Dr. Maria Alejandra Olivares

Dr. Maria Alejandra Olivares currently serves as a member of the Innovation Panel at DIZH and holds the position of Head of Innovation at the University of Zurich, where responsibilities also include leading the Innovation Group for Research, Innovation & Academic Career Development. In addition to roles at the University of Zurich, Dr. Olivares is an active member of the LERU Enterprise and Innovation Policy Group. Previous experience includes working as a Technology Transfer Manager at Disney Research Zürich, focusing on commercializing technologies within The Walt Disney Company, and contributing as a Research Associate at the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies. Dr. Olivares earned a PhD in Management & Economics from the University of Zurich, alongside multiple degrees from Leuphana University of Lüneburg and NYU Stern School of Business.