Staff
Centre Staff
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Simon Kjær Hansen, Head of Centre Up until 2021, Simon (b. 1977) was Global Director of the global organisation C40 Cities. Before that, he was Vice Director of the Technical and Environmental Administration in the City of Copenhagen responsible for i.a. urban planning and housing and urban regeneration. He has also worked as government officer with the Ministry of Finance and the Cabinet Office of the British Government. As External Lecturer at the University of Copenhagen, Simon has taught a subject on cities and urban policy. He has studied political science at the University of Copenhagen and the New School University in New York. Call Simon: +45 35 32 35 17 |
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Anne Thomsen, Centre Administrator Anne is sounding board to the Head of Centre (Simon) on all aspects of administration and day-to-day management of the secretariat, including financial management, onboarding etc. Anne previously worked as PA to the Head of Department at the Department of Political Science and Centre Administrator at the Centre for Military Studies, and she has been employed in both private and public-sector organisations and an NGO. Anne holds a BA from Copenhagen Business School and is currently doing a Master in International Business Communication at the University of Southern Denmark. Call Anne: +45 35 32 40 83 |
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Sigrid Marie Lassen, Manager of Networks Sigrid is responsible for building and organising networks of researchers and practitioners within a series of subjects and for organising activities which communicate and debate new research insight. Sigrid holds an MSc in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen and a Master of Urban Planning from SciencesPo in Paris. She has previously worked on foreign policy, human rights and green urban development. Call Sigrid: +45 93 56 53 35 |
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Mikkel Bisgaard Petersen, Manager of Partnerships Mikkel is responsible for strengthening the Centre’s external relations, establishing official partnerships and contributing to the Centre’s strategy. He previously worked for the international organisation C40 Cities, the City of Copenhagen and the anti-corruption NGO Transparency International. He holds an MA in Global Studies and Social Sciences from Roskilde University and he has studied and worked in Berlin, Barcelona and London. Call Mikkel: +45 35 32 56 43 |
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Brigitte Dragsted, ph.d., Manager of Research and Development Brigitte manages internal research and development processes such as designing formats for monitoring and learning as well as facilitating the development of the centre’s business plan. Brigitte also works part time as a postdoctoral researcher on an interdisciplinary research project about the effects of the new consent based sexual assault legislation in Denmark on the work of the criminal justice system. Brigitte has trained as an anthropologist and holds a PhD degree from the Department of Politics and Society at Aalborg University. She previously worked on analysis and evaluation within the fields of international development and human rights. Call Brigitte: +45 60 66 30 72 |
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Lise Tjørring, Research Consultant Lise is responsible for the new experimental laboratory format Impact Lab 2.0, where the Queen Mary's Centre in collaboration with VELUX FONDEN invites 10-15 researchers and practitioners to work together on a common problem within the theme of democratic sustainability. Lise is also responsible for the rural-urban project and the development and delivery of PhD courses in impact and community engagement. Lise has a research background specialising in energy and environmental anthropology. She has done a business PhD in collaboration with an energy company and has subsequently been a postdoc at the humanistic business research project HumanImpact and at the Centre for Applied Ecological Thinking. Call Lise: +45 21 86 19 17 |
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Sarah Vaht Steinitz, Research Consultant Sarah works at the center's intersection between research and the political system. Previously, she was a partner at Analyse og Tal, where she led projects in tech, democracy, and green transition using qualitative, quantitative, and digital methods. For 10 years, she has been involved in research on societal power and network structures; has published several books on these topics, and engaged in the public debate. Sarah also has experience from the Ministry of Justice's Research Office and the Economic Council of the Labour Movement, where she worked as a communications consultant and as acting press manager. She holds a master's degree in sociology from the University of Copenhagen and an additional qualification in journalism. Call Sarah: +45 28 68 34 60 |
