Experts in sociology, human rights, international law, policy, and impactful communication.
Experience in creating and running challenging projects at various scale.
Fostering broad-participation collaborations in Bulgaria, the EU, and beyond.
The Counterintuitive Institute is a pioneering, fully female-led research organisation, dedicated to challenging the status quo and driving positive societal change in a world of constant turbulence and deepening uncertainty.
We work to fill the known and unsuspected gaps in evidence, policy, strategy, action, and impact by co-creating knowledge, co-constructing solutions from the ground up, and fostering broad-participation collaborations in Bulgaria, the EU, and beyond.
Born in a cozy Sofia office in 2022 and fueled by big ideas, we’re a team of change-makers turning fresh thinking into real impact. CI may be new, but our crew of seasoned experts brings years of bold projects, shared passion, and unstoppable energy to the table!
PhD in Politics, Human Rights and Sustainability (Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa (cum laude)
13+ years of experience in qualitative research, project management, and non-profit organisation management.
Expertise: human rights, gender-based violence, gendered disinformation, public policy analysis, foreign policy analysis
PhD in Sociology (Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, BG), MPhil in Sociology (University of Cambridge, UK
10+ years of experience in theoretical and empirical research on topics of inequality and social dynamics.
Expertise: inequality, stratification and social structuring, gender and racial exclusion, minority rights, post-socialist and regional studies
MSc in Human Rights (London School of Economics and Political Science, UK)
6+ years of experience in mixed method and co-creative research, public deliberation, Horizon project management, and consultancy.
Expertise: human rights, digital & AI ethics, gender-based and domestic violence, migration, policy influence
5+ years of experience as graphic and digital designer, illustrator, and communications executive.
Expertise: NGO promotion, campaign management, creative planning and execution, external outreach, social media & website management, brand identity & visibility
PhD Candidate (Queen Mary University of London, UK), MA in Political Analysis (Russia and Eastern Europe) (University College London, UK)
4+ experience in interdisciplinary research and combining legal and economic quantitative and qualitative methods
Expertise: gender-based disinformation, gender equality, gendered aspects of corruption, foreign influence, rule of law, digital and media literacyOUR VALUES
People-centricity & Inclusivity
Courage & Creativity
Empathy & Ethics
Purpose & Perseverance
Counterintuitive Ideas
We advocate for a holistic approach that goes beyond legal equality and addresses structural and systemic barriers. We prioritise the rights of all women, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, ability, age, and other characteristics.
We research and address emerging forms of violence, and the impact of technology on violence experienced in offline life. We strive to develop strategies for preventing and addressing these forms of violence in order to empower and protect those affected.
We are committed to ensuring that technologies are developed and used in a way that promotes gender equality and respects women’s rights. We advocate for people-centred, inclusive, feminist, and ethical perspectives in tech.
Have a question, idea, or collaboration in mind?
We’d love to hear from you.
We believe meaningful change starts with conversation. Whether you’re a partner, supporter, or you’re simply curious about our work, let’s chat.
