Helen is a human rights activist who specialises in the public’s right of access to information, and development of open and participatory democracies.

Passionate about the role of civil society in effecting change, Helen is a founder of the global Freedom of Information Advocates Network, and served two terms as its chair (2004-2010). She is a founder board member of the pro-transparency organisations Civio (Spain) and Diritto di Sapere (Italy), and a board member of the Open Knowledge Foundation Spain.

Helen led access to information activities at the Open Society Foundations (1999-2003) and was a campaigner with Article 19 (London), establishing its programmes in central and eastern Europe. She has advised UNESCO, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the World Bank.

Helen’s degree in Psychology and History & Philosophy of Science from the University of Durham (UK) has nothing and everything to do with her enthusiasm for information, data and the role of new technologies in advancing human rights.