To build a more connected and inclusive Europe, we are proud to launch the Evidence-to-Action (E2A) Advisory Board. A diverse group of expert voices helping translate research on social isolation and loneliness into tangible policy and societal change.
We sought a wide range of perspectives from across science, policy, business, media, and technology to ensure the E2A Board reflects the complexity of the challenge. Together, these leaders will help shape Europe’s first advisory board for social isolation and loneliness, while guiding policy frameworks that can touch millions of lives.
As part of LONELY-EU’s broader structure, the Board also serves as a feedback loop, identifying the most relevant findings, signaling gaps in knowledge or policy uptake, and helping to refine the project’s real-world impact. The E2A members can directly use the outcomes of the Board’s discussions to guide their own work.
Its input will support evidence-based policy briefs, guide dissemination strategies, and strengthen links with the European Commission’s long-term agenda on social resilience. TheBoard members can directly use the outcomes of the Board’s discussions and decisions to guide their own work and strategic focus.
Chaired by political and policy expert Judith Merkies, the E2A Board will play a central role in bridging research, policymaking, and lived experience. Moving us from insight to action.
Turning research into real-world impact
Patrick Bernard
Founder, La République des Hyper Voisins
Heads a grassroots urban initiative fostering neighborhood-based connection and civic participation through local networks.
Stefano Benzoni
Neuropsychiatrist, Milan Policlinico
Clinician and researcher in adolescent mental health, with involvement in prevention programs and international intervention studies.
Béatrice d’Hombres
Policy Analyst and Researcher, Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission
Expert in social determinants of health, integrating research and evidence into policy analysis related to social isolation.
Lara Fleischer
Head of Unit, Well-being Data Insights and Policy Practice, OECD
Works on well-being metrics and policy design, with emphasis on mental health, social connection, and inclusion.
Peg Fong
Journalist and Podcast Host, Alone Together
Explores loneliness through storytelling, history, and culture. Brings a media and communication perspective to public engagement.
Edward Garcia
Founder, Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection
Leads an international nonprofit focused on policy development, public awareness, and collaborative solutions for loneliness and social connection.
Eveline Huber
Mayor, St. Johann im Pongau
Background in international social work and social sciences, with a focus on local governance, youth and family inclusion, and participatory urban development.
Ron Ivey
Social Innovation Strategist, Human Connections AI
Focuses on designing technology that enhances human connection, designing AI systems to support social connection and well-being.
Katarina Ivanković Knežević
Director for Social Rights and Inclusion, European Commission
Works on EU strategies for equal opportunities and access to services, supporting policies that address social exclusion and recognize loneliness as a social issue.
Niina Junttila
Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Turku
Specializes in the study of belonging and loneliness among children, youth, and families. Contributor to Finland’s loneliness policy initiatives.
Massimo Komatz
General Coordinator, Villa Sant’Ignazio/ President, Aquila Basket Academy
Leads social inclusion and empowerment initiatives through community-based programs and sport-for-development work with marginalized populations.
Jill Litt
Professor of Environmental Health, University of Colorado/ Researcher, ISGlobal
Coordinates the EU-funded RECETAS project, exploring the use of nature-based social prescribing to support social connection and community health.
Phil McAulliffe
Founder, Humans Connecting/ Board Member, GILC
Leads global advocacy on loneliness, sharing lived experiences and raising awareness through storytelling and campaigns.
Hannah Masters
Loneliness in Youth Advocate
Contributes to the LONELY-EU project from a youth perspective, with involvement in research, outreach, and communications.
Christopher Mikton
Scientific Lead on Social Connection, World Health Organisation (WHO)
Oversees WHO initiatives on social connection as a health determinant.
Łukasz Okruszek
Associate Professor, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences
Researches social relationships and loneliness using methods from social neuroscience and psychology.
Thomas Pfluger
Co-founder, Connect+
Leads a national initiative aimed at reducing loneliness through community health services and public outreach.
Pamela Qualter
Professor of Psychology for Education, University of Manchester
Renowned for research on child and adolescent loneliness, with a focus on developmental impacts and interventions.
Peter Tinnemann
Director of Public Health, City of Frankfurt
Leads local health initiatives addressing social determinants of health, including loneliness and community wellbeing.