.png)
The ACTIN consortium
The ACTIN consortium consists of an international and multidisciplinary team from seven European countries, consolidating connections between Universities and NGOs involved in migration and education.
Our Team
Prof Despoina Papadopoulou
Project coordinator
Despina Papadopoulou is Professor of Linguistics at the Department of Linguistics, School of Philology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her research focuses on multilingualism, language acquisition and processing in monolingual and multilingual populations, migrant/refugee education and cross-linguistic/multilingual approaches to language teaching. She is the Director of the Linguistics Lab in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Within the ACTIN project, she is the Coordinator and contributes to the activities designed and implemented by the AUTH team.
Nikos Dalampouras
Project manager
Nikos Dalampouras is a PhD student in Linguistics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His research focuses on pedagogical translanguaging and teaching Greek as a second/foreign language to migrant/refugee children and adults. He has experience in teaching Greek to these populations through almost 10 years being a part of SN’s educators in the programs of HELIOS and UNICEF. Within the ACTIN project, he is involved as a researcher of pedagogical translanguaging and as project manager of the AUTH team, and thus, being involved in all the Work Packages.
Dr Maria Martzoukou
Team member
Maria Martzoukou is a PhD holder in Psycholinguistics – Neurolinguistics. Her research focuses on typical (monolingual or bilingual) language development and developmental and acquired language disorders. She is a member of the “With two languages” at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Greek partner organisation of the Bilingualism Matters network. In ACTIN, she is involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of the language learning activities (WP2) and in the co-coordination of teachers’ training seminars (WP5).
Dr Anastasia Paspali
Team member
Dr. Anastasia Paspali is a post-doctoral researcher at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She is a linguist focusing on psycholinguistics, language teaching and language acquisition, bilingualism, language processing, first and second language teaching, migrant education as well as language disorders. Within the ACTIN project, she works on the creation, implementation and evaluation of teaching methods and materials for migrant students in formal education settings. She has worked as a lecturer and post-doctoral researcher at the Humboldt University of Berlin, the University of Konstanz, University of Crete, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and New-York College Thessaloniki. She has published articles in international peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Language Acquisition, Applied Psycholinguistics, Frontiers in Psychology, Glossa, Education Sciences, Journal of Language teaching).
Dr Nina Douka
Team member
Nina Douka holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her research primarily focuses on sentence processing in first and second language. In addition to her academic work, Nina has considerable experience teaching Greek as a second/foreign language. Within the ACTIN project, she is involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of language learning activities (WP2) and contributes to organizing and conducting teachers' training seminars (WP5).
Athena Nachopoulou
Team member
Athena Nachopoulou is a PhD student in Linguistics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her research focuses on pedagogical translanguaging and the didactics of second and foreign language teaching. She also has experience teaching Greek as a second or foreign language. Within the ACTIN project, she is involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of language learning activities (WP2).
.jpg)
Stella Vogiatzi
Team member
Stella Vogiatzi is a postgraduate student in Applied Linguistics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her research focuses on didactics of second and foreign language teaching. She also has experience creating texts for the Greek Language Certification. Within the ACTIN project, she is involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of language learning activities (WP2).
Prof Theodoros Marinis
Coordinator at the University of Konstanz
Theodoros Marinis, Professor of Multilingualism at the Linguistics Department, University of Konstanz. His research focuses on language acquisition and processing across populations of typically and atypically developing learners and aims to uncover the nature of language processing in typical and atypical language development. He is the Director of the Center for Multilingualism at the University of Konstanz, which is part of the Bilingualism Matters network. Within ACTIN he is coordinating WP6 and WP7 as well as activities at UKON.
.jpg)
Saskia Braun
Team member
Saskia Braun is a PhD student in Linguistics at the University of Konstanz, affiliated with the Center for Multilingualism. Her research focuses on pedagogical translanguaging and the didactics of second and foreign language teaching, particularly in linguistically heterogeneous classrooms. She also has experience in teaching German as a second and foreign language, as well as in teacher education and teacher training seminars. Within the ACTIN project, she is a member of the UKON team and contributes to the activities designed and implemented by the UKON team.
Dr Mariya Kharaman
Team member
Mariya Kharaman graduated in English and German Philology in 2001 and began her academic career at the Departments of Germanic Philology and English Studies at the Makiivka Institute of Economics and Arts in Ukraine. She later pursued further studies in Linguistics, earning a BA in 2008 and an MA in 2012, followed by a PhD from the University of Konstanz, Germany. She has experience in teaching English and German as foreign languages and in teacher education. Currently, she is a member of the Neurolinguistics Team at the University of Konstanz and, since 2024, also part of the international ACTIN Project. Her research focuses on the cognitive neuroscience of language, neurolinguistics, first and second language acquisition, and bi-/multilingualism.
