HI,
I'M HENRIETTE CANINO, PhD
(née Ruhrmann)
Embedded Files
I am a science and technology/AI policy expert, public speaker, and science advisor. I specialize in AI governance and what makes innovators successful at communicating complex science to decision-makers.
I am a co-author of the forthcoming Routledge textbook "Communicating Science for Policy - A Guide for Engaging Decision-Makers" (available mid-2026). As part of our team of US-based instructors, I taught over 700 researchers to effectively communicate complex science.
I offer independent consulting and training services to policy and research organizations. For more information on how I can support your team or organization, e-mail me at consulting@henriettecanino.com.
ABOUT
As a quantitative science and tech policy researcher, I am driven by facilitating evidence-based AI governance. I have analyzed policy frameworks around Responsible AI - focusing on facial recognition and digital ID systems - in seven countries. My research also explored implications of algorithmic bias and sustainable tech innovation in the private sector (as a student consultant for Google). In my most recent research, I use behavioral science to predict what makes researchers and innovators successful at advising policymakers.
Together with my international colleagues, I am co-authoring the forthcoming Routledge textbook "Communicating Science for Policy - A Guide for Engaging Decision-Makers" (available mid-2026). The book combines the state of knowledge on science communication for policy with global case studies and practical exercises. We trained 700+ researchers and practitioners in our US-based 2025 certificate program.
My work has been cited by the UN and EU, and I provided expert advice to the EU Commission's Scientific Advice Mechanism on the use of AI in science advice and the World Health Organization (WHO) and German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) on the design of science advice systems. I also served on an expert panel on Open Science and Innovation and chaired expert-policymaker roundtables at the International Public Policy Observatory.
I completed my PhD at University College London’s Department for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Public Policy (STEaPP). My academic background is in Public Policy, I hold a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree from the University of California, Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy.
I have held research positions in the US, UK, and Germany - at the University of California, Berkeley's CITRIS Policy Lab, the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, the University of California, San Diego, University College London (UK), the Technical University Berlin (Germany), and the Fraunhofer Society's Center for Responsible Research and Innovation (Germany). Additionally, I gained practical policy experience at a U.S. Senator's office and the European Parliament.
REPORTS & BLOGS
PUBLICATIONS
Akerlof K., Tyler C., Canino H., Allegra A. (in preparation, available mid-2026). Communicating Science for Policy: A Guide for Engaging Decision-Makers. Routledge Textbook. https://www.communicatingscienceforpolicy.org
Canino, H., Antonopoulou, V., D’Lima, D., & Tyler, C. (2025). Improving impact infrastructure: Key predictors of researchers’ policy engagement based on behavioural science. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12(1), 1509. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05793-w
Canino H., Muschner A., Schraudner M. (2024) Transfer1000 -Wissens- und Technologietransfer in Deutschland. Eine quantitative Befragung von 1.000 Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftlern. Fraunhofer Publica, Berlin, Germany. https://doi.org/10.24406/publica-3408
Tyler, C., Akerlof, K. L., Allegra, A., Arnold, Z., Canino, H., Doornenbal, M. A., Goldstein, J. A., Budtz Pedersen, D., & Sutherland, W. J. (2023). AI tools as science policy advisers? The potential and the pitfalls. Nature, 622(7981), 27–30. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-02999-3
Canino, H. (2022). Transferkanäle zwischen Wissenschaft und Politik: Eine kontextualisierte Übersicht. In K. S. Kiprijanov, T. Philipp, & T. Roelcke (Hrsg.), Transferwissenschaften: Mode oder Mehrwert? Peter Lang. https://www.peterlang.com/document/1305521
Wagner, N., Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann), Kölbel, A., Zoth, L., Sorge, A. (2023). Transformatives Regieren für systemischen Wandel:
Für eine neue Art der Politikgestaltung in Deutschland. iit Berlin. ISBN: 978-3-89-750250-5. Available at: https://www.iit-berlin.de/en/publication/transformatives-regieren-fuer-systemischen-wandel-fuer-eine-neue-art-der-politikgestaltung-in-deutschland/
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2022). Möglichkeitenraum wissenschaftliche Politikberatung: Evidenz und Denkanstöße für das deutsche Wissenschaftssystem. DUZ Special Issue "Transferwissenschaft - Von der Vision zur Praxis". DUZ Medienhaus. Berlin. Available at: https://www.duz-special.de/media/baf43cd48414beeb49d9c0f10c201bffdc160028/13a56d2c33e0d6340956bfa326da7b0dd038fd50.pdf
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann), Altinalana-Widenka, L. (2022). Transfer institutionell stärken: ja - aber wie? Transfer für Forschung und Innovation mit breitem Impact. DUZ Special Issue "Transferwissenschaft - Von der Vision zur Praxis". DUZ Medienhaus. Berlin. Available at: https://www.duz-special.de/media/baf43cd48414beeb49d9c0f10c201bffdc160028/13a56d2c33e0d6340956bfa326da7b0dd038fd50.pdf
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann), Fritsch, M., & Leydesdorff, L. (2022). Synergy and policy-making in German innovation systems: Smart Specialisation Strategies at national, regional, local levels? Regional Studies, 56(9), 1468–1479. https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2021.1872780
Muschner, A., Schütz, F., Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann), Karahan, M., Kiprijanov, K., & Johannsen, T. (2021). Missionsorientierung im Transfer. https://publica.fraunhofer.de/entities/publication/0abf61e1-17fa-4b6a-ad00-af691501ea6f/details
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann), Fritsch, M., Leydesdorff, L. (2020). Smart Specialization Strategies at National, Regional, or Local Levels? Synergy and Policy-Making in German Systems of Innovation. Jena Economic Research Paper 2020–007. Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena. Available at: https://econpapers.repec.org/paper/jrpjrpwrp/2020-007.htm.
