About Us

STI4D is based in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. We work throughout the world, especially in Africa.

Team

DIRECTOR – DR BERNIE JONES

Based in Oxfordshire, Bernie works on a number of projects in the science-policy-development-communications nexus. In addition to his work at STI4D, he founded and runs SVRG ltd, concerning holistic rural development and off-grid energy provision. He has extensive experience of working with international academies of science, as Head of International Policy at the Royal Society, Executive Director of EASAC, and interim Executive Director of the InterAcademy Panel and InterAcademy Medical Panel. He has also worked elsewhere in the non-profit sector, as International Director of Shaw Trust, and in the corporate sector in a variety of roles at British Airways. Bernie is a graduate of the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh, in Computer Science, Experimental Psychology, and Cognitive Science.

ASSOCIATE – DR CLAUDIA CANALES

Claudia is based in Geneva and Oxfordshire. Since 2020 she has served as Chief Executive of the Kirkhouse Trust and leads the charity’s Senior Management Team. She also consults for the InterAcademy Partnership. Her training includes a first degree in Environmental Biology from the University of Reading and a DPhil in Plant Sciences from the University in Oxford. She has 10 years of experimental experience in plant sciences research, and 20 years’ experience in science communication and technology transfer initiatives in Asian and Sub-Saharan Africa countries.

SENIOR ADVISOR – PROF SIR BRIAN HEAP

Based at Cambridge Sir Brian Heap is a Distinguished Fellow of the Centre of Development Studies and Honorary Fellow of St Edmund’s College, Cambridge, where he was a former Master. Previously, he was Director of the Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research (Babraham and Roslin), and Director of Research at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. He was Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham, President of the European Academies Science Advisory Council, President of the Institute of Biology, President of the International Society of Science and Religion, and is Chief Scientific Advisor to the Malaysian Commonwealth Study Centre and the Cambridge Malaysian Education and Development Trust, and a Trustee of the Cambridge China Development Trust. Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1989, he held posts as Foreign Secretary and Vice-President from 1996 to 2001.

SENIOR ENGINEER – DR ANNA CLEMENTS

Based in Zurich, Anna has more than 10 years’ experience of energy access and efficiency technologies, community engagement and development in East Africa. She consults for a number of UK Universities and technology companies. She is a champion of environmental sustainability, diversity and community empowerment. She is a graduate of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

OPERATIONS MANAGER – MARTINE ROBSON

Martine brings more than 13 years experience of financial and administrative management to the business. A graduate of Herriott Watt University, her particular interests include gender, biodiversity, education and sustainable entrepreneurship.

IMPACT & OUTREACH – IONA SMITH

Iona holds a Masters of International Development Studies from the University of Amsterdam with a strong interest in gender, human rights and environmental sustainability within international development. She is passionate about finding innovative ways to approach development issues and uses her keen interest in media to manage our communication channels.

STI4D also works with a number of other consultants, experts and associates, as well as partner organisations, on different projects.