Sandra Coecke

Sandra Coecke, PhD
Senior Scientist & Policy Advisor, European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Italy

Sandra Coecke is a biomedical STE(A)M scientist and science-policy leader working at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). She leads the Emerging Health Threats & One Health Approach team, contributing to European preparedness for emerging health challenges through transdisciplinary research, innovation and evidence-based policy. Her scientific trajectory connects human and animal health, environmental determinants, method, model and data-driven approaches and societal challenges. With a background in biomedical sciences and regulatory innovation, she has contributed to advancing human-relevant research approaches and strengthening the translation of science into policy. Sandra is coordinator of the JRC Decoding Depression science for policy initiative, which develops an environome-based and transdisciplinary framework exploring how personal, social, natural, built and digital environments influence mental health across the life course. The initiative brings together biomedical sciences, neuroscience, psychology, environmental research, digital technologies, social sciences and citizen engagement, creating new pathways between research, policy and public dialogue. Her work strongly reflects a STEAM vision: recognising that complex challenges such as mental health, environmental change and planetary wellbeing require not only scientific knowledge, but also creativity, empathy, cultural reflection and new forms of dialogue. Through the JRC Science and Art programme, Sandra has contributed to projects exploring how artistic practices can enrich scientific understanding and communication. Her involvement in NaturArchy – Resonances IV and the project “These Relations Are Forever” reflects a shared exploration of long-term relationships between humans, environments, molecules and ecosystems, creating connections between environmental science, embodiment, ritual, collective reflection and artistic inquiry.