Loris Wallimann is an economist. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in economic history and a Master’s degree in political economy from the University of Geneva; his interest in the public sector led him to work for the Price Supervisory Authority and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), where he developed a particular focus on the quality of sources and methodologies. He is interested in the technical frameworks, indicators, methods and rules that shape collective decision-making. At the Eiger Institute, he contributes to applied research aimed at making economic and institutional issues more accessible to the general public.

Nora Steinig was born and raised in Geneva. After over ten years working in the cultural sector, she obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Geneva (UNIGE). She has since been a research assistant to Professor Dietrich at UNIGE, conducting research on development aid funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. She has a particular interest in data management and visualisation in the fields of development, security and human rights. She also contributes to the work of the Eiger Institute on an ad hoc basis. In this capacity, she plays an active role by conducting documentary research and drafting notes and reports analysing Swiss public policy on topics related to international relations.

Born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Marc Planas Blanco grew up dividing his time between Switzerland, Spain and Ireland – a multicultural upbringing that has shaped his internationally-oriented outlook. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Relations from University College Dublin and a Master’s degree in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics (LSE), and specialises in the analysis of European trade, industrial and energy policies, particularly trade defence instruments and decarbonisation. He has worked at the Secretariat of the European Parliament’s INTA Committee, at ALLRAIL, at the consultancy firm Grayling, and at the sector association Cerame-Unie in Brussels, where he is currently based. As part of his collaboration with the Eiger Institute, Marc contributes to the drafting of analyses relating to the economy, international trade and relations between Switzerland and the European Union.

Mathilde Despont, who holds a Master’s degree in European Studies, works in the fields of public relations and public affairs. A keen observer of current affairs, she is interested in how political and societal issues emerge, evolve and shape public debate in Switzerland and Europe.

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At the Eiger Institute, she draws on her experience to analyse public policy, unravelling complex issues, putting them into context and shedding light on the dynamics that shape collective decisions.

Houria holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from IDHEAP (University of Lausanne) and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations (University of Geneva). At the Eiger Institute, she helps to draft policy briefs on Swiss political issues. Her areas of interest include public policy, and the management and coordination of projects relating to the integration of vulnerable populations, social cohesion and the resolution of humanitarian issues.

Fatah is a specialist in economic and development policy, with extensive experience in diplomacy and international cooperation at the nexus of trade governance and capacity building. He possesses an expertise in WTO processes and trade policy, together with a strong track record in the implementation of programmes. He serves as Head of Fundraising and Partnerships at the Eiger Institute, where he leads resource mobilisation efforts and the development of strategic partnerships. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from California State University, Northridge, and a Master’s degree in International Relations from Freie Universität Berlin.

Alexis Vrettos specialises in international relations. Having worked at the UN in Geneva and New York, and having held various posts, notably in Bern and Paris, he is interested in peace and security, diplomacy and contemporary geopolitical dynamics. His experience within the Swiss civil service has also enabled him to develop a practical understanding of how public institutions operate and how decision-making processes work. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Political Science from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, and his interests span a wide range of topics, including political, economic, cultural and geostrategic issues.

Virginie Ecoffey is a project and events manager. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in Classical Studies from the University of Lausanne, supplemented by studies at University College Dublin; she has also completed a management course and obtained a Federal Certificate in Tourism. Her professional career has taken her from field archaeology, both in Switzerland and abroad, to the coordination of cultural and event projects, including at HEIG-VD, the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and the City of Lancy. At the Eiger Institute, she is responsible for communications and science communication. She helps to make the Institute’s work and advances in scientific research accessible, with the aim of enhancing the quality of public debate and collective decision-making in Switzerland. Drawing on several years’ experience in managing multidisciplinary projects, she is interested in planning, communication and coordination between stakeholders, with a particular focus on cultural, sporting and human rights issues.

Originally from Ticino and Germany, Lena Regazzoni holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Lausanne and is currently studying for a Master’s degree in Global European Studies at the University of Basel. With a particular interest in gender studies and security issues, she joined the Eiger Institute in 2026. A keen film buff and reader, she also uses her free time to get away on mountain hikes.

Julia Rafla was born in Mississauga, Canada, and moved to Switzerland at the age of 7. She has been working with EVAM since the age of 13 and has a deep passion for helping others. She is currently studying law and political science in Leicester (United Kingdom), and hopes to specialise in sports law. She joined the Eiger Institute in 2026, driven by her interest in politics and her desire to gain a deeper understanding of the issues shaping Switzerland. In particular, she is working on the issue of young people’s political participation.

Rafaela was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and moved to Switzerland in 2022. She is currently studying economics at HEC Lausanne and hopes to specialise in quantitative economics. She joined the Eiger Institute in 2026, driven by her interest in public policy and her desire to analyse the issues shaping Switzerland.