group stacking hands in colorful sweaters

MIGRANTS' CITIZEN SCIENCE ASSOCIATION

Everyone belongs

T H E M C S A T e a m

Our team is predominantly made up of migrants who have come together in different parts of Europe to advocate for citizen science. Our diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences fuel our shared passion for engaging the public in scientific research and social decision-making processes. Despite facing linguistic, cultural, and bureaucratic obstacles, we remain dedicated to bridging the gap between scientists and the community.

As advocates of citizen science, we take pride in promoting its power to value the contributions of migrants to science and society, enrich scientific research, and contribute to social integration. By embracing and involving migrants in citizen science in Norway and Europe in general, we can address social issues related to the environment, sustainability, health, education, and social justice, among others.

Our goal is to actively involve migrants in citizen science by increasing their representation in scientific fields, building networks of citizen scientists and researchers, and creating an inclusive environment that welcomes people from different cultural backgrounds and experiences. We also aim to support migrant-led citizen science projects and initiatives, contribute to a European-wide citizen science movement, educate policymakers and other stakeholders, build partnerships, and conduct studies to address any barriers or challenges faced by migrants in participating in scientific research and citizen science projects.

Finally, we advocate for policies and funding that support citizen science initiatives and promote the active involvement of citizens, including migrants.

JUDY Love Gonzales Malundo

Founder | Chairperson

Email: lovemalundo@mcsa.website

Jones Kwame Adom Danquah

Co-founder | Deputy Chair

Email: jonesdanquah@mcsa.website

Love Malundo is the Founder and Chairperson of the Migrants’ Citizen Science Association (MCSA), an organization based in Norway that promotes the participation of migrants in science, technology, knowledge production, and policy. Her work brings together citizen science, migration, feminist perspectives, inclusion, and social justice, with a particular interest in expanding the representation of communities that remain underrepresented in research and decision-making.

She advocates for the use of citizen science and feminist perspectives in research, technology, and education, including emerging fields such as Extended Reality (XR). Her work considers how diverse lived experiences can contribute to research and technological development, while drawing attention to biases, power relations, and forms of exclusion that can shape these fields.

Love holds a Master’s degree in International Social Welfare and Health Policy from Oslo Metropolitan University, postgraduate studies in Gender Studies at Utrecht University, in coordination with the Netherlands Research School of Gender Studies, and Master's studies in Women and Development at the University of the Philippines Diliman. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the Philippine Normal University.

Advisory Board Members

Rosemarie Bernabe, PhD

Professor of Research Ethics and Research Integrity | University of Oslo

Ging H. Ledesma

Former Director of Strategy and Sustainable Impact | Oikocredit, The Netherlands

Divina Gracia P. Rodriguez, PHD

Research Scientist | Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)

Jones Danquah is a Co-founder and Deputy Chair of the Migrants’ Citizen Science Association (MCSA) and an advocate for the meaningful participation of migrants in citizen science and knowledge production.

He holds a Master’s degree in International Social Welfare and Health Policy from Oslo Metropolitan University and a Master’s degree in Development Geography from the University of Oslo. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, with a focus on Geography, Sociology, and Economics, from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

His work and advocacy focus on marginalisation, social exclusion, poverty, empowerment, integration, equality, fairness, and equal opportunities. He is particularly committed to advancing the inclusion and participation of marginalised and socially excluded communities, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, or religion. Through his work with MCSA, he supports greater recognition of migrants as active contributors to science, society, and knowledge production.

Our MCSA team leaders

Maria Gabrielle Hecomovic

MCSA - Community Inclusion Lead | Social Worker

Email: mariahecomovic@mcsa.website

Maria Gabrielle Hecomovic is a social worker with a Master’s degree in International Social Welfare and Health Policy from Oslo Metropolitan University. Her interests centre on migrant participation, citizen science, social inclusion, community empowerment, social cohesion, and integration. She is particularly interested in learning from different cultures and in the ways cultural exchange can create greater understanding, connection, and participation across communities.

Maria also has a strong interest in arts and performance as forms of cultural expression and communication. She values opportunities to engage with different cultural traditions through creative and performing arts, recognising their potential to bring people together, share experiences, and create spaces for dialogue and mutual understanding.

Through her association with MCSA, Maria contributes a social work and community perspective to the organisation’s interest in migrant participation in science and knowledge production. Her combination of social welfare knowledge, intercultural interest, and engagement with the arts reflects MCSA’s broader commitment to recognising the diverse experiences, knowledge, and forms of expression that migrants bring to society.

Macel Ingles

MCSA - Journalism and Media Lead | Journalist

Email: macelingles@mcsa.website

Macel Ingles is a Filipino professional with extensive experience spanning media, journalism, education, and research. She has more than two decades of experience in Philippine media, having served in senior editorial and production roles, including News Bureau Chief, Executive Producer, and News Desk Editor.

Macel holds a Master of Science in Development Studies, specialising in Conflict Studies, from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), a Diploma in Media and Communications from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, and a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies from the University of the Philippines Manila.

Her professional and research experience includes work on sustainable agriculture for the Interchurch Fund for International Development (ICFID), Canada, and research on labour conditions in economic zones for Urban Missionaries. She was also a fellow of the Global Future Program of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO).

Through her work with MCSA, Macel contributes her experience in journalism, research, development studies, and communications to advancing the organisation’s work on migrant participation, citizen science, and inclusive knowledge production.

Reina Regis

MCSA - Website and Communications Coordinator | Human Rights Advocate

Email: reinaregis@mcsa.website

Reina Regis is a communications professional committed to using mass media as a means of amplifying the voices of communities that are often underrepresented or unheard. Following her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of the Philippines, she volunteered for more than three years with a non-governmental organisation in the Philippines, where she developed an early commitment to social development and community engagement.

