"The future doesn't just need bright minds —
it needs clear and compassionate ones."
A lifelong explorer of science, technology, and the human mind. With over two decades of experience in European research and innovation, I help shape projects that make life safer, smarter, and more compassionate.
I was raised in Sydney, Australia, where the world first revealed its patterns to me through numbers, science, and nature. As a child, I was endlessly curious — reading every book I could find on mathematics and science. Those early moments of discovery left a lasting imprint: the universe was full of structure and meaning, and I wanted to understand it.
Professionally, I found my calling in European research and innovation — particularly in projects that use technology to protect and improve lives. Over 20 years, I've taken on roles as a technical lead, coordinator, and evaluator, working on initiatives that span civil protection, crisis management, and emerging systems that make our world more resilient.
Beneath it all, a deeper question has always driven me: How does the mind work? And how does our inner clarity affect the world we create? These questions have shaped my leadership style, my interest in mentoring, and the frameworks I now design to help others thrive.
Today, my work brings together technological innovation, systemic thinking, and emotional insight. I want to be a source of clarity and inspiration for the next generation — especially young women in technology, helping them cultivate not just skills, but presence, insight, and purpose.
"Because the future doesn't just need bright minds — it needs clear and compassionate ones."
Alongside my research work, I teach English to adult professionals and academics, Tibetan language to Western learners, and Mahayana Buddhist philosophy to those seeking structured philosophical study. I serve as Academic Coordinator of the Longchen Shedra — a four-year Buddhist study programme founded by Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche, dedicated to the study of classical Nyingma texts by Longchenpa, Jigme Lingpa, and Mipham Rinpoche. I also created the Clear Drop Method — a practical system for emotional clarity, explored at cleardrop.vision.
A practical system for emotional clarity and mindful living — developed at the intersection of Buddhist philosophy, cognitive insight, and lived experience. Designed for Western practitioners seeking structured, grounded tools for inner clarity.
Academic Coordinator
A four-year online Buddhist study programme founded by Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche, centred on classical Nyingma texts by Longchenpa, Jigme Lingpa, and Mipham Rinpoche. The programme combines Sutrayana and Tantrayana study, designed to fit a modern academic schedule while offering a rigorous and complete path of Buddhist learning.
Effie Makri, PhD is a research and innovation expert with over 20 years of experience leading EU-funded projects focused on safety, resilience, and emerging technologies. With a background in mathematics and engineering, she specialises in bridging deep technical knowledge with human-centred impact.
She is passionate about empowering young women in STEM and integrating clarity and emotional intelligence into the innovation ecosystem. Effie serves as an Independent Expert Evaluator for the European Commission across Horizon Europe, EUSPA, REA, and CINEA, and frequently supports high-level proposals and strategic initiatives across Europe.
She teaches English to professionals and academics, Tibetan language to Western learners, and Mahayana Buddhist philosophy to adult practitioners. She serves as Academic Coordinator of the Longchen Shedra, a four-year Buddhist study programme founded by Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche. She is also the creator of the Clear Drop Method, a practical system for emotional clarity and mindful living.
Whether you're a project coordinator, research institution, women-in-tech initiative, or simply someone who shares a vision of a wiser world — I'd love to hear from you.