Anna Zecharia is Director of Programmes and Partnerships, and Deputy Executive Director at the International Alliance of Mental Health Research Funders. She brings extensive experience in strategy, governance and cross-sector collaboration, having held senior leadership roles in science, health and inclusion.
Anna holds a PhD in neuropharmacology and began her career as a research scientist, before going on to lead programmes, policy work and campaigns with national influence—including as Director of Policy & Public Affairs at the British Pharmacological Society and as co-founder of ScienceGrrl, a grassroots movement for gender equality in science. Her career has bridged research, education and equity, including serving on the Development Board of EDIS, a coalition dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in science and health.
She is particularly interested in how structures shape collective wellbeing and is committed to inclusive, person-centred approaches to mental health. She is also training in shamanic healing, and brings a values-led approach to leadership shaped by compassion and integrity.