As many of you will know, the EUSEA Board has spent the past few months searching for Annette’s successor. We’re now delighted to share that, following a thorough and competitive application process, con gressa, a Berlin/Bonn-based science communication agency, has been selected as the new EUSEA Office, and Jörg Weiss has been appointed as EUSEA’s new Managing Director.
We’re excited to welcome Jörg and the wider con gressa team to the EUSEA family, and we’re confident our members will join us in offering them a warm and enthusiastic welcome.
Con gressa has been a valued EUSEA member for many years, with a strong focus on fostering dialogue between science and society through participatory formats, editorial expertise, and strategic support.
Led by Jörg, the con gressa team works closely with universities, research institutions, funders, and associations to make science engagement both meaningful and effective, from high-profile events in Berlin to grassroots initiatives in rural communities.
As both a service provider and the initiator of their own projects, con gressa combines practical experience with strategic insight and deep content knowledge, a unique mix that will be instrumental in advancing EUSEA’s mission.
Jörg’s reflections on his appointment as EUSEA Director
“I am a European at heart, and the past years have made it clearer than ever that we need strong European networks and cross-border cooperation. The pandemic showed how deeply interconnected our societies are, and how challenges like scientific scepticism or political polarisation do not stop at national borders.”
“Our field is facing similar tensions across Europe, but the responses are often fragmented. Every country is holding its own debates, publishing its own papers, developing its own frameworks. I think we need more shared thinking. I see EUSEA as a space where those conversations can take place, and I look forward to helping strengthen that role.”
“As Managing Director, I want to help EUSEA provide concrete services and continuity for its members. Associations only grow if they offer real value: not just vision and ideas, but reliable support, visibility and a professional structure. That’s what I want to dedicate my time and energy to – helping EUSEA thrive as a member-focused and truly European network.”
Welcoming a familiar face as EUSEA Senior Project Officer
We’re also pleased to announce that Chris Styles, EUSEA’s Project Officer on the IMPETUS Project, has been appointed as Senior EUSEA Project Officer. This new role recognises Chris’s long-standing commitment to EUSEA’s daily operations, particularly his contributions to communications, events, and the annual conference.
We’re delighted to formally acknowledge the skills, dedication, and energy Chris brings to the team. He will continue his work on IMPETUS, and his expanded role will complement the tasks led by con gressa, helping to strengthen EUSEA’s support for its members.
Auf Wiedersehen (but not Goodbye)
Lastly, we want to express our deepest thanks to Annette Klinkert, EUSEA’s long-serving former Director. Her dedication and leadership over the years have been instrumental in shaping EUSEA’s identity and impact, helping to position the association at the heart of Europe’s public engagement and science communication landscape. Annette’s passion, vision, and tireless work will be greatly missed.
We wish her all the best in her continued work with City2Science, and in her exciting new role as Managing Director of the newly founded European University Alliance COLOURS at Paderborn University.
But this isn’t goodbye. Annette remains a valued part of the EUSEA community, and we’re already looking forward to reconnecting with her at #EUSEA26 in Luxembourg next year.
The Future is Bright for EUSEA
Over the next few months, our new team – Jörg, Chris, and the EUSEA Board – will be working hard to enhance EUSEA’s services to members, develop new projects, and begin planning for next year’s EUSEA Conference in Luxembourg.
As always, many thanks to all our members for the commitment and creativity you all bring to our field, and for your continued support of EUSEA.
