Dr Maria Makridaki is a Business Development & Innovation Manager at the Institute of Computer Science of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), holding a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Manchester. She has extensive experience in innovation management, technology transfer, strategic planning, and the development of research and innovation policies at national and European levels. She has previously served as Head of the Technology Transfer Office at FORTH and as a National Contact Point for European research and innovation programmes (Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020). Her expertise includes among others the design and implementation of participatory processes, Living Lab methodologies, and science communication. She has also been actively involved in European initiatives promoting gender equality in research, inclusion, and institutional change within research organisations. She is a member of a thematic committee of the Regional Council for Research and Innovation of Crete. Her professional interests focus on developing innovation ecosystems, participatory strategic planning, strengthening the connections between science, society, and public policy, and addressing emerging societal and technological challenges.