Native Scientists’ Executive Director Joana Moscoso recognised with an Emerging Alumni Leader Award

Imperial College London honoured microbiologist and social entrepreneur Joana Moscoso outstanding contributions to science outreach, education equity, and social innovation.

Joana Moscoso, who completed her PhD in Life Sciences at Imperial in 2013, co-founded Native Scientists, a pan‑European non-profit organisation that connects children and scientists from underserved and migrant communities, while studying in the UK. Since then, Native Scientists work to broaden horizons, promote scientific literacy, and reduce inequalities, an approach that has earned international attention, including the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize in 2022.

Originally from Valença do Minho, Portugal, Joana’s fascination with microbiology began at the age of nine. Her doctoral research at Imperial focused on understanding how bacteria transition between acute and chronic infections. During her time on the South Kensington campus, between lab meetings, journal clubs, and conversations at the local pub, the idea for Native Scientists first emerged. Alongside co-founder Tatiana Correia, Moscoso transformed that idea into a pioneering science‑education initiative that now operates across Europe through various programmes.

Science as a tool for inclusion

What started as an idea in a pub is now a well-known non-governmental organisation with a multidisciplinary team of people sharing a passion for science and social values. Founded in 2013, Native Scientist has grown into a leading science‑education organisation working with thousands of children across Europe creating meaningful interactions between children and scientists, with a particular focus on children in underserved and multilingual school communities. Through its science-education interventions, the organisation supports curiosity, strengthens heritage languages, and helps reduce structural inequalities in access to science education.

Native Scientists works with a multidisciplinary team across Europe and places children at the centre of all its programmes. As Executive Director, she leads the organisation’s strategy, programmes, and team development, ensuring sustained growth, impact, and alignment with its mission of using science as a tool for social inclusion.

Alongside her role at Native Scientists, Joana is also the co-founder of Chaperone, a social business that aims to democratise access to career development for scientists by offering personalised, high-quality support through an online marketplace.

Celebrating leadership, integrity, and impact

The Emerging Alumni Leader Award celebrates Imperial College London graduates who demonstrate professional excellence alongside integrity, compassion, and positive societal impact. Recipients are recognised not only for their achievements, but also for the values they bring to their leadership and the broader communities they serve.

Joana’s career has included several international recognitions, such as being named an MIT Innovator Under 35 and receiving a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship. She has also contributed to deep-tech innovation initiatives alongside fellow Imperial alumni.

She has spoken openly about the challenges behind her achievements, including navigating depression during her PhD and burnout after returning to Portugal. These experiences have shaped her commitment to wellbeing, balance, and authenticity in leadership — values that closely align with both Native Scientists’ mission and the ethos of the Emerging Alumni Leader Award.

Reflecting on her time at Imperial, Joana Moscoso encourages students to look beyond the laboratory:  “Stay focused on your studies, but balance that with other activities. Later in life, you will probably look back and be surprised by how much you gained from those side engagements.”

Her recognition underscores the growing importance of scientists who bridge research, education, and social justice, using science to empower children and contribute to a more equitable society.

About Native Scientists

Native Scientists is a pan-European non-profit organisation connecting underserved children and scientists. It exists to broaden children's horizons, promoting scientific literacy and reducing inequalities through science outreach educational programmes.

About Imperial College

Imperial College London is a world-leading university, recognised for excellence in science, engineering, medicine and business. With a strong focus on research, innovation and global impact, Imperial is committed to advancing knowledge and addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges through education and discovery.