Policy
Bridging evidence and decision-making for a more connected Europe.
E2A Board
The Evidence-to-Action (E2A) Board leads the project’s policy engagement efforts. Chaired by Judith Merkies from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and supported by Dr Hans Rocha IJzerman from Annecy Behavioral Science Lab, the board brings together experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives from across Europe. Its goal is to ensure that scientific findings translate into practical, scalable solutions for communities — fostering dialogue between research and real-world policy applications
Patrick Bernard
Founder
La République des Hyper Voisins
Leads a grassroots urban initiative fostering neighborhood-based connection and civic participation through local networks.
Stefano Benzoni
Neuropsychiatrist
Milan Policlinico
Researcher and clinician specializing in adolescent mental health and prevention programs.
Béatrice d’Hombres
Policy Analyst and Researcher
Joint Research Centre, European Commission
Expert in social determinants of health, integrating research and evidence into EU policy analysis.
Lara Fleischer
Head of Unit
Well-being Data Insights and Policy Practice, OECD
Leads OECD’s work on well-being metrics, focusing on mental health, social connection, and inclusion.
Peg Fong
Journalist and Podcast Host
Alone Together
Explores loneliness through storytelling and culture, bringing a public communication lens to the project.
Edward Garcia
Founder
Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection
Coordinates global policy development and awareness campaigns on loneliness and social connection.
Eveline Huber
Mayor
St. Johann im Pongau
Advocates for local inclusion and youth engagement through participatory governance.
Ron Ivey
Social Innovation Strategist
Human Connections AI
Designs technology that enhances human connection, promoting ethical and socially conscious AI.
Katarina Ivanković Knežević
Director for Social Rights and Inclusion
European Commission
Leads EU policies on social inclusion and access to services, recognizing loneliness as a key social issue.
Niina Junttila
Professor of Educational Psychology
University of Turku
Researches belonging and loneliness among youth and families; contributor to Finland’s loneliness strategy.
Massimo Komatz
General Coordinator
Villa Sant’Ignazio / President, Aquila Basket Academy
Develops sport- and community-based programs fostering social inclusion and empowerment.
Jill Litt
Professor of Environmental Health
University of Colorado / Researcher, ISGlobal
Coordinates the EU-funded RECETAS project, using nature-based social prescribing to strengthen connection.
Phil McAulliffe
Founder
Humans Connecting / Board Member, GILC
Advocates globally on loneliness through storytelling and awareness campaigns.
Hannah Masters
Youth Advocate
LONELY-EU
Contributes a youth perspective on loneliness, supporting research outreach and communication.
Christopher Mikton
Scientific Lead on Social Connection
World Health Organization
Oversees WHO’s global initiatives recognizing social connection as a health determinant.
Łukasz Okruszek
Associate Professor
Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences
Applies social neuroscience to study the cognitive and emotional processes underlying loneliness.
Thomas Pfluger
Co-founder
Connect+
Leads national initiatives reducing loneliness through community-based health services.
Pamela Qualter
Professor of Psychology for Education
University of Manchester
Renowned for research on child and adolescent loneliness and evidence-based interventions.
Peter Tinnemann
Director of Public Health
City of Frankfurt
Leads local health initiatives addressing social determinants of well-being, including loneliness prevention.
Network
The LONELY-EU Network connects organizations, researchers, and policymakers working to reduce social isolation and loneliness across Europe. By facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange, the network strengthens Europe’s collective capacity to respond to SIL. Members can share resources, participate in events, and contribute to shaping future policy and research priorities.
Policy Recommendations
Grounded in cross-country data and behavioral science, LONELY-EU’s policy briefs translate evidence into action. These concise, accessible documents guide decision-makers in designing effective interventions and strategies to address loneliness and isolation. Over time, this section will host downloadable one-pagers and full reports, ensuring research findings directly support policymaking at EU, national, and local levels.
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Governance & Regulations
Good governance and abidance to regulations ensures that all project activities align with EU values, data protection standards, and ethical guidelines. This includes compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the integration of responsible research practices. The section also highlights key EU frameworks and initiatives addressing social inclusion, helping contextualize LONELY-EU’s work within broader European governance efforts.
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