S+T+ARTS AQUA MOTION – Advisory Board
The AQUA MOTION Advisory Board is composed of three distinguished experts who bring strategic guidance, critical perspectives, and cross-disciplinary knowledge to the project. Their role is to support the consortium in shaping the vision, ensuring scientific and artistic excellence, and strengthening the project’s relevance for diverse stakeholders. By bridging research, innovation, and society, the Advisory Board helps AQUA MOTION remain ambitious, impactful, and forward-looking in addressing today’s water challenges.
Elisabetta Galli
Knowledge Management Agent | European Comission – DG RTD | Belgium
I am a young professional with five years of
experience working in the European institutions, currently serving as a Knowledge Management Agent in the Unit
Oceans, Seas and Waters of the DG Research and Innovation. My role focuses on supporting the EU Mission: Restore our
Ocean and Waters, by facilitating knowledge
exchange and promoting collaboration
across stakeholders.
Samuel Tetteh Partey
Head of Unit and Regional Advisor for Science | UNESCO | Italy
Samuel Partey is an accomplished international development professional with over 15 years of experience advancing climate resilience, natural resource governance, integrated water resources management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development across Africa, Asia, and Europe. His diverse experience spans academia, the CGIAR research network, the UN system, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), where he has led multi-country programmes, managed large investment portfolios, and mobilized significant climate finance to support transformative projects. Holding dual PhDs in Environmental Biology and Agroforestry, along with an MBA in Strategic Management, Samuel combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. He is passionate about bridging science, policy, and practice to drive innovative solutions for climate and nature challenges. Committed to impact, Samuel promotes inclusive, nature-positive, and climate-resilient pathways that deliver sustainable outcomes for people and the
planet.
Valery De Smedt
Coordinator Innovation & Knowledge Exchange | LUCA School of Arts | Belgium
Valery De Smedt is Knowledge Transfer Officer in the Research Department (Dienst Onderzoek) of LUCA School of Arts/Associated Faculty of the Arts (KU Leuven). Since 2019 she has been responsible for valorising and internationalising research, building networks linking art, science and technology, attracting international research funding and fostering knowledge transfer and innovation. Her work strengthens ties with alliances such as FilmEU, Una Europa and EIT Culture & Creativity. De Smedt holds master’s degrees in Art History, Anthropology and Media & Communication from the University of Ghent and in Fine & Decorative Arts from the University of Cambridge. An experienced consultant on collaborative practices between art, technology and research, she sits on the boards of KAAP, Playfield and the symphonic orchestra Anima Eterna. In May 2025 the Flemish Minister of Culture appointed her chair of the new Arts Advisory Committee (Adviescommissie Kunsten).
+ Contact
For general S+T+ARTS AQUA MOTION inquiries, contact us at:
Patricia Carvalho, patricia.carvalho@inova.business
Discover more about S+T+ARTS AQUA MOTION
STARTSAQUAMOTION is co-funded by the European Union under the STARTS – Science, Technology and Arts initiative of DG CNECT (GA no. LC-03568055). Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or DG CNECT. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
