Yu-Chun (Patty) Liao
Patty is responsible for stakeholder engagement, partnership management, and resource mobilization on agrobiodiversity with a focus on the Banana Research Program.
In close collaboration with Partnerships & Communications Patty
1) supports scientists with proposal development and fundraising activities;
2) leads partnership and stakeholder engagement;
3) engages in strengthening existing presence and expanding new activities in banana growing countries;
4) guides communication to promote work related to Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture; and
5) raises science engagement.
In the Alliance, Patty gained a wide range of knowledge and has worked closely with colleagues in science as well as admin, finance and operational departments. She has fostered stakeholder relationships with both internal colleagues and external parties including UN agencies, international organisations, government offices, NGOs, research institutes, academic institutes, private companies, and farmer organisations. She has contributed to strengthening of scientific partnerships, coordinated proposal submissions including Horizon Europe, and led patented technology commercialisation. Also involved in project design, execution for genetic resources conservation, and optimize internal processes, she is an expert in diverse functional management. For the Alliance Leuven Office and the Banana Research Program, Patty took on communication responsibilities and supported project management and operations. Moreover, she is a Canva (graphic design tool) Champion and SAP Concur (travel tool) Champion in the Alliance and CGIAR.
The broad and thorough understanding of the institutional processes and policies enables her to facilitate effectively between science and support departments.
Patty trained as a research scientist in semiconductor physics in the UK, holding Master’s degrees in Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering and completed experimental studies as a PhD candidate in Physics. Additionally, she undertook internships in the USA and Taiwan, co-authored a best-selling book in Taiwan, and held positions in an international law firm before joining the Alliance. In her spare time, Patty also founded and managed a programme to assist refugees fleeing the war to Belgium. This diverse background has equipped her with an innate appreciation for the needs of scientists and the unique skillsets to bridge science with society.