The COLOURS External Advisory Board (EAB) plays a crucial role in guiding the COLOURS Alliance in its mission to foster innovation and strengthen collaboration across European institutions. It is composed of specialists in Open Science and Open Innovation and their recommendations directly influence strategic decisions made by the COLOURS Steering Board (CSB).
At the First COLOURS Annual Conference, Prof. Dr. Caroline Y. Robertson‐von Trotha, Professor Richard Holliman and Fabrizio Bitetto will engage in panel discussion and share their expert feedback on institutional strategies and developments.
Prof. Dr. Caroline Y. Robertson‐von Trotha: Pioneering Sociologist and Cultural Studies Expert
Born in Glasgow, Prof. Dr. Caroline Y. Robertson‐von Trotha studied sociology, politics, philosophy, and history in Heidelberg and Karlsruhe, completing her Ph.D. on Ethnic Identity and Political Mobilisation in 1990. She later habilitated at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in 2004. As the founding director of the ZAK | Centre for Cultural and General Studies at KIT, her research focuses on cultural change, globalization, multiculturalism, and public science.
Her contributions to integration policy, including co-authoring Stuttgart’s award-winning concept, highlight her impact in shaping social policies. From 2013 to 2021, she coordinated the German network of the Anna Lindh Foundation and has held leadership roles within the German UNESCO Commission.
Prof. Robertson-von Trotha is also the editor of three scientific book series and served as the convenor of the Karlsruhe Dialogues from 1997 to 2019. Appointed as KIT-Distinguished Senior Fellow in 2022, she continues to shape cultural studies and public science. In 2024, she was named Distinguished External Advisor for the COLOURS European University Alliance, showcasing her commitment to international collaboration.
Prof. Giga Zedania: Philosopher, Educator, and Academic Leader
Prof. Giga Zedania is a prominent academic and the Director of the Center for Advanced Studies at Ilia State University in Tbilisi, Georgia. His extensive career at the university includes serving as Rector (2014-2022), Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (2008-2010), and Professor since 2006.
Holding a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Ruhr University, Bochum, and an MA in Medieval Studies from Central European University, Prof. Zedania has been actively involved in both teaching and leadership roles. His research spans philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies. He is a member of the Magna Charta Observatory’s Governing Board and served as President of the Black Sea University Network (2016-2018).
Prof. Zedania is also a prolific writer and editor, with numerous books and articles, including Modernization in Georgia (2018) and Theories of Modernity (2010). His intellectual contributions shape discourse on modernization, secularization, and the intersections of culture and politics in Georgia and beyond.
With his academic leadership and active engagement in regional and international research networks, Prof. Zedania continues to drive impactful discussions on education and societal values.
Prof. Richard Holliman: Champion of Engaged Research
Richard Holliman, Professor of Engaged Research at The Open University, UK, is a leading advocate for equitable approaches in research. His work emphasizes co-creation between researchers and under-recognized groups, driven by a commitment to epistemic and procedural justice—what he calls “fairness in knowing.”
Current projects include Mitti Matters (2024–ongoing), enhancing ecosystem services in green spaces, and TreeLab (2023-24), an innovative urban forest research initiative. Both projects are funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.
Professor Holliman is also a key member of the Local Organising Committee for the 2025 International Public Communication of Science and Technology Conference in Scotland.
Fabrizio Bitetto: garagErasmus President and Chief Executive Officer
Fabrizio Bitetto has been Chief Executive Officer of the garagErasmus Foundation since August 2017 and is Executive Chairman since September 2023. He was an Erasmus Student in 2008. He took a Master degree in Urban Planning and Policy Design at the Polytechnic University in Milan in 2013.
While still a University student, Fabrizio launched his own activity of building administration. At the same time, he decided to continue his Erasmus experience by supporting Erasmus students, first at the Polytechnic University in Milan and then as President of Erasmus Student Network Italy. During his term as National President, he coordinated the participation of ESN in EXPO 2015 as Civil Society Participants and promoted the approval of a national law to grant Italian Erasmus students abroad the right to vote remotely. He started his new adventure with garagErasmus Foundation in 2016.
