MEET THE TEAM BEHIND [FIGURE 1.A.]

 
 
 

Veneta Gerganova
Founder
Co-President
Creative Director

Veneta is media relations specialist and science communicator at the neuroscience specializing company Lundbeck, Copenhagen. She has a long scientific track record through her PhD in bacterial genetics and postdoc in molecular biology from the University of Lausanne. Veneta has been actively involved in the art scene, as a director and choreographer of six full-length dance and visual performances. Her love for art has blossomed through the realization of the Figure 1.A. project over the past 6 years.

Laura Merlini
Co-President
Administration Manager

Laura is a postdoc in the Department of Fundamental Microbiology at UNIL. She joined [Figure 1.A.]’s team in January 2018. Beyond her scientific career, Laura has a great passion for sports and the mountains. It is then not surprising that in her free time she enjoys her time as a professional ski instructor in the Italian Alps.

Cassandre Kinnaer
Head of Communications & PR Co-treasurer

Cassandre holds a PhD in Life Sciences and works as a scientist in the field of epigenetics. She also is a photographer and her know-how in this field is essential for the technical challenges of the exhibition assembly and image presentation. She loves to spark conversations about both art and science and [Figure 1. A.] is the perfect platform for this! Cassandre oversees communication with journalists & on social media, as well as handling our association’s finances.

Nathalie Isorce
Exhibit Event Organizer
Administrator
Co-treasurer

After finishing a PhD in virology in Lyon, Nathalie plunged into parasitology research in Lausanne where she also crossed paths with the team of [Figure 1.A.] in January 2019. Currently working as a communications assistant, event organiser and community manager at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at UNIL, she is passionate about connecting science and society through communication and education. For her, [Figure 1.A.] represents an innovative form of doing the latter.

Thaïs Reichler
Event Organizer Association Secretary

Thaïs is a Lausanne-based sketch artist who previously worked as a research assistant at Université de Lausanne after completing her Masters in Biology. She joined [Figure 1.A.]`s team during its first edition. Thaïs`s artistic competence has been a major part of the project’s presentation. Her work was previously featured in the exhibition.

Anna Anchimiuk
Fundraising Coordinator Exhibit Event Organizer


Anna is a molecular biologist trying to find a sweet spot between science, art and sports. She believes that the bicycle is one of humanity's greatest inventions. She was previously involved in multiple initiatives of Cultural Collective in Gdansk, Poland and found her way to [Figure 1.A.] in December 2019.

Sérgio Ribeiro
Exhibit Event Organizer Location Scout

Sérgio is a Senior Scientist working on Cell and Gene Therapies. With a PhD in Immunology, he is driven by curiosity and a commitment to advancing tools in the fight against cancer. Alongside his professional activities, he has developed skills in photography, video editing, and design through hobbies and part-time projects. Sérgio, a former APNS president, actively engages in projects for the community and society that blend Art & Science. He became a valued member of the [Figure 1.A.] team in 2020.

Erica Fumagalli
Public Relations
Fundraising Coordinator

Erica is passionately curious. She holds a PhD in Life Science, and a multidisciplinary background spanning from Biotechnology to Analytics and Business. When she is not in front of her computer, you can find her teaching Italian, attending art classes and exhibitions, traveling the world, or networking with friends. She joined [Figure 1.A.] in 2021, bringing back to Science her expertise in the private sector and multinational organisations.

Sevasti Gaspari
Event Organization
Logistics

Sevasti is a postdoc at the Center for Integrative Genomics at UNIL. She joined the [Figure 1.A.] team in 2020 with the strong belief that science and art are indistinguishable. When she is not at the microscope imaging “shiny” neurons, she loves dancing, handcrafting and clearly - playing with her dog!

Coralie Peguet
Event Communications
Press Relations

Coralie is a R&D engineer in a photonic company near EPFL. She believes that art and science are pillars of human society and joined the [Figure 1.A.] team in 2021, having found people who share her vision. She also writes science-fiction short stories and poetic nonsense about our strange reality.

Carolina Elejalde
Lead Graphic Designer
Branding Specialist
Webmaster

Carolina did her PhD at the Department of Plant Molecular Biology at UNIL unravelling the formation of the tomato skin. She is a passionate traveller and photographer. The motivation behind her work is to inspire contestants and promote the “behind the scenes” category, giving more diversity to the exhibition.

Nawal Kinany
Special Events Graphic Designer

Graphic designer turned neuroengineer, Nawal loves combining creativity, research and discussion to explore the world around her. In her work, she uses medical imaging to study the key role of the spinal cord in human behavior. She joined [Figure 1.A.] in 2022, convinced that art can help make science accessible, inclusive and engaging.

Pietro Cattaneo

Logistics Special Events

Pietro, holding a PhD in Life Science, specializes in unravelling the complex molecular networks that orchestrate plant development. Shifting his career into the dynamic startup landscape, he now stands at the forefront of precision medicine. Beyond his scientific pursuits, he finds solace in engaging in DIY projects, nurturing gardens, and immersing himself in outdoor ventures. With an inherent appreciation for artistic beauty, he joined [Figure 1.A.]'s team in March 2023.

An Buckinx

Logistics Special Events

An is a neuroscientist with a keen sense of creativity and a fervent dedication to science communication. Armed with a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, An has embarked on an inspiring journey as an independent science communicator, determined to break down the barriers between complex scientific ideas and the wider public.

Irina Terekhova

Logistics and Graphic Design Special Events

Artist/Designer/Researcher - PhD Candidate UNIL/IHM(CHUV), Switzerland/Vienna University, Austria
Working on the the madness- creativity concept, with a special focus on identity disturbances in Psychopathology and Modernism

 
 

APNS & ADAS sister associations

[Figure 1.A.] was originally developed by The Association of Postdocs in Natural Sciences (APNS) and was greatly aided by the network, knowledge, and financial support of the Association for Doctoral Students and Postdocs in Natural Sciences at UNIL (ADAS).

 

Previous Members:
Mattia Tomasoni | 2018.
Emma Ganga I 2020-2022.

Mélanie Op

Mélanie holds a PhD in biology with a specialization in cancer research, driven by an insatiable curiosity for the complexities of life. She thrives on embracing new challenges, whether in the laboratory unraveling the mysteries of cancer or in her leisure time immersed in the world of video games and pop culture.

Her unique approach to science communication involves using her passion for video games to bridge the gap between science and the public. In March 2023, she enthusiastically joined Figure 1.A, solidifying her commitment to making science engaging and accessible to all. Through her innovative and relatable communication methods, she aspires to ignite the same fascination for science in others that has always fueled her own journey.

Ioannis Pateris

Technician

Ioannis is a carpenter with experience ranging from general construction to delicate handcrafting. During the last decade he has been moving and working around the globe because of science, with his latest stop being Switzerland where he joined forces with Figure 1A. In his free time he enjoys fishing and traveling.