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Vibeke Schou Tjalve, Senior Fellow Vibeke develops the centre’s role within the growing agenda surrounding climate, technology, and security in the Kingdom of Denmark. In particular, she contributes to building networks and facilitating knowledge sharing on the geopolitical and ecological dilemmas associated with the rapid industrialisation of space, with the Arctic serving as a central arena. She has more than twenty years of research experience in American and European approaches to war, technology, and democracy. Previously, she was a Senior Researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS), where she was also deeply engaged in research communication and in connecting research with practice. Vibeke is currently writing a Danish-language book on the climate crisis and space utopias, spanning from California to Kiruna. Since 2018, she has been affiliated as a Visiting Scholar at the Institute for Cultural Studies, University of California, Berkeley. Call Vibeke: +45 31 78 00 89 |
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Maja Ejrnæs, Program Manager (Maternity leave) Maja is Project Manager of the research and communication project Copenhagen Change Academy and the network Copenhagen Impact Lab. Maja focuses on method design and on generating and communicating knowledge about research-practice cooperation. Maja has trained as an anthropologist at the University of Copenhagen specialising in practice-based research, and she has extensive experience with process facilitation and interdisciplinary cooperation. Maja previously worked at the intersection between youth, art and mental health. Call Maja: +45 23 68 03 66 |
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Andrea Veggerby Lind, Project Manager Andrea is project manager on the ClimAct pilot project and is responsible for conducting the project’s surveys on public opinion and engagement around climate change. Andrea has a background in psychology and cognitive science and holds a PhD from the Department of Communication at the University of Copenhagen. Her research on climate communication has focused on the connection between political identity and attitudes toward climate change. Email Andrea: avl@samf.ku.dk |
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Jakob Dreyer, Project Manager Jakob is responsible for the center’s partnership on climate security with the National Center for Climate Research. Jakob’s PhD thesis from the University of Copenhagen examines contemporary changes in the European political order with a focus on climate and security policy. In 2023, Jakob did research at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. on a Fulbright grant. He also has a background as a linguist officer in Arabic and has worked at the Danish Institute for International Studies. In parallel with the position as project manager at the Queen Mary’s Center, Jakob is starting a post.doc. studying the relationship between climate and security policy. Call Jakob: + 45 42 41 77 47 |
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Sebastian Tue Pedersen Ove, Project Manager Sebastian is responsible for the centre's Policy Fellowship on Green Transition and Technology and Digitalisation. Previously, Sebastian has worked at the intersection of development and climate finance, environmental and climate policy, and human rights in a number of public institutions and most recently at the civil society platform Globalt Fokus. Sebastian has a background in political science and forestry science, specialising in sustainability policy, value chains, and just transition. Call Sebastian: +45 35 33 36 32Email Sebastian: spo@samf.ku.dk |
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Gyrithe Trautner Ulrich, Senior Fellow Gyrithe works in Queen Mary’s Centre with legal support to the projects concerning the implementation of the consent law and the prosecutor’s work. Gyrithe has a law degree from University of Copenhagen and has worked as a prosecutor. Gyrithe was latest Deputy State Prosecutor, responsable for inspections concerning legality and quality in criminal cases in the police districts. She has worked specifically on improving the policeofficers and prosecutors handling of rape cases and in broadening their knowledge about traumatised victims by introducing relevant scientific research. In 2018-2019 Gyrithe was designated by the Attorney General as a member of a board of experts giving advice to the Minister of Justice on how to improve the way rape victims were met by the police authorities. Since 2021 Gyrithe has worked on implementing the consent law in Denmark. Call Gyrithe: +45 42 21 72 14 |
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Amy Hart, Research Consultant Amy is a research consultant who supports the center’s work with developing a knowledge hub for knowledge brokers and social impact researchers across Denmark and internationally. She also researches and analyzes scholars’ motivations for participating in interdisciplinary collaborations. She holds a PhD in history from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she specialized in the history of social reform activism. She previously worked to develop scholar-practitioner partnerships at the University of California, Davis, and has a professional background in public history and museums. Email Amy: amyehart@samf.ku.dk |
