Amalia Sabiescu

Dr Amalia Sabiescu serves as a Lecturer in Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University London and holds a UKRI Innovation Fellowship through the AHRC Early Career Research Leadership scheme. Her research bridges media studies, cultural practice, and community development to empower marginalized youth through digital skills development and career guidance initiatives.

Education:

• PhD in Communication Sciences, University of Lugano
• MSc in Technologies for Cultural Heritage Communication, University of Lugano

Her research centers on information and communication technology (ICT) adoption in cultural contexts, examining how digital tools foster social inclusion among disadvantaged youth through museum studies, community development, and international frameworks. Fieldwork across Europe and South Africa informs her analysis of how online/offline interactions shape professional aspirations.

Scientific Awards:

• UKRI Innovation Fellowship (AHRC Leadership Fellows ECR Scheme, 2019)

As principal investigator of the Connect2Aspire project, Dr Sabiescu leads collaborations with the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Roma Project, Coventry Boys and Girls Club, and Bournemouth University's Centre of Excellence in Media Practice. This £406 million UK Government-aligned initiative develops evidence-based models for cultural institutions to mobilize resources supporting youth skills development outside formal education.

Her work operates through dynamic partnerships with cultural and community organizations, generating actionable insights to align programs with digital-era professional demands while addressing STEM skills shortages through community-driven approaches.