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Team

Leadership & Team


Dr. Matthias J. Becker

Linguist & Head of Research, Decoding Antisemitism
Dr. Becker specializes in pragmatics, cognitive linguistics, discourse analysis, and the study of social media. As Head of Decoding Antisemitism—Europe’s most extensive research project on antisemitism online—he leads interdisciplinary teams at the University of Cambridge and the New York think tank AddressHate. His work unites academic precision with public relevance, revealing the mechanisms of implicit hatred and developing scalable, AI-driven strategies for prevention and education.

Prof. Benjamin Folit-Weinberg

Director of Research
A classical philologist and scholar of ancient Greek thought, Professor Folit-Weinberg’s research lies at the intersection of philosophy, poetry, and the history of ideas. At Zera, he brings this intellectual depth to the study of language, ideology, and social dynamics, illuminating how narratives and belief systems shape and influence democratic culture.

Boriana Jürgens-Rosenmüller

CEO
With nearly 30 years of experience in the media industry, Boriana specializes in connecting people, artists, and institutions—placing particular emphasis on authentic relationships and genuine human connection.

Maral Salmassi

Founder & Chairwoman
As a music producer and media artist specializing in interdisciplinary projects, Maral Salmassi has established and led companies in label management, music distribution, and publishing. She has advised prominent brands and institutions on music and cultural initiatives and now leads Zera’s vision at the intersection of research, culture, and social impact.

Mark Pinhasov

Co-Founder & Vice Chair
With decades of experience in the international entertainment and creative industries, Mark Pinhasov focuses on transforming ideas into projects, developing partnerships, and expanding Zera’s global network. His expertise in communication and intercultural collaboration strengthens the institute’s bridge between research, culture, and the public.

Carolina Thiele

Project Management
Carolina brings extensive experience in media and cultural production. At Zera, she manages the Arguably podcast and workshop programs, fostering long-term visibility through partnerships and community building.

Taja Pferdmann

Expert in Antisemitism Prevention
An information researcher and systems scientist, Taja specializes in analyzing web and social media data. With a background in engineering and analytical sciences, she focuses on digital antisemitism and consults on fact-checked, data-driven publications.

Ewa Dobrovolska

PR & Social Media Marketing
A PR expert with deep experience in brand development, campaign design, and social media strategy. Drawing on her background in journalism and collaboration with cultural platforms, she blends analytical precision with creative storytelling to craft strategies that resonate.

Markus Nass

Senior Videographer & Director of Multimedia Production

Berlin-based photographer and Videographer Markus Nass specializes in portrait, editorial, and lifestyle productions. With over two decades of experience in photography and visual storytelling, he has portrayed numerous leading figures from the worlds of culture, media, and art. At the Zera Institute, Markus oversees multimedia production, encompassing everything from video formats to multimedia campaigns.

Adress

Zera Institute
Molkenmarkt 2
10179 Berlin

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