Who’s Who

Raluca Amza is the Institutional Coordinator at the University of Bucharest.

Bonjour!

I'm Nathan, studying Economics and Management. Being a member of the CIVIS Student Council means contributing to a broader initiative on student representation and forging university alliances. In addition to representing my peers at my university, I serve as the Coordinator of the Student Council at ULB.

Ilias Antoniou is the CIVIS Institutional Coordinator at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Becoming a CIVIS Ambassador represents a significant part in my career path and personal development. I believe this role will allow me to enrich my educational knowledge, as well as broaden my cultural perspective, through its very practical and engaging manner.
In my opinion, shaping the Higher Education of tomorrow means adopting a growth mindset, intuition and innovation, in order to face constant challenges- three powerful tools, already mastered and perfected by the CIVIS Alliance. Therefore, its holistic approach to interdisciplinary matters, its multicultural discourse and integrative character, have a crucial impact on the formation of future educated individuals.

Lars Banzhaf is based at the University of Tübingen and has almost 20 years of experience in international student mobility. As Co-Head of the Mobility Unit, Lars is responsible for the development and implementation of processes and procedures to coordinate mobility between CIVIS member universities. He also works at the interface of the CIVIS Alliance and the Erasmus + Team at the University of Tübingen.

Anna-Karin Björling is CIVIS Quality Officer based at Stockholm University.

Hi, I am Louise and I am studying Cultural Management. As a Civis Ambassador, I strongly believe that learning is not only about content, but also about the learning environment in which it takes place. I have experienced how powerful this initiative can be for students and for higher education as a whole. I believe that we learn better when learning becomes an unforgettable experience. When education is lived, shared and emotionally engaging, knowledge stays with us longer and has a deeper impact.

CIVIS creates exactly this kind of learning environment that allows students to learn by doing, by meeting others and by stepping outside their comfort zones.

Bonjour! I’m representing my university through CIVIS because I experienced firsthand how transformative CIVIS mobility can be for international learning.

During my master’s in international relations and international law, I participated in two short-term mobilities in Greece and Romania, which were enriching both academically and culturally. Having previously completed a longer Erasmus mobility in Switzerland, I came to see how CIVIS short formats provide an accessible and inspiring entry point to international exchange.

I believe CIVIS plays a key role in shaping the future of higher education through flexible, inclusive and interdisciplinary mobility. By doing so, it empowers students to step beyond borders and engage confidently in international learning experiences.

Among other roles as an academic and in CIVIS governance, Mattea Capelli represents Sapienza Università di Roma as Institutional Coordinator in the Management Committe.

Alexandru CARȚIȘ, Ph.D. is the Head of CIVIS Education Unit and an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Bucharest. Main research areas are higher education, curricular design and innovation, teaching & learning practices, micro-credentials, European degree, joint programmes, modularisation of learning, doctoral studies, and public policies in education and research.

Find him on ORCID

Ciao! I’m an architecture student, and throughout my university journey, I’ve always sought out as many international experiences and trips as possible. I believe travelling opens your mind, helps you discover new perspectives, and broadens your knowledge. After my first experience abroad, I immediately knew I wanted to do it again, as it gave me so many valuable lessons and personal growth. Through the CIVIS alliance, I hope to support other students who, like me, are eager to take on new challenges and make the most of their mobility experience.

Johanna Diehl is the CIVIS Institutional Coordinator at Stockholm University.

As a student pursuing a Master’s degree in Law & Economics at HEC Lausanne - University of Lausanne, my motivation to join CIVIS stems from a strong desire to shape the future of higher education. Recognizing the importance of diversity and collaboration, I believe CIVIS offers a unique platform to foster cross-cultural dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through promoting joint programs and student mobility, CIVIS has the potential to break down barriers and inspire innovative solutions to global challenges in higher education. I'm passionate about contributing to this transformative journey and believe in CIVIS's role in shaping a more interconnected and diverse higher education landscape for tomorrow.

In my view, becoming an Ambassador of the CIVIS Alliance offers a unique opportunity to promote collaboration and exchanges between European universities. Taking part in this alliance means discovering new cultures, broadening one’s worldview, and learning both informally and through academic courses. I wish to become an ambassador to encourage intercultural dialogue, support access to a wide range of courses and experiences, and actively contribute to building a more inclusive and connected European university, where learning goes beyond academic knowledge and helps shape true European citizens.