Muschner, A., Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann), Jütting, M., Terfurth, L., Altinalana, L., & Blumrich, F. (2020). Zukunft von Transfer 2030+. https://publica.fraunhofer.de/entities/publication/4b1e0ce3-ed3e-4188-b0bc-23d1411219c2/details
Faddoul, M., Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann), & Lee, J. (2020). A Risk Assessment of a Pretrial Risk Assessment Tool: Tussles, Mitigation Strategies, and Inherent Limits. Preprint Manuscript. Available at: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2005.07299
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2019). Facing the Future: Protecting Human Rights in Policy Strategies for Facial Recognition Technology in Law Enforcement. CITRIS Policy Lab Reports. Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) and the Banatao Institute Policy Lab at the University of California, Berkeley. Available at: https://citris-uc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Facing-the-Future_Ruhrmann_CITRIS-Policy-Lab.pdf
Nonnecke, B., Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann), Sampson Geroski, A. (2019). Responsible Digital ID: Effects of Data Governance Policies and Practices on Human Rights. CITRIS Policy Lab Reports. Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) and the Banatao Institute Policy Lab at the University of California, Berkeley. Available at: https://citrispolicylab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Responsible-Digital-ID_CITRIS-Policy-Lab_September-2019.pdf
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2018). Political Polarization: Aligning the interests of private tech and the public. In Klynge, C. (Ed.) Technology and governance in the 21st century - a millenial perspective (pp. 36-39). Office of the Tech Ambassador of Denmark / Berkeley Public Policy Journal Blog. Available at: https://bppj.berkeley.edu/2018/11/29/aligning-the-interests-of-private-tech-and-the-public-to-reduce-political-polarization/
CONFERENCES
Canino, H. (2025). Panel Chair on: Training Scientists to Communicate With Policymakers: New Tools and Approaches. 2025 American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting. Boston, MA, USA. February 13-15, 2025.
Canino, H. (2024). Panel Chair on: AI and Science Policy Advice. 2024 American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting. Denver, CO, USA. February 15-17, 2024.
Canino, H. (2024). Predicting Researchers' Policy Engagement: A Behavioral Model For Science Advice. 2024 American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting. Denver, CO, USA. February 15-17, 2024.
Canino, H. (2023). Rewarding Science-Policy Engagement: An interdisciplinary argument for incentive structures promoting policy impact. 2023 4S Meeting. Honolulu, HI, USA. November 8-11, 2023.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2023). Quantitative Modeling of Science-Policy Engagement – Leveraging Behavioral Science to Strengthen Legislative Science Advice. 2023 Atlanta Conference on Science and Innovation Policy. Atlanta, GA, USA. May 24-26, 2023.
Organizer at the Transfer Forum 2022 – Von der Vision zur Praxis. Berlin, Germany, November 21-22, 2022.
Accepted: Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2022). Engaging Science: Leveraging Behavioural Science in an Interdisciplinary Study to Model and Facilitate Researcher-Legislator Engagement. 2022 APPAM Fall Research Conference. Washington, DC, USA. November 17-19, 2022.
Accepted: Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2022). Reconfiguring Science: How Quantitative Modelling Can Inform Novel Institutional Structures To Promote Science-Policy Engagement. Society for the Social Studies of Science Meeting 2022. Cholula, Mexico. December 7-10, 2022.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2022). Engaging Science: Leveraging Behavioural Science In An Interdisciplinary Research Design To Model And Facilitate Researcher-Legislator Engagement. Science and Democracy Network Annual Meeting. Harvard University. Boston (MA), USA. July 27-30, 2022.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2022). Engaging science: leveraging behavioural science to model and support researcher-legislator engagement. EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) 2022. Leiden, The Netherlands. July 13-16, 2022.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2022). Panel Chair on: Innovations at the science-policy interface: closing the gap for early career researchers’ policy engagement. EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) 2022. Leiden, The Netherlands. July 13-16, 2022.