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Bente Sørensen, Officer of Evaluation Bente participates in the work with planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning in the Centre and supports the development of research-practice-projects. Bente holds a Master in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen. She has previously worked with monitoring and evaluation in a Danish NGO, and as project manager in the UN system with international development projects, promotion of human rights (children, adolescents and women´s rights) and SDGs, institutional capacity building and labour administration. Email Bente: bes@samf.ku.dk |
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Helena Juul Kanafani, Project Coordinator Helena is the project coordinator for Impact Atlas, which aims to provide overview and new insights into KU’s work in creating positive changes in society through research. Helena holds a degree in sociology from the University of Copenhagen and has previously worked with citizen involvement in vulnerable communities within the City of Copenhagen's social administration, as well as an analyst at the Danish Crime Prevention Council. Her areas of interest are social issues, inequality, gender, and diversity. Helena has also worked in communication and journalism as a reporter for P1 and on various podcast projects. Email Helena: hek@samf.ku.dk |
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Thor Blond, Knowledge and Strategy Officer Thor contributes to the center’s work on analysis, capacity building, and method development in research–practice collaborations. He is responsible for analytical and strategic tasks in two of the center’s projects: Science-for-Policy and Impact Atlas. Thor holds an educational background in social sciences from RUC and sociology from UCPH, where he specialized in the interplay between knowledge, organizations, and politics. Previously, he worked as a student assistant on research projects in these areas and contributed to research policy analysis and advocacy at The Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters. Call Thor: +45 61 26 89 50 |
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Andrea Fernande Rendtorff, Research Assistant Andrea Fernande is a Research Assistant on a collaborative research project with the Department of Psychology, examining the psychological dynamics between citizens and politicians in climate policy. She contributes to the design of surveys and conducts interviews with policymakers. Prior to her role as Research Assistant, she worked on the ClimAct project, where she served as Project Manager for the development of the website ClimAct.dk. Andrea holds an MSc in Social Psychology and Learning from Roskilde University and a BA in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen. She is particularly interested in understanding emotions and engagement related to the climate crisis, as well as the factors that drive them. Previously, she worked as a Campaign Coordinator for the Danish Climate Movement, where she helped mobilise volunteers and lead advocacy campaigns. Email Andrea: afr@psy.ku.dk |
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Bao-Thi Van Cong, Postdoc Bao-Thi is a Postdoctoral Researcher and Project Manager in a joint appointment with the Department of Psychology. She is responsible for designing and conducting mixed-methods research examining the psychological dynamics between citizens and politicians in climate policy. She also translates research findings into dialogue with policymakers and other stakeholders involved in the green transition. Bao-Thi holds a PhD in Social Psychology with a focus on intersectionality and solidarity in social movements. Her broader research explores how interactions between citizens and institutions shape the possibilities for inclusive and sustainable social and political change. Call Bao-Thi: +45 35 32 16 76 |
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Maria Frahm Bjørn, Project Coordinator Maria works as project coordinator for Green University that, in the light of the ecological crises, aims to develop new formats for a changemaking university. Maria holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Copenhagen with a specialization in democratic theory and critical ecological thinking. Previously she has worked with teaching, research, and research networks at University of Copenhagen related to issues such as democratic innovation and green transitions. Email Maria: Mafb@samf.ku.dk |
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Maya Dyval Bayraktar, Project Coordinator Maya is a project coordinator and contributes to the centre’s work on analysis and methodological development. She holds a master’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Copenhagen, where she focused particularly on political anthropology and topics such as gender, the state, activism, and religion. Maya has previously worked as a journalist and producer at P1, the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, and as a student assistant on several research projects at the University of Copenhagen. Email Maya: wkf814@samf.ku.dk |