Prof Zofia Wodniecka
Coordinator at Jagiellonian University
Zofia Wodniecka. Professor of Psychology working at the Institute of Psychology at Jagiellonian University in Krakow. Her research includes: bilingual language processing and development, consequences of bilingualism, neurocognitive functions underlying a second language use, as well as consequences of second language learning on first language processing and other aspects of cognition. She is a head of Psychology of Language and Bilingualism Lab and a director of Bilingualism Matters Krakow. In ACTIN she is a coordinator of WP3 and activities at UJ.
Prof Krystian Barzykowski
Team member
Krystian Barzykowski is an associate professor in cognitive experimental psychology at the Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University (Kraków, Poland). He is also a head of Applied Memory Research Laboratory. His primary research interests include cultural psychology, with a special focus on psychological aspects of forced and voluntary migration (e.g., see project Migration in Action), as well as psychological diagnosis and memory research. He is a professional multicultural trainer recommended and authorized by the Helsinki Human Rights Foundation.
Marcjanna Kubala
Team member
Marcjanna Kubala- Bilingualism Matters Kraków coordinator at the Psychology of Language and Bilingualism Lab “LangUsta” at the Institute of Psychology at Jagiellonian University (Poland). Graduated from the Communication Sciences Faculty of the Universidad Complutense in Madrid. Experienced in working with children and teenagers in a multilingual and multicultural environment, especially in a non-formal education setting. In ACTIN mainly supports the work of WP4 and WP7 as well as other activities of local partners in Poland.
Prof Anna Seretny
Team member
Anna Seretny is an applied linguist and Professor at the Polish Faculty, the Jagiellonian University, Kraków. She has an extensive record of research and publications on vocabulary learning in Polish as a foreign and heritage language. Her major academic interests are language learning and teaching, heritage language maintenance/education and Polish as a language of schooling. In ACTIN project, she participates in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the language learning activities (WP2) and in the teachers’ training seminars (WP5).
Prof Magdalena Ślusarczyk
Team member
Magdalena Ślusarczyk is a Sociologist and Germanist, Associate Professor in the Institute of Sociology of the Jagiellonian University, member of the Committee on Migration Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences. She has been involved in numerous international (e.g. Erasmus+, Norway Grants, Horizon 2020) and national projects. Her research areas are sociology of migration, family and education. In ACTIN project, she is involved in WP3, focusing on issues of intercultural education, cultural awareness, and incorporating these aspects into work with migrant children in schools.
Dr Dorota Szpakowicz
Team member
Dorota Szpakowicz is a postdoctoral researcher at Jagiellonian University. She has a background in law, criminology, and social policy and defended her PhD thesis at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. Her research interests include youth transitions and NEETness, socioeconomic, gender, and digital inequalities, as well as gender and migration, and intersectional violence. In ACTIN, she is involved in WP3, focusing on issues of intercultural education, cultural awareness, and incorporating these aspects into work with migrant children in schools.
Tomasz Moździerz
Team member
Tomasz Moździerz, PhD in Linguistics, is an Assistant at the Institute of Polish Language and Culture for Foreigners, Faculty of Polish Studies, Jagiellonian University. His research focuses on the application of digital data in contemporary language teaching and the quantitative comparison of linguistic competence between native and non-native users of Polish. In ACTIN, he participates in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the language learning activities (WP2) and in the teachers’ training seminars (WP5).
Prof Andrea Young
Coordinator at at Strasbourg University
Andrea Young is Professor of English and Language Education at the Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning (INSPÉ) at the University of Strasbourg and member of the Language(s) and Society unit of the LiLPa (Linguistique, Langues, Parole, UR1339) research group. Her research and teaching interests include teacher education for the support of plurilingual learners, home/school educational partnerships, teacher language awareness and plurilingual and intercultural education. Within ACTIN, she is coordinating WP5 as well as activities at UNISTRA.
Dr Peiru Bai
Team member
Peiru Bai holds a joint PhD in Sociolinguistics from University of Strasbourg and University of Luxembourg. She is currently a member of the LiLPa (Linguistique, Langues, Parole, UR1339) Research Group at University of Strasbourg. Her research focuses on language policy, plurilingual and intercultural education, as well as language and identity development in multilingual, multicultural and transnational contexts. Within the ACTIN project, she is involved in WP1, WP2, WP4, WP5 and WP7, contributing to the activities designed and implemented by the UNISTRA team.
.png)
Dr Maria Zerva
Team member
Maria Zerva is Associate Professor of Sociolinguistics and Modern Greek Studies at the University of Strasbourg. Her research focuses on multilingualism, diversity, stances towards languages, linguistic ideologies and the construction of identities and otherness in discourse. She is the director of the Department of Modern Greek Studies and a member of the steering committee of the Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute LIRIC Language, Inclusion, Remediation, Interculturality, Communication. Within ACTIN, she works with the Strasbourg team on WP2 and WP5 and activities at UNISTRA and especially on developing evaluation questionnaires, interviews as well as focus groups’ guides.
