Violeta Nikolova joined UNU-ViE SCYCLE programme as a Research Associate in September 2017.
Violeta is involved in several research project consortia focused on the promotion and implementation of sustainable production, consumption/usage, and disposal of ubiquitous goods, with a special focus on electrical and electronic equipment. Her research interests include the enabling of the circular plastics value chain for high tech polymers, the impact of electronic waste on human health and security, and more generally the ICT industry’s impact on human rights and the environment.
Violeta started her career in Brussels as part of Weber Shandwick’s public affairs team. Following which, in 2014 she joined Samsung Electronics Europe as European sustainability manager for three years. Violeta’s responsibilities included leading Samsung’s EU-wide social and environmental sustainability and citizenship agenda. She was directly involved in drafting Samsung’s human rights policy, and leading compliance and due diligence efforts with EU’s Conflict Minerals Regulation, EU’s Non-financial Disclosure Directive, UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, among others. Violeta also represented Samsung at leading sustainability business associations (GeSI, EICC) and led stakeholder engagement efforts in Europe and globally.
Ms Nikolova is fluent in English and has a very good command of German.
Research Interests
- Business
- E-Waste
- Human Rights
Appointments
- Sep 2017 to date: Research Associate, United Nations University Vice Rectorate in Europe, SCYCLE
- 2016 to date: Member of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Network Group
- Dec 2015 – Aug 2017: Sustainability Manager Europe, Samsung Electronics
- Jan 2014 – Sep 2014: Public Affairs Associate, Weber Shandwick Brussels