Meet the new Policy Consultant: Olivia Seidel
Olivia is EU Policy Officer for Society at the University of Lorraine, an EASSH member. She is an advocate for human-centred and society-adjacent approaches, and she is already supporting EASSH’s policy work and partnerships.
EASSH asked Olivia Seidel a few questions.
What is your background?
I completed my History of Science Studies (B.A. and M.A.) at LMU (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität) in Munich in 2022, with one year at the School of History, Classics & Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh. I then did an internship at the Fraunhofer EU Office in Brussels before becoming EU Policy Officer for Society at the University of Lorraine, France, in November 2023.
What drives your work?
Building a strong und unified society is central to the European Union and research should reflect that goal. I strongly believe in the relevance of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities (SSAH) for a society-adjacent perspective in research and innovation policy. My aim therefore is to advocate for long-term investment in human-centred research approaches.
What is a relevant and useful takeaway from your previous experiences?
I am grateful for having studied and worked in several European countries. My experiences and encounters in Germany, Scotland, Belgium, and France have shown me how united we are in our visions and ideas. And how differently we express them!
My current work in EU policy for Social Sciences and Humanities at the French university level has shown me that we have many highly passionate individuals in research and administration. However, the community can be rather fragmented at times, and that’s where I see myself having a role to play. I love connecting members of the community from different institutions, countries, and cultures. Joining the EASSH team is an honour because it gives me the possibility to do so on an even larger scale.
What are you looking forward to at EASSH?
First of all, EASSH has a great team, so I am looking forward to learning from my new colleagues. EASSH does impactful work, representing the European SSAH community, and I want to be a part of this endeavour. I would also like to use my work experience and network to reinforce French ties to the European SSAH community.
What are you working on now for EASSH?
I am the EASSH point of contact for the MSCA (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) stakeholder consultation, as well as for the BrainHealth Partnership (WP5.2 and WP5.3). I am also monitoring the ERA Forum on Research Careers and on Structural Policy Trust in Science.
What do you enjoy doing after work?
While I really love policy work, it sometimes can feel like a never-ending set of tasks. I love to do something practical after work that has a clear beginning and a predictable end. Many an evening, you’ll find me at my sewing machine, starting projects that I almost always finish. You may also find me people-watching at a local café or visiting a museum to gather new inspiration.
Sometimes I like to start the weekend with a backpack on a train to the closest coastline. I will spend the weekend just walking until it is time to return to everyday business. Travelling at such a slow pace gives me a very tangible experience of my surroundings, and I am always thrilled to discover new corners.
Both France and Belgium offer some beautiful sights, including baby seals if you are lucky! You can spot them on the coast between Dunkerque and Oostende if you are lucky!