Dr Latisha Mary
Team member
...
Karina Al-katauneh
Team member
Karina Al-Katauneh is a PhD student in Educational Sciences at the University of Strasbourg, affiliated with the LiLPa – UR 1339 (Linguistique, Langues, Parole) research laboratory. Her research interests include game-based language learning (ludopédagogie), innovations in language didactics, plurilingualism, sociolinguistics, and pedagogical translanguaging. Within the ACTIN project, she is a member of the UNISTRA team and contributes primarily to the work of WP2, WP5, and WP7.
Justine Holtzweiler
Team member
Justine Holtzweiler is a PhD student in Educational Sciences at the University of Strasbourg, affiliated with the LiLPa – UR 1339 (Linguistique, Langues, Parole) research laboratory. As a former teacher in a welcoming class, her research interests include the consideration of plurilingual children in classrooms, the inclusion of emerging bilingual students in the education system, co-teaching and pedagogical translanguaging. Within the ACTIN project, she is a member of the UNISTRA team and contributes primarily to the work of WP2, WP5, and WP7.
Dr Stéphanie Paul
Team member
...
Dr Maria Siemushyna
Team member
Maria Siemushyna is a posdoctorate member of the French team of ACTIN project. Maria did her Ph.D in Social Sciences at the University of Strasbourg with a focus on the role of languages (heritage language, language of the host country, and other languages) for migrant families in different domains of their lives, and more specifically in the field of parenting. Maria was also member of the Erasmus + LoCALL project on language landscapes and global education in the school context. She has also given several classes within the “Ouvrir l’école aux parents” (Open our school for parents) government initiative which aims to encourage parents with migrant backgrounds to improve their knowledge of French, to get to know the French school system better, to learn about how the French state functions and discover other aspects of French culture and everyday life. These different experiences enabled Maria Siemushyna to discover different perspectives around her domains of interest: migration, education, families and languages.
Sonia Cadi
Team member
...
Orla Casey
Co-lead of Non-Formal Education Activities
Orla Casey, Roscommon LEADER Partnership is a leading strategist in non-formal education, child participation, and integration-focused innovation. Within the ACTin project, she plays a central role in shaping the vision and implementation of Work Package 4, which focuses on non-formal language learning and cultural awareness activities for migrant and refugee children and families. Orla brings extensive experience from European projects at the intersection of education, inclusion, equity, and community empowerment, ensuring participatory, inclusive, and responsive approaches.
Linda Devine
Co-lead of Non-Formal Education Activities
Linda Devine is Social Inclusion Activation Lead, with Roscommon LEADER Partnership (RLP). She is a community development leader with over 20 years of experience in supporting marginalised communities through inclusive education, family learning, and social integration and plays a key role in the design and delivery of ACTin’s WP4 non-formal education activities. She works with Family Resource Centres in Roscommon, delivering tailored supports in lifelong learning, well-being, and civic engagement to hundreds of disadvantaged individuals each year. Her work emphasises cross-sector collaboration and responsive, community-based education. She holds degrees in Social Enterprise and Community Development, a Diploma in Nursery Management, and further qualifications in employment law, psychology, equality, and child protection.
Gillian Keane
Team member
Gillian Keane, RLP, leads the branding and visual identity of the ACTin project, ensuring that ACTin communication materials, from marketing templates to public-facing resources reflect ACTin’s core values of inclusion, integration, and participation. With over 20 years of experience in the graphic design industry, she brings deep expertise in crafting visual solutions that are aesthetically powerful, accessible, culturally sensitive, and child-friendly. She holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Visual Communications (Graphic Design) from Ballyfermot College of Further Education and is passionate about using design to create meaningful connections between migrant families, educators, and local communities.
Michaela Deane Huggins
Team member
Michaela Deane Huggins in RLP’s Dissemination & Communications Lead contributing to WP6. Her work focuses on connecting project outcomes with communities, educators, and stakeholders through inclusive, accessible, and strategic communication. Michaela brings a strong background in digital media, public health, and community development, underpinned by hands-on experience supporting migrant families and vulnerable groups. Within ACTin, she is responsible for designing and delivering engaging communication materials, including videos, podcasts, and social media content, to ensure that language learning resources and cultural awareness materials reach a wide and diverse audience. Michaela holds a Professional Diplomas in Digital Media Design and Marketing, an MSc in Public Health Nutrition and additional certifications in Train the Trainer, GDPR, Occupational First Aid, and Science Communication (Stanford).
