Elke studied Sociology at the University of Vienna and has a background in research on networked organisations, quantitative and qualitative evaluation and in the field of S&T and innovation policy analysis. At the Centre for Social Innovation, she is deeply involved in projects funded by the European Commission related to international research and innovation cooperation. She deals with analytical aspects of cooperation between the European Union and other countries and regions worldwide and is the founding chair of the “European Union Science Diplomacy Alliance”. She focuses on policy recommendations, mutual learning and the development of pathways to impact. Her regional experience includes in particular the Western Balkan and Danube region, but also Eastern Partnership, North as well as Central and Latin America, Asia and global cooperation based on science diplomacy for addressing global challenges. She is also experienced in stakeholder engagement and co-creation methods.

Elke joined ZSI in 2003 and has been representing ZSI in Brussels since February 2018. Between 2007 and 2016 she was Head of Unit “Research Policy and Development” and Board Member at ZSI. From October 2016 to February 2018, she acted as Policy Officer with a focus on Stakeholder Engagement at the COST Administration.