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Maria del Mar Zichy Uribe, Project Coordinator Maria works to bridge research and practice in the areas of sustainable everyday practices and democracy and participation in the social housing sector. Previously, she worked at the intersection of behavioural theory, citizen engagement, and circular resource use within a sustainability consultancy, as well as on environmental awareness initiatives in a non-governmental organisation. Throughout her studies, Maria has been particularly interested in participatory processes related to climate and nature projects. She holds a BA in Political Science and an MSc in Forest and Nature Management from the University of Copenhagen. Email Maria: mdm@samf.ku.dk |
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Nina Dahl-Axelsen, Officer of Networks Nina works with building knowledge partnerships in the green field, with a special focus on climate and economy. Nina supports the work with the center's Policy Fellowship. She has previously worked with fellowships at Humanity in Action, focusing on climate and human rights, and has worked at the Danish Institute for Human Rights. Most recently, Nina worked at Fulbright Denmark. She holds a bachelor's degree in International Business and Politics from Copenhagen Business School and a master's degree in Global Studies from Lund University, with electives in human ecology and ecofeminism. Call Nina: +45 35 32 24 73 |
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Anja Skov Granerud, Communications Manager Anja is responsible for the center’s communication and for sharing information about the activities of the center through articles, podcasts, and other channels. In addition, she is responsible for the center’s press work. Anja holds a master’s degree in journalism and cultural encounters from Roskilde University, where she has worked with climate, culture, and welfare. She has experience with journalism and communication from the Danish trade union movement and has written about work environment and the social and psychiatric fields. As a freelance journalist, she has worked with several different media outlets and made both sound productions and written articles. Call Anja: +45 93 56 55 72 |
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Ida Fink Speiermann, Event- and Project Coordinator Ida is Event and Project Coordinator at Queen Mary's Center, where she primarily works with the planning and delivery of events, both internally and externally. In addition, she supports communication activities within the centre’s communications team and serves as Project Coordinator for Impact Lab 2.0. She also facilitates workshops as part of the centre’s activities. Ida holds a BA in Social Sciences and Communication from Roskilde University and an MSc in Political Communication and Management from Copenhagen Business School. She has several years of experience in communications and previously worked as a journalistic assistant at Politiken. Email Ida: ifs@samf.ku.dk |
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Ida Reimi Karahashi Rasmussen, Design and Content Manager Ida is involved in the development of the centre's visual identity and helps produce videos, images and graphic design for the visibility of the centre. She has a bachelor's degree in Information Studies from the University of Copenhagen and is currently working on a master's degree in Film and Media Studies. She previously studied at KBH Film and Photo School, where she gained basic filmmaking skills and worked as a camera assistant at various media production companies. In addition, Ida was a volunteer at Uniradioen, where she was project manager on Uniradioen Inviterer. Email Ida: irk@samf.ku.dk |
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Ulrik Anders Skovgaard, Designer Ulrik works to strengthen the way that Queen Mary's Center presents itself through graphic, visual, and digital design. On a daily basis, he supports both the organisation and specific projects such as Green Mandate and Impact Atlas with visual communication. He holds a Professional Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Concept Development from KEA and Edinburgh Napier University. Email Ulrik: us@samf.ku.dk |
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Frederik Winther Barkholt, Research Assistant Frederik is affiliated with the Green Mandate and ClimAct projects. He is responsible for the media component of the Climate Observatory, where he works with the collection, processing, and analysis of media data. Frederik graduated from the University of Copenhagen with an MSc in Social Data Science and a BA in Sociology. His academic specialisations include environmental and climate sociology, pragmatist social theory, and quali-quantitative digital methods. Previously, he worked as a student assistant at the Copenhagen Center for Social Data Science (SODAS). Email Frederik: frederik.barkholt@samf.ku.dk |
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Lærke Jonassen Hass, Student Assistant Lærke supports the network team’s projects, including the Policy Fellowship. She is studying for a Masters in Environment and Development (Agriculture and Ecology) at UCPH, and has an MA(Hons) Sustainable Development (Sociology) from the University of Edinburgh. Between her degrees, she worked for a think tank and an NGO in Scotland, supporting research on the right to food and coordinating a community gardening program. She also did a one-year apprenticeship as a gardener. In her spare time, she is part of a community garden in Frederiksberg. Email Lærke: tkx333@samf.ku.dk |
