MEET THE TEAM BEHIND [FIGURE 1.A.]

Anna Anchimiuk

Co-President

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.

An Buckinx

Co-President

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.

Cassandre Kinnaer

Head of Communications & PR

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

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.

Joana Daradoumis

Social Media Manager

Joana holds a PhD in Cancer Clinical Research and works as a scientist in Immuno-Oncology. She is also a creative mind with a sensitive eye for the world, expressed through photography (which runs in her family) and through crafting unique pieces. Her experience adds valuable support when tackling the technical aspects of exhibition setup and visual presentation. Naturally curious, Joana enjoys exploring the places where different disciplines meet. Bringing art and science together motivates her work within [Figure 1. A.], where she helps shape the association’s communication and social media presence.

Laure Külling

Communications and Press Relations

Laure is a communication specialist based in Lausanne. She has worked in the artistic and cultural field throughout her career, during and after her comms & media studies at university. Coming from a family of biologists and nature lovers, she grew up exploring the world and its organisms, big and small. Passionate about creative expression through many forms, she joined [Figure 1.A.] in 2024.

Sevasti Gaspari

Event Organizer
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.

Tessa Cattaneo

Event Organizer

Tessa is a lifelong learner with a passion for creativity in all its forms. She holds an MA in Italian Literature and Digital Humanities from UNIL and is endlessly fascinated by the dialogue between art and science, a space she believes fuels innovation and new ways of thinking. A devoted bookworm and art enthusiast, she loves exploring how stories and digital tools shape the world around us. She joined [Figure 1.A.] in 2025, eager to contribute to its vibrant creative community.

Evangelia Vayena

Event Support

Evangelia is a Chemical Engineer who believes that communicating science is just as important as doing it.

During her PhD in Computational Systems Biology, she discovered the transformative potential of art–science initiatives in fostering outreach, communication and public engagement.

Drawn to the way art can illuminate scientific ideas, she joined Figure 1.A to contribute to meaningful dialogue between scientists and society while nurturing her own creativity.

Nawal Kinany

Special Events Graphic Designer and Co-treasurer

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.

Martha Gjikolaj

Co-treasurer

Martha Gjikolaj is a PhD candidate in neuroscience who finds beauty at the intersection of science and art. Whether examining neural patterns under the microscope or exploring creative expression, she believes that art lives in research and research inspires art. Being part of Figure1a has brought this bridging into life, making science accessible and visually engaging.

Sérgio Ribeiro

Exhibit Event Organizer and Webmaster

Sérgio is a Scientist working on Cell 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.

Irina Terekhova

Logistics and Graphic Design Special Events

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

Mélanie Op

Event Support

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.

Veneta Gerganova

Founder
Consultant

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

Consultant

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.

Previous Members:

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND [FIGURE 1.A.]

APNS & ADAS sister associations