OUR
TEAM
// Our team of in-house experts, social and behavioural scientists, data scientists and research consultants is based in Barcelona (Spain) and the Netherlands.
WE ARE A MULTIDISCIPLINARY,
EXPERIENCED AND PASSIONATE TEAM.
We are a multidisciplinary team of researchers with a strong network of experts from industry and academia.
// MEET OUR TEAM MEMBERS
OUR
FOUNDERS
FRANCISCO LUPIÁÑEZ-VILLANUEVA
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Francisco (PhD) is the co-founder and director of PredictBy and Professor at Open University of Catalonia.
He has more than 20 years of experience in applying quantitative and qualitive research and consulting related to the social, economic, cultural and policy issues associated with information and communication technologies.He has a particular focus on digital transformation, platform economies, behavioural science and data analytics. He has conducted a broad range of studies across Europe involving impact evaluation and assessment, behavioural science and data analytics. Francisco and a proven track record of successfully delivering studies to the European Commission and the private sector. Francisco combines a robust scientific approach with a pragmatic and business-oriented vision to transform complex challenges into actionable and impactful solutions.
Francisco loves playing with his daughters from video games to horse riding and robotics.
DR. FRANS FOLKVORD
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Frans (PhD) is the co-founder and director of PredictBy and supports the team in executing high impact projects in Europe and beyond. In addition, Frans works as an associate professor at Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences for the program Communication and Information Science in the Netherlands. Frans has a master’s degree in psychology and sociology, and obtained a PhD in Social Science (cum laude). For the last decade, Frans has been actively involved as a project manager and researcher in several European (e.g, H2020, IMI, Erasmus+) and national projects (e.g., Veni, National Research Grants).
Frans is an industrious athlete, spending a great amount of his free time on the tennis court or in the gym, swimming, running, and cycling to complete an Iron Man. Raising two young daughters makes him aware of the importance of sustainable behaviour to make the world a better and healthier place.
OUR
PEOPLE
ANA ROCA-UMBERT WÜRTH
SENIOR RESEARCH CONSULTANT
LIFE SCIENCES
Ana (PhD) is a research consultant at PredictBy with a background in life sciences and the biomedical sector. Before joining PredictBy she was a researcher at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona (Spain) where she obtained a PhD in Biomedical Sciences.
Her years as a researcher have given her experience in the field of quantitative analysis, biostatistics, experimental design, and literature reviews. She also has experience in the pharmaceutical industry sector, where she worked delivering and adapting medical product information to healthcare professionals.
Ana has been involved in projects related to genomics and evolutionary biology as well as projects in the field of internationalization of the youth. Currently, Ana is working on several projects in the area of digital healthcare and personalized medicine, while growing in the fields of behavioural sciences and health economics.
Not the sportiest member of the team, you will probably find her playing with and cuddling her dog or trying a new craft project.
MARINA RODÉS SÁNCHEZ
SENIOR RESEARCH CONSULTANT
HEALTH ECONOMICS & POLICY
Marina joined PredictBy as a Senior Research Consultant in April 2022. Her current research interests include the use of real-world evidence to support digital health innovation; novel policy options for reimbursement, pricing and procurement of health technologies; financing models for health systems; and the interaction between health economics, regulatory issues and data availability.
Before joining PredictBy, Marina was a project technician at an agency of the Catalan Department of Health, where she worked on EU-funded projects. Prior to that, Marina spent four years at the Office of Health Economics in London, where she conducted research and provided consultancy services on health economics and related policy issues. Marina holds an MSc in Health Economics from City, University of London, and a BSc in Economics from Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Spain.
Outside of work you can find her at a yoga class or buying books she will then struggle finding the time to read.
JIM INGEBRETSEN CARLSON
SENIOR RESEARCH CONSULTANT
BEHAVIOURAL AND DATA SCIENCE
Jim (PhD) is a Senior Research Consultant at PredictBy and behavioural economics researcher at Open University of Catalonia.
Prior to this, he worked as a post-doctoral researcher at Uppsala University and visiting the Institute for Economic Analysis in Barcelona. He holds a PhD in Economics and a master’s degree in Microeconomics and Econometrics, both at Lund University (Sweden). He is an expert in behavioural economics and experimental design to assess and evaluate impact. He has extensive experience working with large datasets applying statistical techniques such as econometrics, machine learning, statistical- and causal inference.
Jim loves any kind of outdoor activity like hiking, biking, running, you name it. He is a big fan of red wine and good food, but above all he likes to spend time with his sons and girlfriend.
DARIA COSTINA VASICOVA
CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER
Before joining our team, Daria performed in multiple positions, including working as Client Finance Manager and Corporative Manager in Digital Consulting and Advertising agencies.
Daria studied Business Administration and Management, also she holds a Bachelor´s Degree in Tourism Management, both from the University of Girona. She has extensive experience working with finance analytics and reporting and creating and improving the strategies that govern the day-to-day operational activities of an organization. Her role involves planning, researching and advising on matters to improve processes and procedures.
Daria loves to read classic literature and adores spending time with her family and friends. She has a great passion for languages, for meeting new people, and discovering their cultures.
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JOSEP SUNYER VIDAL
RESEARCH CONSULTANT
BUSINESS AND POLITICAL SCIENCES
Josep is a research consultant at PredictBy with a background in business economics and political philosophy. Before joining PredictBy, he worked at the Catalonia Trade & Investment’s office in Copenhagen, and at Eurecat, the Technology Centre of Catalonia, in Barcelona.
Josep holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Administration and a Master’s degree in Political Philosophy. He has also studied abroad at Bishopstown Community School (Cork, Ireland) and Boston College (MA, USA). In previous roles he has worked on issues relating to the health, energy, and sustainability sectors. Josep has also done research on healthcare expenditure by political affiliation in the US and conducted a feasibility study of social minimums in plural democracies. His current research interests include the interaction between economics, psychology, and behavioural sciences, as well as EU affairs and economic development.
Outside of work Josep fills his time with a variety of new activities and interests, including travelling, swimming, and running. If you see him rushing by, be sure to say hello!