DARA Secretariat

The DARA administrative unit

The DARA secretariat serves as the central organizational hub of the PhD Academy, acting as a nodal point for coordination between the governing bodies, fellows, and stakeholders. The secretariat handles all administrative duties related to fellowship applications, grant management, course and networking activities, internal communication within the academy as well as external communication with stakeholders and media; all tasks essential to ensure the smooth operation of the academy.

DARA Secretariat

Managing Director

Philip Hallenborg

With a PhD in molecular biology, Philip had years of experience in bioscientific research prior to taking a role as funding supporter at the Faculty of Science, SDU before joining DARA as the managing director.

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Operating Officer

Lisa Eckford-Soper

Lisa is originally from the UK and holds an MSc in Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology and a PhD in Marine Science. She brings a wealth of project managing experience to DARA and will have strategic partnerships and academy operation as her focus areas.

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Educational and Stakeholder Officer

James Hairsine

James has many years experience in learning and skills development, careers guidance, and external engagement. He developed education programs for doctoral students at universities in the UK, New Zealand and Denmark and managed stakeholder engagement between universities and external corporate partners before joining DARA as the Educational and Stakeholder Officer.

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Grant Manager

Eleni Bakou

With a background in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (BA) and Cultural Management (MA), Eleni has worked for several years, managing EU and privately funded research projects.

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Communications and Public Affairs Manager

Emelie Aho

Emelie brings broad experience in strategic communication and public affairs from, among others, the LEGO Foundation, UNESCO, and the EU. She will be responsible for DARA’s communication channels, including the website and social media.

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Events Manager

Zac Adams

With an academic background in biomedical and neurosciences, Zac had several years of professional experience at the University of Newcastle managing academic, corporate, and community events before joining DARA as the Scientific Events Manager.

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Academy Secretary

Mette Søberg Kristiansen

Mette has more than two decades of experience in higher education administration at the SDU with a strong focus on academic support, process optimization, and stakeholder communication. Within DARA, she contributes with extensive institutional knowledge and administrative expertise, supporting the daily operations of the secretariat.

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