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Julie Nielsen de Neergaard, Student Assistant Julie assists with management and strategy work, including tasks related to the center’s new business plan. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology at the University of Copenhagen and last year was on an exchange program at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea. Alongside her studies, Julie volunteers with the University of Copenhagen’s Global Health Film Days, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of global health challenges through film screenings and debates. Email Julie: jqm106@samf.ku.dk |
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Markus Roerup Rom, Student Assistant Markus supports the Impact Atlas project, where he assists with data collection and analysis, as well as research on impact experiences from both Denmark and abroad. Alongside his position at the center, Markus is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science at the University of Copenhagen and spent last year on an exchange program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Previously, he worked at Deloitte, where he was involved with the EU Equal Pay Directive and the development of Deloitte’s parental leave program. Email Markus: zns941@samf.ku.dk |
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Rasmus Rauch Jensen, Student Assistant Rasmus supports governance activities at the centre, coordinating internal meetings as well as meetings of the centre’s Advisory Committee and Steering Group. He also supports a range of projects, including RIPPLE. Rasmus is currently pursuing an MSc in Sociology at the University of Copenhagen, where he studies topics including the sociology of knowledge, organisations, and politics. He has previously worked in project management and volunteer coordination for the City of Copenhagen and as a student academic advisor at the Faculty of Social Sciences. In addition, Rasmus is part of the team behind the People’s Climate March, where he has worked on press relations, policy engagement, and programme development since the 2021 Danish general election. Call Rasmus: +45 29 89 48 01 |
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Anders Holm Madsen, Student Assistant Anders works on the Impact Lab 2.0 and BROKER projects, supporting analysis as well as the planning and organisation of seminars and conferences. Alongside his work, he is pursuing an MSc in Political Science with a particular interest in conflicts associated with ecological crises. Previously, he served as a teaching assistant in the Department of Political Science at the University of Copenhagen, teaching courses in Public Administration and Danish and Comparative Politics II. Call Anders: +45 42 13 18 11 |
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Johannes Alberg Foldrup, Student Assistant Johannes leads the Climate and Economy track within the centre’s Policy Fellowship programme. In this role, he facilitates dialogue between researchers and policy fellows from various universities and organisations exploring how issues such as investment returns, national competitiveness, consumer behaviour, and economic inequality relate to climate action. His work primarily involves coordinating meetings, developing agendas, taking photographs, organising events, and evaluating the programme through interviews. Drawing on his BA in Anthropology, he engages with the diverse expertise of researchers and policy fellows and analyses areas of overlap. In his current MSc programme in Environment and Development (Livelihoods and Governance), he explores the economic benefits of climate action. Email Johannes: jmf930@samf.ku.dk |
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Otto Engelhardt, Student Assistant Otto is part of the centre’s communications team, where he writes LinkedIn posts, newsletters, and website articles about the Centre’s research projects and partnerships. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Rhetoric at the University of Copenhagen and has previously worked as both a conversation analyst and a copywriter. In his spare time, he regularly writes opinion pieces on politics, democracy, and the financial system. He is also involved with the organisation Positive Money Denmark (Gode Penge), which works to raise awareness and foster debate about the monetary system. Email Otto: jnr805@samf.ku.dk |
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Sofie Olesen, Student Assistant Sofie is affiliated with the ClimAct and Green Mandate projects, where she supports data collection and analysis related to climate attitudes in Denmark. She holds a one-year MSc in European and International Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and is currently combining this with an MSc in International Business and Politics at Copenhagen Business School. Previously, she worked as a graduate trainee at the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities, where she was involved in, among other things, the Danish implementation of EU energy directives. Email Sofie: fzw693@samf.ku.dk |