Tina Fernández Nieves is the CIVIS Institutional Coordinator at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

Hi, I am Michela! I study Law and had the opportunity to spend a study period in Prague through the Erasmus programme—an experience that greatly enriched me both academically and personally. Encountering different cultures and legal systems inspired me to become involved in the CIVIS world, which serves as a bridge between European universities by promoting cooperation, inclusion, and shared growth. I strongly believe in the importance of a united European academic community, capable of fostering common values and shaping open-minded, engaged citizens. Being a CIVIS Ambassador means actively contributing to this project of unity and innovation.

I wanted to become a member of the CIVIS Student Council to amplify the voices of international students and help shape a more inclusive, connected future for higher education. As an American student at the University of Glasgow and the elected International Students Officer on our Students’ Representative Council, I have seen firsthand both the challenges and opportunities that come with studying abroad. CIVIS offers a unique platform to connect students across borders and collaborate on solutions that improve student experience and wellbeing. By fostering global collaboration and civic engagement, CIVIS can help build a more student-centered model of global education.

Davide Giannelli is the Institutional Coordinator at Aix-Marseille Université.

Being a CIVIS Ambassador is a very responsible duty. Every year the universities that join the CIVIS Alliance take part in various activities and campaigns that aim to mobilize all the students to join and experience unique moments in their life.

I decided to apply for this place, as I wanted to help my University informing all the students about the educational opportunities, actions and campaigns in order for them to participate and shape their educational future.

Simone Guccione is the CIVIS Institutional Coordinator at the Université de Lausanne.

Ulla Härmälä is CIVIS Institutional Coordinator at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), with a background in political science and organisational studies. She has been managing European projects (Erasmus+/Horizon) and supporting international partnerships at the ULB since 2016.

Bonjour! I am a Student in Master of Law of the Universities of Lausanne and Zurich. After completing two BIPs, I discovered how much CIVIS offered me. It gave me new study perspectives, the chance to discover new places, and the opportunity to meet interesting people from different backgrounds. I wanted others to experience the same, so I became a CIVIS Ambassador.

Not all students have the opportunity to study abroad. CIVIS makes this possible, without so many obstacles, to broaden our minds and gain international experience by meeting people and professors. It truly opens doors beyond our own university, offering a whole new perspective on the world.

Petra Höpfner is an experienced staff in international mobility with a big focus on education and exchange activities within European Area of Higher Education. As Co-Head of CIVIS Mobility Unit she is highly involved in developing and implementing mobility instruments to enhance joint and sustainable initiatives in CIVIS Alliance.

As Head of the Research Unit, Julie Hyzewicz is dedicated to developing and monitoring initiatives to enhance and facilitate collaboration between the research communities of the 17 member universities of the CIVIS Alliance, particularly but not exclusively in relation to access to research infrastructures, support to early-career researchers and participatory research. She is also involved at European level in the FOREU4ALL inter-Alliance group.

Γειά σας! Hi! My name is Panagiotis Karanikas and I am a PhD candidate in Latin Language and Literature at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. I hold a BA and an MA in classics with honours (first class). I speak English, German and Italian. I am a member of the Student Council since 2023 and I represent the postgraduate students of NKUA. I love travelling, theater, cinema and public speaking. I am active in the social media working group of the Civis Student Council. I still have fond memories of my long-term mobility to Glasgow in 2022 through the Erasmus+ Civis program, one of the best experiences of my life.

Eva Lechelle is the CIVIS institutional coordinator at the University of Salzburg.

Hallo! My name is Robin, and I’m studying Italian and Political Science (B.Ed.) at the University of Tübingen. I joined the CIVIS Student Council to represent students and connect with other engaged young people across the alliance who share my curiosity and passion for Europe. What I value most about CIVIS are the Blended Intensive Programs (BIPs), a great opportunity for intercultural exchange and for experiencing what it means to be part of a European academic community. Through initiatives like EUSALP and Erasmus, being European to me means openness: the freedom to travel, the joy of speaking several languages, and much more.

Enrique Martín Santamaría is responsible for the pedagogical innovation strategy of CIVIS, focused on the co-creation of training activities, the impact of digital transformation on teaching and learning and the link between educational offering and societal challenges. He coordinates the Expert Group on Innovative Pedagogies.

Hallo!