Urszula Majcher – Legawiec
Substantial Coordinator at Fundacja im. Mikołaja Reja
Monika Sledz-Pacheco
Project Coordinator at Fundacja im. Mikołaja Reja
...
Marcin Krzowski
Team member
Marcin Krzowski, Vice President of the Board of the Rej Foundation is an experienced project coordinator with expertise in managing initiatives funded by the European Social Fund and Erasmus+ programmes. He has successfully overseen numerous projects and volunteer teams, demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills. He holds postgraduate degrees in Team Management, European Union Funds, and European Integration, which have strengthened his ability to effectively implement cross-cultural initiatives.His work focuses on creating sustainable educational frameworks and fostering community development. He contributes to educational initiatives that support diverse populations, including individuals with migration and refugee backgrounds. In ACTIN, he actively participates in implementation activities across WP2, WP3, WP4, and WP5 areas, bringing valuable coordination expertise to the project team.
Marilyn Polena
General Manager at SolidarityNow
Marilyn Polena, General Manager at SolidarityNow. Marilyn is a development economist, with extended experience in the area of program development and management, resource mobilisation and strategic development in the humanitarian and development fields. She was previously the Director of Programmes for SolidarityNow where she was responsible for the design and implementation of the organisation’s programmes and partnerships, overseeing interventions across Greece. Marilyn has worked in the field in Greece and internationally, spending several years leading multi-sectoral development programmes in northern Mozambique. In ACTIN she oversees WP4 activities.
Dora Seitanidou
Project Manager/education expert at SolidarityNow
Dora Seitanidou, Educator of the Greek language as a second/foreign. Her experience includes working in non-formal education settings, museum education, and education for refugees and migrants. She is currently working as an Education program manager at SolidarityNow in Thessaloniki, Greece. In ACTIN she is in charge of managing and implementing non-formal education activities of WP4.
Yousra Amalou
Team member
Yousra Amalou is finishing her master in psychology at university of Geneva. She works on the ACTIN project with the implementation and realization of the work of WP4.
Jonas Oegerli
Team member
Jonas Oegerli, holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Geneva. He developed a keen interest in the field of migration in Switzerland after completing his civil service in 2021 and 2023 in a federal center for asylum seekers. There, he was able to acquire practical experience in field work. At the University of Geneva, he is part of the committee of the partner association Les Cafés Solidaires as treasurer. In the ACTIN project, he helps with the implementation and realization of the work of WP4.
Dr Kristin Vold Lexander
Coordinator at Innland Norway University of Applied Sciences
Christiane Bongartz
Advisory board member
...
Valérie Fialais
Advisory board member
Valérie Fialais is in charge (Strasbourg Local Education Authority) of supporting the implementation of a pilot project in the context of the Franco-German Lycée of Strasbourg curriculum. She has set up a training program for teachers wishing to join the French-German bilingual education system in the Strasbourg area and is also a member of the research laboratory Linguistics, Language, Speech (LiLPa), currently collaborating in a research project with a bilingual school (English-French immersion) in Nancy. Her interest in the didactics of bi/plurilingualism is the common thread running through her academic and professional career.
Halina Grzymała-Moszczyńska
Advisory board member
Halina Grzymała-Moszczyńska is Professor of Psychology at Ignatianum University in Krakow. She conducts research in the field of cultural psychology, with particular emphasis on the psychology of migration, dealing with the acculturation of Poles leaving abroad and foreigners coming to Poland. She also conducts research on the problems of cultural adaptation in Poland of children from Polish families returning from emigration. Together with her team, she conducted research on the psychological resilience of Ukrainian women fleeing to Poland from the Russian invasion (https://superbohaterki.org). As part of the Teacher Training Center of the Polish Community Association, she conducts classes for Polish teachers from Polish educational institutions around the world.
Nicole Marx
Advisory board member
Nicole Marx is Full Professor of German as a Second Language at the University of Cologne, Germany. Her research and teaching interests include multilingualism and intercomprehension, additional language learning and pedagogy, language learning and teaching of migrant children, and quantitative methods in SLA research. She has led various projects on multilingual acquisition and plurilingual teaching and learning approaches, most recently focusing on immigrant deaf and hard-of-hearing language learners.
Ianthi Tsimpli
Advisory board member
Ianthi Tsimpli is Professor of English and Applied Linguistics and Fellow of Fitzwilliam College at the University of Cambridge, and Fellow of the British Academy. She has held academic positions at Reading, Thessaloniki, Newcastle and University College London. She teaches and researches in Multilingualism, Language Acquisition, Attrition and Impairment. Her work in the last ten years focuses on language development in neurotypical and neurodiverse populations and how it is affected by language experience, i.e. multilingualism, socioeconomic status and education as well as cognitive skills.