Inese Gavarane started at ZSI in January 2025. She is a senior researcher and project manager in the Research Policies and Development department and specialised in the fields of science-business collaboration, knowledge valorisation, RTDI policy development and research management. Inese completed an MBA and a Master’s in Education and she is a certified laboratory quality manager (ISO/IEC 17025). Inese holds a PhD in Biology from Daugavpils University, Latvia, including study visits to the EU Reference Laboratory for Parasites in Italy. Her PhD research focused on the population genetics of the parasite causing the foodborne disease trichinellids.
Inese, you started working at ZSI in 2025, which is relatively recent. What was your career path before then, and how did you come to join ZSI?
My career development has been similar to a research project: it started with a clear objective and expanded through several work packages that supported the main project idea. While I initially wanted to work in a laboratory, my studies and research activities led me to discover research management and support systems for researchers. This included assessment and planning of infrastructure of laboratories and later focusing on national research and innovation ecosystems, as well as knowledge valorisation and science-business collaboration.
Almost five years ago, I started a collaboration with several Austrian organisations, such as the Environment Agency Austria (UBA), Joanneum Research (JR), the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). This was part of a DG ENEST Twinning project, enhancing science-business collaboration in Georgia, where we supported the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation. It was one of the most challenging projects I have worked on, as it began during the first COVID-19 wave. I lived in Tbilisi for three years, working closely with the team and several stakeholders. This experience gave me an excellent opportunity to better explore the world of applied social science. It was also where I first learned about ZSI, as ZSI was involved in preparing report on the Georgian science, research and innovation system within PSF Specific Support to Georgia. So, when I decided to move to Vienna, I applied for a position at ZSI.
What does your everyday life as a researcher and project manager look like at the moment?
My everyday life as a researcher and project manager at ZSI is both exciting and dynamic. Since ZSI is an independent research institute, my work reaches a balance between research and project management. For example, in one of my current projects, I’m leading a task “From scientific idea to market – accelerating market uptake”, which is focusing on strengthening science-business collaboration , working closely with partners in Ukraine. This international collaboration adds a fascinating dimension to my work, as for me it is important that the team feels best supported to deliver a positive impact.
During my first year at ZSI, I was onboarded onto several ongoing projects, which gave me a broad perspective on the institute’s diverse activities. Now, I’m taking the next step by developing my own ideas for future projects, something I find particularly inspiring and fulfilling!
What are the projects about and what exactly are you doing in these projects?
I am involved in two Horizon Europe projects. The first, POLICY ANSWERS, focuses on supporting research and innovation ecosystems in the Western Balkans economies. The second, LUKE, aims to link Ukraine to the European Research Area. Additionally, I am engaged in several Global Service Facility Support Actions. For example, I support the Secretariat of the International Coalition for Science, Research, and Innovation in Ukraine. Another contract focuses on science diplomacy activities, which I find particularly rewarding because ZSI was one of the main initiators in establishing the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance and it is a great pleasure to contribute to such activities. Supporting the International Coalition is also deeply meaningful to me, as it allows me to contribute to Ukraine’s R&I development in such challenging times. I believe that implementing such initiatives can actively support the development of R&I ecosystems in different regions of the world.
What activities do you like to do (the most) and what motivates you?
What I enjoy most is bridging research with real-world impact. I am particularly motivated by building international partnerships that turn ideas into action, like my work at LUKE- Linking Ukraine to the European Research Area project. I also love the creative process of developing new research ideas, especially those that address societal challenges and empower communities through research and innovation. Ultimately, what motivates me is the belief that research and innovation can create long-lasting and positive changes. In the future, I would like to focus even more on projects that enhance research management, RTDI policy, knowledge valorisation and science-business collaboration.
What do you think is the significance of social innovations for societal transformation processes and a sustainable development?
This question makes me pause and think. Social innovation is, to me, about translating research results and ideas into real-world solutions addressing society’s needs. I am convinced that social innovations are the backbone of societal transformation: they challenge systems and introduce state-of-the-art, inclusive and practical solutions that meet societal needs. Without social innovations, the sustainable development would lack the creativity potential and community-driven approaches needed to tackle global challenges.
Thank you, Inese, and all the best for 2026!