She subsequently pursued a career in content writing, developing communications and digital content for American- and British-owned companies in the Philippines. After moving to the Netherlands, she earned a Master of Science in Communication from the University of Amsterdam’s Graduate School of Communication.

Her interests and advocacy focus on pro-poor public policies, social justice, and the protection and promotion of human rights. Through her work with MCSA, she brings her experience in communications and development-oriented work to efforts that promote greater participation, representation, and inclusion of migrants and marginalised communities.

Remegio Confesor, PhD

MCSA - Senior Environmental and Agricultural Research Advisor

Email: remegioconfesor@mcsa.website

Remegio is an expert in Agricultural and Biological Engineering with more than 25 years of professional and research experience in hydrology, environmental management, and water resources. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, as well as Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Engineering from the University of the Philippines.

His expertise encompasses hydrological research, nonpoint source pollution, agricultural best management practices, watershed and water resources management, and the impacts of climate change. He has also contributed to the development and application of field- and watershed-scale hydrologic modelling.

His extensive experience in environmental and water-resource research provides valuable expertise for addressing complex challenges related to sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, watershed management, and climate resilience.

Davina Hang

MCSA - Grant, Communications, and Dissemination Lead | Community Worker

Email: davinahang@mcsa.website

Davina brings experience in community engagement, social welfare, global health, and international research, complemented by strong communication and interpersonal skills. She holds a Master’s degree in International Social Welfare and Health Policy from Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Ryerson University, Canada.

Her particular strength is her ability to connect with people across different cultural, professional, and social contexts and to communicate complex information in a clear and appropriate manner. Her social work background gives her a strong understanding of people and communities, while her communication skills enable her to build constructive relationships with individuals and organisations with different perspectives and levels of expertise.

At MCSA, Davina contributes to grant development, communications, and dissemination. She is involved in identifying funding opportunities and supporting grant applications, while also helping communicate MCSA’s work and activities to relevant audiences. Her role supports the organisation’s external engagement and helps build connections between MCSA, its partners, migrant communities, and other stakeholders.

Michael Yisfashewa, PHD

MCSA - Health and Welfare Research Advisor

Email: michaelyisfashewa@mcsa.website

Michael is a researcher specialising in global health and welfare, with particular expertise in access to and quality of health and welfare services. He recently completed his PhD in Health and Welfare Research at NOVA, Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet).

He holds a Master’s degree in International Social Welfare and Health Policy from OsloMet, a Master’s degree in Peace and Security from Addis Ababa University, and a Master’s degree in Comparative and International Education from the University of Oslo.

His research interests focus on migrant-led research, health inequalities, and equitable access to healthcare among migrant populations. Through his work with MCSA, he contributes research expertise to efforts aimed at understanding and addressing disparities in health and welfare, particularly those affecting migrant communities.

Hilda chavez

MCSA | Community and Welfare Advisor | Social Worker

Email: hildaemiliachavez@mcsa.website

Hilda has a professional background in social work, psychology, anthropology, and international social welfare, with a particular interest in inclusion, individual empowerment, and access to opportunities. Through her professional experience with the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV), she has worked with people from diverse backgrounds, supporting individuals in strengthening their capacities, opportunities, and participation in society.

She holds a degree in Psychology and Anthropology and a Master’s degree in International Social Welfare and Health Policy. Her multidisciplinary background enables her to approach social and welfare issues with attention to individual circumstances, cultural perspectives, and the broader welfare system.

Hilda is a voluntary member and potential community connection for MCSA, contributing her professional knowledge and perspective when relevant. Her interests in social inclusion, welfare, empowerment, and the experiences of diverse communities align with MCSA’s commitment to meaningful participation and greater inclusion in science and society.

Sandesh Shrestha

MCSA - Health and Community Engagement Advisor | Physical Therapist

Email: sandesshrestha@mcsa.website

Sandesh has a multidisciplinary background in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, international social welfare, and community engagement. He holds a Master’s degree in International Social Welfare and Health Policy from Oslo Metropolitan University and a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from M.G.R. University, India.

His professional experience includes working as a Rehabilitation Physiotherapist at the Human Welfare and Environment Protection Center (HWEPC) in Nepal, in collaboration with Handicap International, supporting efforts to improve the daily functioning and quality of life of people with disabilities and other support needs. He has also worked as a Clinical Physiotherapist at Rapti Sub-regional Hospital in Nepal.

Now based in Oslo, Norway, Sandesh has a strong interest in migrant empowerment, inclusion, health, and social welfare. Through MCSA, he contributes a health and rehabilitation perspective to the organisation’s work and its efforts to strengthen the participation and inclusion of migrant communities.

"I am a recent graduate of the ACCRA Business School with a Bachelor's degree in Operations Management and Global Leadership, as well as a Master's degree in International Relations from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. My passion for international business and leadership drives me to pursue career opportunities that allow me to work with global teams and make a positive impact on the world. In my free time, I enjoy following fashion trends and exploring general employment opportunities."

- Cynthia | Norway

"I am an early-stage researcher and recent graduate with MPH and environmental epidemiology as my concentration. My interest join the Citizen Scientice is to globalize local research result to be accessible regardless the english competence. It is because during my intership project as part of my master's program, I found that local research result was not reflected to global community due to language barrier. Therefore, there is knowledge gap leading to Western centered research result."

- Haniena | Indonesia

"I am interested in open science to de-colonise public heath research by addressing inequalities and challenges for non-westerners to govern their own country and/or regional specific health-related issues."

- Novra | Indonesia