Anastasia is the visionary behind Next Chapter Lifelong Learning, bringing over a decade of expertise in research, academia, and global innovation. With a PhD in Complex Systems Simulation from the University of Southampton and a First-Class Honours in Computing from Imperial College London, she has dedicated her career to the intersection of technology and human-centric education. Her career is defined by her ability to lead large-scale, multimillion-pound initiatives, most recently as the AI Hub Manager for a £12M UKRI-funded national hub at the University of Edinburgh, while maintaining a steadfast focus on the individuals these systems are meant to serve.

Throughout her career, including the coordination of 13+ international research projects under Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, Anastasia has championed the belief that education is a continuous, restorative journey rather than a static milestone. Anastasia’s commitment to community-centered innovation was recently recognized with a nomination for the 2025 Responsible AI Community Award. She was also chosen to be part of the European Founders Forum supported by the European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel.

A lifelong dancer and qualified instructor, she integrates the pedagogical power of movement and the arts into her work, a theme also explored in her published children’s book, “Lift, Spin, and Twirl”. At Next Chapter, Anastasia blends high-level strategic governance with a passion for community building to create accessible, empowering, and truly lifelong learning opportunities.