Chiara Fedele

Background

About Chiara Fedele

Great ideas deserve the right support! From lab to funding, I help researchers secure Horizon Europe funding and explore pathways for innovation. I am a materials engineer by training (University of Naples “Federico II”) with an interdisciplinary background bridging materials science, biomedical research, and innovation strategy. During my doctoral studies at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, I developed a passion for applying materials expertise to health-related challenges, a passion that continues to shape my career. Currently, I work as a Grant Coach at Tampere University, supporting researchers in securing Horizon Europe funding, with a focus on Pillar I (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) and Pillar (EIC Pathfinder). My role involves proposal development, strategic guidance, and hands-on support to help researchers craft competitive applications. I take pride in a service-oriented approach, ensuring that researchers feel supported and empowered throughout the process. Previously, I worked as a Senior Research Fellow in the Smart Photonics Materials group, collaborating with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology. My research focused on light-responsive materials, cell-material interactions, and advanced imaging techniques. I also have strong insight into innovation ecosystems, technology transfer, and research commercialization, having worked on funding instruments such as ERC Proof of Concept and Business Finland. I am passionate about creating pathways for societal impact, whether through competitive funding, innovation-driven collaborations, or knowledge transfer.