About Us
United Academics Magazine delivers articles, interviews with experts, and long features on major scientific developments. We strive to tell quality, well-supported stories about discoveries worldwide. Our contributors cover topics from the human body and mind to the mysteries of space and physics. We stand for open access to scientific journals.
Our Team
Louis Lapidaire
Founder & CEOI founded United Academics to create a world where scientific research results are accessible to everyone.
Josefina Cordera
Science Communicator/Editor-in-chiefI have a MSc in Communication and a Specialization in Communication of Science. Working in the field of science communication, I have created content for different disciplines, working as a producer for TV broadcasts, documentary films, podcasts, and science articles. I also teach Audiovisual Science communication in a Postgraduate Specialization and I organized some communication workshops for researchers.
Ishani Bhattacharya
Copy editor/social media managerI am a researcher and science writer trying to bring together cold, hard facts and compelling storytelling into a domain that’s often overlooked by scientists and writers alike. As I like to put it, I aim to entertain and enlighten. My clichéd hope is to leave the planet at least slightly better than we found it and I think clear-cut, non-patronising, engaging science communication is key to it!
Adam van Heerden
Copy editorAdam van Heerden is a researcher and writer who's interested in promoting inclusive development and community building through his work. He writes on topics relating to public participation in a climate where cities are dealing with identity crises surrounding the juxtaposition of both increasing globalisation and individual isolation.
Erik Schoorl
IT managerFreelance software developer.
Former team members
Alexandra de Castro
Science communicator/Editor-in-chiefI tell science stories in English and Spanish. The same passion for science that once drove me to obtain a Ph.D. in physics, and work as a research scientist for fifteen years, inspired me to steer my career towards the popularization of science. Since 2014, I have been writing, editing, and managing outreach projects for several organizations. In 2021, I joined United Academics Magazine as Editor-in-chief. My favorite topics are theoretical physics, particle physics, climate change, astronomy, and space exploration.
Rita Silva do Santos
Editor-in-chief/Smart by Design. Erasmus projectI joined United Academics team in 2015, during my Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, at the VU Amsterdam. By that time, I was starting to realize that, more than planning scientific experiments, I was interested in understanding how science evolved and where it is going. After joining United Academics, it became clearer that open access must be the path for science advancement. In 2016, I became United Academics's editor-in-chief.
Dana Dumea
IllustratorI am an innovative Illustrator and Graphic Designer currently based in The Hague. I am skilled at blending brand goals with design aesthetics to create captivating images. I look for inspiration in art, music, science, and nature in her spare time, hoping to capture that magic and implement it in her designs. My passion for experiencing and absorbing the wonders of the world fuels my creativity and ignites my desire to create truly impactful designs.
Smriti Srivastava
IllustratorI am a molecular biologist by training and a science communication enthusiast. I love making illustrations on scientific facts. I use different media; it can be digital or hand-drawn. I have done my Ph.D. on the molecular biology of fruit ripening from CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute Lucknow, India.
Tamara Pharadashvili
Social media managerMy background is in journalism and communications. I am passionate about reading scientific articles and learning constantly about the world. In recent years I have become anxious about the dominance of fake news and mistrust towards science from society. I think that It is crucial to rely on science and fact based information. My goal is to make scientific discoveries accessible to a wide audience and to contribute to the fight against fake news.
Pamela Herrera
Social media managerI started my professional career as a physiotherapist, I have a master's degree in Public Health. I have worked in hospitals, startups and NGOs focused on social inclusion. I am passionate about disability inclusion, social equality and healthcare. I enjoy researching and writing about issues related to social inclusion and providing solutions to improve the lives of vulnerable people.
Job Lamb
User Experience Designer/CoalibryI'm focused on creating meaningful user experience true design. I specialize in designing and developing user interfaces and digital products. I don’t restrict myself to design. The blend of design, user experience and research is where I feel I shine.