About Nesta

Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society.

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Amalia Papanikolaou‌‌

Data Programme Lead, Challenge Works

She/Her

Amalia is the Data Programme Lead at Challenge Works.

She oversees the technical aspects of data-driven initiatives like the Longitude Prize on ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or MND), with a focus on advancing AI-led drug discovery solutions.

Before joining Challenge Works, Amalia was a Senior Research Fellow at the UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, where she led research on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s Disease. Her work involved using advanced imaging, electrophysiology and machine learning techniques to study brain function and disease progression.

Amalia holds a PhD in Neuroscience, where she researched how the human visual system reorganizes after stroke damage. She also holds a BSc in Biomedical Informatics and an MSc in AI. With significant expertise in data science and neurological disorders, she is passionate about leveraging data and innovation to tackle complex health challenges.

Outside of work, Amalia enjoys spending time with her family, playing football, and board games.