I am a principal researcher and data scientist at innovation think tank Nesta, where I lead the work programme on the future of the internet and emerging technologies such as AI. In my work as a foresight- and policy researcher, I regularly write about the ways in which innovation is rewiring our democracies, economies and globalised world order, with a particular focus on Europe and the United States. I am particularly interested in the impact of new technology on our physical space and the planet - from the future of warfare and geopolitical conflict, to climate change, to the emergence of new urban and rural environments. 
 

For the past couple of years, I’ve secured funding for and led two large EU-funded research programmes: EU Engineroom (2017-2019), and currently NGI Forward (2019-2021), a €3 million, 7-partner project which helps the European Commission come up with a strategic vision for a more democratic and resilient internet by 2030.

I regularly comment on topics related to the political and social impact of technology, the data economy and digital innovation in the media, such as the BBC’s Today Programme, Wired, the BBC News, Quartz and the Financial Times, and speak at conferences and events. In 2018, I was selected to take part in the BBC’s Women Expert Programme, a leadership academy for women media voices. I sit on the advisory board of three major EU-funded projects: LEDGER, NGIAtlantic and Tetra. 

Before moving to London six years ago, I spent four years studying and working in Boston. I received a joint degree in economics and political science from Wellesley College in 2014, and worked on new sustainable models for urban transportation at the MIT Media Lab. I am originally from Amsterdam in the Netherlands.