My name is Anastasiia and I am currently pursuing my MSc in General Management at the University of Tübingen. Having experienced international exchange programs in the past, I value intercultural collaboration and believe that diverse perspectives are key to innovation and progress. Through the work with the CIVIS Student Council, I want to contribute to building a more connected and inclusive academic community that empowers students to shape the future of Europe — and beyond.

Christian Möllmann oversees the collaboration between European and African CIVIS members and the relationships of CIVIS with non-European partners. He coordinates the CIVIS Expert Group ‘Global Partnerships’ and is a member of the Expert Group ‘Advocacy’. He also works as coordinator of partnerships of the University of Tübingen with Africa/MENA region.

Bună!

My name is Bianca Munteanu and I am a PhD student in the domain of Cultural Studies at The Doctoral School of The Faculty of Letters, University of Bucharest. I have discovered Anthropology during my second BA year and it became my main interest since then. Studying a science that is all about and for the society, CIVIS programmes led my way through my college years and determined me to enlarge my perspectives regarding the topics I love the most, namely emotions, the senses and migration.

Being one of the Co-chairs of the SC is such a great opportunity for me since I want to share the joy and knowledge that the Alliance provided me with. I understand that nowadays everything changes very fast and students need support for a better understanding of the world as well as maintaining its sustainability through creative methods.

I see CIVIS as a great helper when it comes to discover friendly yet professional methods for a greater future.

Γειά σας! (Hello!)

My name is Pinelopi-Michaela Natsi and I am an undergraduate philosophy student at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As a member of the CIVIS Student Council, I am passionate about contributing to the advancement of higher education within the CIVIS Alliance. I firmly believe that students play a key role in shaping academic policies and initiatives that directly impact our learning environments.

The CIVIS network offers students opportunities for mobility and virtual learning, connecting them with peers and professors from diverse backgrounds. These experiences enrich academic and personal growth, fostering an inclusive environment. By strengthening these connections, we can build a dynamic academic setting that prepares students to address future challenges and make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Hello everybody, my name is Sara Palumbo and I study aerospace engineer in the Italian university Sapienza. I am really pleased to actively partecipate in the many CIVIS activities. I hope to be helpful for anyone that wants to learn about the opportunity CIVIS gives. I wish that my contribution to this alliance and the Italian savior-fair will be useful to the improvement of all universities.

My motivation to become a Civis Ambassador is the fact that I aspire to have a career in European and International Law.  I aspire to get actively involved in an international academic community in order to promote the values that I strongly believe in, such as collaboration, diversity and inclusion.
I firmly believe that Civis mobilities help students grow both personally and professionally, providing them with a strong foundation to build their future on. Engaging with students from all around Europe offers remarkable insights into the differences and similarities between legal systems, as well as into the ways cultural perspectives influence legal reasoning and decision making.

Hello Everyone! My name is Giordano Piombarolo and I am, currently, a student of Dentistry and Dental Prosthodontics and Biotechnologies at Sapienza University of Rome. My own journey included a unique and unforgettable experience with the opportunity to take part in a full year exchange programme at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Through this time, I had the chance to not only strengthen and improve the knowledge useful for my studies, but also to enhance my communication, teamwork skills and personal growth. Furthermore, I was able to make connections in a multicultural environment with international students, forming strong and lasting friendships, which made me even more aware of the importance of the values of our Community.

As an ambassador, I am passionate about making these opportunities known and accessible to all, encouraging students to feel as much as possible an active part of Civis and experience their own journey!

Celine Reynaud is the Institutional Coordinator for CIVIS Alliance at the University of Glasgow since 2021. Using her long experience in Higher Education and knowledge of the Erasmus programme, her role contributes to the development and implementation of  opportunities accessible to all CIVIS communities.

Francesco Romano is the CIVIS Deputy Executive Director, based at Aix-Marseille Université.

Hallo! I'm Markus, co-chair of the CIVIS Student Council. I'm a Master's student at Stockholm University in the field of Public Health Sciences. My CIVIS journey started with the aim to include student perspectives into the university as well as university alliance structures since the student perspective might sometimes be quite different from established ideas and structures in higher education.

As a co-chair of the CIVIS Student Council, I try to provide a structure in which students from all universities within CIVIS can work on pressing issues together and advance specific topics across Europe and beyond. It is great to see projects come to life, which makes the CIVIS experience inspiring and meaningful at the same time!

