ABOUT

Katja Reppel 

Head of Unit in the European Commission's Directorate General for Research and Innovation in charge of research and innovation in democracy, equality and culture. 

Her unit contributes to defining evidence-based solutions and strategies for promoting trust in governance, the rule of law, active citizenship, the future of democracy, balancing security and safety with citizens’ rights and fundamental freedoms, countering polarisation, radicalisation, extremism and disinformation, advancing public sector innovation, preservation and valorisation of cultural heritage, innovation in and with cultural and creative industries, and assessing the impact of technological advancements on these issues. The unit promotes gender equality and diversity in research and innovation policy, and supports citizens' engagement in R&I policy making. 

She is a lawyer by training, and has over 30 years of experience in different European, international and national organisations, dealing mainly with innovation policy, SME competitiveness, digital economy, gender mainstreaming, and smart specialisation.