interests include ocean literacy, science communication, and stakeholder engagement.

Alessandro Colombo

Project Manager, AIR Centre, BlueActionAA WP7 Leader (Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation)

Alessandro Colombo is a project manager at the Atlantic International Research Centre (AIR Centre), managing EU R&I projects on ocean policies and stakeholder engagement, including BlueActionAA communication & dissemination activities. Alessandro Colombo is an urban planner, with a PhD in Public Policies and post–graduation in local development and participatory processes. Prior to the AIR Centre, he has worked as senior consultant and project manager in public and private consultancy companies in the areas of circular economy, coastal resilience, collaborative governance, housing policies, urban regeneration, smart cities, climate change adaptation, energy transition and sustainable urban mobility. 

Sebastian Maria
Karl Heinrich KOPF

Advisor at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), BlueActionAA WP4 Leader (BAAC-01 Technical Assistance)  

Sebastian Maria Karl Heinrich KOPF is an Advisor at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) supporting large EU ocean and water projects, including Mission-oriented initiatives on marine and coastal ecosystem restoration in the Atlantic and Arctic. He holds an LL.M. in Law of the Sea and brings experience from EU programmes and UN operations, including sustainability guidance used by 30,000+ personnel and outreach reaching 3,000+ participants.

Tania Montoto Martínez

Marine Scientist

Tania Montoto Martínez is a project manager at the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), where she works on European research and innovation initiatives related to ocean governance, marine sustainability and stakeholder engagement. She is currently involved in several Horizon Europe projects supporting the implementation of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”, including BlueActionAA. Her work focuses on facilitating collaboration between research organizations, public authorities, and coastal communities to promote sustainable ocean solutions.