Our Story
We at ClariSci want to help you increase the impact of your science. We are trained researchers with both scientific and communications expertise in multiple fields and communication mediums. This forms the perfect combination to help deeptech startups, public policy groups, and more communicate their science better, both within their organizations and to customers, investors, and other stakeholders. We are based in Helsinki, Finland, where we met through The Science Basement, a flourishing network of young researchers interested in bringing science outside academia.
Chiara Facciotto
Chiara Facciotto is passionate about bringing science to society through communication and innovation. Chiara has a background in data science and biomedicine and completed her PhD in bioinformatics and cancer research in 2021. While pursuing her PhD, Chiara designed and taught university-level courses on a wide range of topics, including innovation and science communication. She was also the main organizer of TEDxHelsinkiUniversity, a co-founder and board member of The Science Basement, and has over five years of experience in coaching scientists in public speaking and pitching.
Chiara is currently a part of the innovation team at the University of Helsinki, where she leads the development of Meilahti’s innovation ecosystem. She also works as coordinator of innovation activities at the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE, UH), leading projects like Y Science (an official side event of Slush) and connecting researchers with the broader life science innovation ecosystem.
Giuliano Didio
Giuliano Didio is a neuroscientist and actor with experience in science communication and public speaking. Giuliano completed a Master’s degree in Neurobiology at the University of Trieste and is currently completing a PhD at the University of Helsinki studying neural plasticity and addiction. During his undergraduate studies, Giuliano organized a public debate on the ethics of animal experimentation and instructed a series of biology workshops for high school students. As a part of The Science Basement, he became a project leader and host for The Science Basement podcast and trained speakers for the Night of Science 2023. Giuliano was also selected and trained in public speaking with the Helsinki-based Talk the Talk in 2020.
Lea Urpa
Lea Urpa is a neurogenomics researcher with a keen interest in the impact of science in society, both by doing research and disseminating it to the public. Lea completed a masters in Translational Medicine at the University of Helsinki after a stint as a technician at the University of Michigan, following Bachelors studies in biology at the Early Entrance Program at California State University Los Angeles. During her PhD in the neurogenomics of developmental disorders at the University of Helsinki, defended in February 2024, she co-founded The Science Basement and a public talk series for PhD researchers. She has been invited to give seminars on the practicalities of science communication, and has worked for several years as a freelance science writer and communication services provider.
Rita Turpin
Rita Turpin is a doctoral researcher experienced with communicating science within public-private multi-stakeholder consortia. She completed a masters in Human Genetics at the University of Helsinki, and is currently finalizing her PhD on breast cancer immunology. She has been actively engaged in science communication. In addition to her role as Vice Chairperson of The Science Basement, she has also been invited to give university lectures , mentored the Helsinki-Aalto team for the largest synthetic biology competition in the world (iGEM), and has received awards for her own presentations at local and international conferences.
