Solar energy

I am a Development Expert and have worked extensively on multidisciplinary research projects in thematic areas such as energy access, rural energy planning, rural transport planning, as well as on data analyses, data visualizations, and geographic information systems. He has worked as a consultant for different organizations including ILC Africa (Ghana), African Governance and Development Institute (Cameroun) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). He is in charge of managing the Monitoring and Evaluation component of the World Bank – Supported Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria where he is leading the preparation of several is contributing to the implementation of projects with a portfolio of over US$50m spanning civil works, livelihood support, institutional capacity building, and project management. Uduak has a BSc in Statistics from the University of Uyo (Nigeria); an M.Sc. in Energy Studies with specialization in Energy Economics (with distinction) from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and a PhD in Development Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, United Kingdom.

Jean Gomes, Ph.D., is a Senior Researcher and Data Engineer, currently serving as Head of Quantum Computing at DTx Colab in Portugal, within the Data and Application Engineering group. With over 20 years of experience, Jean’s work bridges mathematical optimization, quantum computing, and software engineering to develop industrial solutions for sectors such as energy, logistics, mobility, and digital transformation. His expertise spans MILP/MINLP, quantum annealing (D-Wave), hybrid solvers, and computational frameworks for real-time decision-making.

Jean has led and contributed to international R&D programs, including FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IRSES, PTCRIS, and served as Principal Investigator in the Strategic Partnership in Astrophysics Portugal-Brazil (FCT/CAPES 2017). His work regularly translates advanced academic research into applied innovation, including optimization-based services, digital twins, AI-assisted decision systems, and sustainable urban solutions.

He has authored 60+ peer-reviewed publications, accumulating over 5,700 citations and an h-index of 27 (Google Scholar). His ability to integrate research excellence with real-world impact has earned recognition across both academic and industrial communities.

Jean holds a Ph.D. in Physics with a specialization in Astrophysics, awarded by the University of Santa Catarina (Brazil), including a research period at the Observatoire de Meudon (France). His doctoral research focused on optimization and mathematical modeling of galaxy formation, leading to a Ph.D. equivalence in Astrophysics from the University of Porto (Portugal) in 2015.

Previously, Jean was an Invited Assistant Professor at the University of Porto, where he supervised MSc, PhD, and undergraduate students, many within the PEEC program. He continues to foster collaborations between academia and industry.

Jean has also recently completed formal training in Horizon Europe project evaluation and assessment (2025), reinforcing his capacity to serve as an expert evaluator in European R&D programmes. He is actively registered in several expert pools and panels, contributing with deep domain expertise in energy systems, optimization, routing, and AI.

Nataša Rašković is a recognized civic leader from Smederevo, Serbia, with a strong track record in community engagement and grassroots activism. She is the founder of Pro.Tok21, a well-known civil society organization dedicated to environmental protection, youth empowerment, and fostering active citizenship. With a cosmopolitan outlook and a lifelong commitment to public communication, Nataša has led numerous local PR and advocacy campaigns that mobilize citizens and promote democratic values. She brings extensive experience in youth work, including mentoring, non-formal education, and capacity-building activities, with a focus on social inclusion and sustainable development.

I am an Ethiopian filmmaker, theatre artist, and media professional passionate about using storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation, social dialogue, and community empowerment. With a BA in Cinema and Theatre Arts and ongoing graduate studies in Media and Communication, I bridge artistic creativity with strategic communication to create impactful narratives.

Currently serving as Assistant Director of Stage and Studio Production at Amhara Media Corporation, I coordinate television, cultural, and studio productions, ensuring quality storytelling and audience engagement. My creative portfolio includes the feature film ውጥን (“Wutin”), short films such as Whispered Fractures, and theatre productions like Titon (children’s theatre) and Homa-Mir (indigenous marriage traditions of Gojjam).

Beyond the stage and screen, I have organized and hosted major cultural events including ንባበ ሕይወት and ንቂ ኢትዮጵያ book festivals, both covered by Amhara Television. I have participated in international festivals such as SmartPhilm, and received training from Canon Academy, Reuters, and American University.

My work focuses on amplifying underrepresented voices, integrating indigenous knowledge into modern media, and leveraging digital platforms to extend the reach of Ethiopian visual storytelling. I aim to foster cross-cultural dialogue, inspire youth, and use media as a catalyst for positive social change.

I am a Sustainable Development Practitioner with a diverse expanse of interests and subsequent expertise, which are founded on a keen understanding and appreciation for the significance attributed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

I'm a Finance Professional with 20 years post qualifying experience gained in audit and listed multinationals. I currently work for WASTE Advisers Malawi as Head of Administration and Finance.