Current Team
Sandra Sá (2009) is the Executive Director of EurOcean, leading the organisation’s mission to connect marine science, policy, and society across Europe. With a strong background in ocean governance and international cooperation, Sandra Sá brings extensive experience in managing multidisciplinary projects and fostering collaboration among research institutions, NGOs, and policymakers. Passionate about ocean literacy and citizen science, she is committed to making marine information more accessible and impactful for diverse communities.
sandra.sa@eurocean.org
Ruth Higgins (2014) is EurOcean's administrative and financial manager, with over 18 years of experience in project coordination, science communication, capacity building, and the management of research activities and funding. She has led and supported initiatives that strengthen collaboration across the marine science community. Before joining EurOcean in 2014, she spent nine years as a researcher at the IMAR/DOP Azores. Ruth’s work is grounded in a strong commitment to inclusive science, transparent governance, and the effective communication and dissemination of ocean information.
ruth.higgins@eurocean.org
Sara Granchinho (2021) is responsible for Marketing and Communication at EurOcean. She has a degree in Marine Biology and Fisheries with a specialization in Marine Ecosystem Management. For several years she worked in Ocean Literacy developing content and activities aimed at school audiences. She has 14 years of experience in Communication and Public Relations at Oceanário de Lisboa (10 years) and Oceano Azul Foundation (4 years).
sara.granchinho@eurocean.org
Mamina Muyldermans (2025) is an external consultant collaborating with EurOcean, bringing experience in science communication, stakeholder engagement, and environmental science. She has held roles at Ghent University, VLIZ, and WWF, contributing to EU-funded projects, outreach strategies, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to social equity, environmental responsibility, and inclusive narratives that value diverse perspectives and identities.
mamina.muyldermans@eurocean.org
Former Secretariat Members
Executive Directors
Sérgio Bryton (2019-2024) - Current: Founder and Managing Partner at BLINNCO
Ned Dwyer (2015-2018) - Current: Freelance Earth Observation Specialist and Project Manager
Telmo Carvalho (2009-2014) – Current: Member of the Board of Directors at IPMA - Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere
Laurent d´Ozouville (2002-2008) - Retired 2009
Project Managers
Cristina Costa (2009-2020)
Zoi Konstantinou (2014-2015) – Current: Policy Officer at European Commission DG MARE
Maica Garriga (2010-2014)
Communication Officers
Tiago Garcia (2016-2020) - Current: Communication Officer at +ATLANTIC CoLAB
Science Officers
Margherita Zorgno (2017-2023) – Current: Project Officer at Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP) Secretariat
Sofia Cordeiro (2010-2016) – Current: Deputy Executive Director at AIR Centre - Atlantic International Research Centre
Duarte Antunes (2013-2014) – Current: Owner and Personal Trainer at Duarte Studio
Rita Carvalho (2007-2009) – Current: Information and Communication manager at A3ES
Consultants and external Advisors
Raquel Gaião – Scientific communication Intern (2017) - Current: Executive Board Member at BlueBio Alliance
Laura Khatib Lakiss – External Consultant | Science Communication (2023) – Current: Co-founder of Guardians of the Blue · Independent Consultant
Francisco Pinto – Consultant |Business Development (2021-2022) - Current: Licensing & Portfolio Manager at Tecnimede Group, PharmD|MBA
Catarina Ferreira – Independent Consultant | Information management services (2019) – Current: Sailor Guide
Luis Mallen – Independent Consultant | Information management services (2014)
Margarida Ferreira – Independent Consultant | Information management services (2014)
Hector Cabrera Bermejo – Independent Consultant | Information management services (2013) – Current: Freelance Senior Hydrographic Surveyor / Data Processor
Claudia Luisa Hipolito Lopes – Independent Consultant (2012-2013) – Current: Professor at University of Algarve