Evelina Sköld is responsible for developing and overseeing the quality assurance of CIVIS's educational portfolio. An experienced project manager, education & research officer, and head of unit, she is passionate about enhancing quality, particularly strengthening and supporting students and other stakeholder participation in CIVIS.

María Isabel Soldevila Brea is the Head of Communication at CIVIS Alliance, based at the Université libre de Bruxelles. A Dominican‑French journalist, she has worked at the intersection of media, education, and European affairs for over 20 years. She helps tell the CIVIS story to the world and represents the alliance in the Communication & Dissemination Community of Practice group at FOREU4ALL .

My name is Ioannis Stouras, I am a Medical Doctor and PhD candidate in Translational Immuno-Oncology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a strong interest in bridging clinical medicine and cutting-edge cancer research. My academic journey has been deeply shaped by international collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange, values that lie at the heart of the CIVIS Alliance.
Through CIVIS, I have connected with a diverse community of students and researchers united by a shared commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and societal impact. These experiences have expanded my perspective and reinforced my belief in the power of European interdisciplinary cooperation in education and science.
As a member of the CIVIS Student Council, I aim to strengthen student involvement across partner universities, promote mobility and research opportunities, and advocate for initiatives that integrate health sciences and education with broader societal challenges. 

I wanted to become a CIVIS Ambassador to share the amazing opportunities I discovered during my first mobility in Brussels. Resonating deeply with the Alliance's values, I realized that many students don't know how accessible these experiences are, and I want to change that. CIVIS shapes the future of education by taking learning beyond classroom walls, teaching us to collaborate across cultures and solve real-world problems together, helping us become not just better students, but better people ready for a global world and its challenges.

Anna Thorwart supports the CIVIS community as Institutional Coordinator at the University of Tübingen. She draws on her extensive experience in international academia and science management to build open, engaged and internationally connected universities for students and staff in Tübingen and across the alliance.

More about CIVIS at the University of Tübingen

Hallo! My name is Jonas Thumm and I am studying Physical Geography at the University of Tübingen. Over the past few years I’ve had the privilege of participating in several Blended Intensive Programs (BIPs) and am currently doing a semester abroad at Stockholms University. SU and the BIPs offer me the chance to deepen my knowledge beyond the usual scope of my studies. Together with fellow students from all over Europe we explore specific issues, share our respective knowledge and create lasting friendships. During the BIPs and especially now during the exchange, I really came to understand and appreciate the unique gift we all share - a united Europe. Having experienced this inspiring side of CIVIS, I am eager to actively contribute to shaping the future of our alliance. My goal is to promote cross-cultural exchange, strengthen the bonds between our cultures and countries, and - most importantly - bring people together to build a better future.

David Touzot is the Head of the Digital Campus Unit. He is based at Aix-Marseille Université.

I decided to become a CIVIS ambassador because I am passionate about cultural exchanges and projects revolving around that. Through my mandate as an Ambassador, I had the opportunity to meet and work with outstanding students from all over Europe.
I believe that this is the main impact CIVIS can have in shaping the Higher Education of tomorrow, bringing bright minds from all over the continent on working together.

Grazia Vulcano is CIVIS African and Mediterranean Project Manager. As a senior development expert, she has gained hands-on experience working with NGOs and international solidarity projects in Europe, Africa and Asia. She is currently working to promote cooperation, social justice and fair enterprise by building partnerships and synergies between European and African academic institutions as part of the CIVIS Alliance ecosystem.

Bonjour! I am Emily and I am excited to be part of CIVIS’s European campus. As a trinational student studying Psychology at the university of Lausanne, I know the importance of intercultural immersion and networking. Specifically interested in child development and trauma, I am passionate about giving every person an equal chance towards their own career goals and travels, in a healthy environnement.  I strongly believe that CIVIS opens opportunities to students : on one hand for the multitude of course options, and on the other, as a pathway to breach bridges between universities and expand knowledge across campuses.

Having taken part in a Blended Intense Program in Romania, I can advocate towards the brilliance of this alliance and hope to encourage other students to take the steps to add this program to their academic cursus.

Hello my name is Emilio Zanzi,

For me CIVIS represents what European universities must be: open, connected, and transformative. It creates a space where ideas, disciplines, and people move freely — not only across borders, but across ways of thinking. I believe in a university that learns through exchange, where collaboration replaces competition, and where culture becomes a shared language.

As a CIVIS Ambassador I am committed to help other students discover this sense of belonging, curiosity, and common purpose that defines our European academic community.