Accepted: Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2022). Science-policy engagement as behaviour - how quantitative modelling can inform new organisational structures in the research system to promote engagement. European Forum for Studies of Policies for Research and Innovation (Eu-SPRI Forum) Conference 2022. Utrecht, Netherlands. June 1-3, 2022.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2022). Science-policy engagement in mission-oriented research - How quantitative modelling can inform new organisational structures in the research system to promote engagement. European Forum for Studies of Policies for Research and Innovation (Eu-SPRI Forum) Early Career Conference 2022. Manchester, United Kingdom. May 9-10, 2022.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2022). Wissen als Verantwortung – Wie Forschungsorganisationen den Austausch mit der Politik stärken können. Fachtagung „Transferwissenschaften – Transdisziplinarität – Wissenstransfer: Mode oder Mehrwert?“. Technical University Berlin. Berlin, Germany. April 21-22, 2022.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2021). How can legislators and innovators create a common knowledge base around facial recognition technology? A case study on knowledge exchange at the science-policy interface. International Conference on Science Advice to Governments 2021. Montréal, Canada, August 30-September 2, 2021.
Organizer at the Transfer Forum 2020: Zukunft von Transfer. Berlin, Germany, September 14, 2020.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2020). Smart Specialization Strategies at National, Regional, or Local Levels? Synergy and Policy-making in German Systems of Innovation. Triple Helix Conference 2020. Tampere, Finland, June 15-17, 2020.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2019) How can the future of work be shaped responsibly? Early Findings from a Quadruple Helix Collaboration Social Lab in the Context of Industry 4.0. 2019 2019 Triple Helix Congress on Responsible Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Thessaloniki, Greece, September 30–October 1, 2019.
Faddoul, M., Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann), and Lee, J. (2019) Pre-Trial Algorithmic Risk Assessments: Value Conflicts, Inherent Limitations, and Harm-Mitigation By Design. Information Ethics Round-table Conference on Justice and Fairness in Machine Learning and Big Data, Boston, MA, April 5-7, 2019.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann)Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2019) Inclusive E-Government: Current Structural and Content Accessibility Challenges in U.S. Federal Government Websites. 2019 Association of Public Policy Analysis & Management California Regional Student Conference, Irvine, CA, April 12-12, 2019. See the conference poster here.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2019) Pre-Trial Algorithmic Risk Assessments: Value Conflicts, Inherent Limitations, and Harm-Mitigation By Design. 2019 Association of Public Policy Analysis & Management California Regional Student Conference, Irvine, CA, April 12-12, 2019. See the conference poster here.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Canino, H. (2025). Routledge Lehrbuch und Zertifikat
'Communicating Science for Policy – A Guide for Engaging Decision-Makers'. Goethe University Frankfurt. Frankfurt, Germany. June 5, 2025.
Canino, H. (2025). Transfer zwischen Wissenschaft und Politik
Status Quo und Erfolgsfaktoren. TU Munich Think Tank - Urban Digitainability Lab. Munich, Germany. April 10, 2025.
Canino, H. (2025). Science Policy Skills Course - Evidence on Best Practices in Communicating Science for Policy. National Science Policy Network. USA. April 9, 2025.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2023). Keynote Speech on the Transformative Policy Cycle at the "Evening of Transformative Governance." Dark Horse Agency. Berlin, Germany. June 14, 2023.
Canino, H. (as Ruhrmann) (2022). Reflecting on Knowledge Transfer. University of Potsdam. Potsdam, Germany. November 23, 2022.
INTERVIEW WITH #GOODID STORIES
The #GoodID movement unites multi-sector stakeholders championing digital dignity, data protection, human-centered technologies. Their work focuses on promoting dialogue, research, and advocacy between governments, technologists, civil society, and the private sector to inform policy and technology design. The work is supported by the Omidyar Network. #GoodID Stories is a new storytelling format on Instagram with the goal to raise awareness for issues around digital identity governance.
IN THE PRESS
Scienmag (2025, June 24). George Mason Researcher Drives New Civic Science Initiative to Empower Scientists in Shaping Policy. https://scienmag.com/george-mason-researcher-drives-new-civic-science-initiative-to-empower-scientists-in-shaping-policy/
Berlin City Government (2024, October 10). “Transfer 1000”: Study on science transfer published. Brain City Berlin. https://braincity.berlin/en/stories/story/transfer-1000-studie
Ronzheimer, M. (2024, August 2). Transfer von Wissen und Technologie Fraunhofer-Studie: Transfermotivation ist hoch. Tagesspiegel Background Digitalisierung und KI. https://background.tagesspiegel.de/digitalisierung-und-ki/briefing/fraunhofer-studie-transfermotivation-ist-hoch
Industr.com (2024, August 2). Neue Ideen in die Praxis umsetzenTransfer als Motor für den Fortschritt.
https://www.industr.com/de/transfer-als-motor-fuer-den-fortschritt-2761870
IDW/Fraunhofer IAO (2024, July 31). Transfer als Motor für Innovationen. https://nachrichten.idw-online.de/2024/07/31/transfer-als-motor-fuer-innovationen
Gabel, T. (2024, July 10). Innovationsexpertin: „Transfer ist momentan auf wenige, besonders aktive Personen beschränkt“. Table.Media. https://table.media/research/interview/studie-transfer-1000/
Siemund, C. (2023, August 1). Carsten Siemund und Henriette Ruhrmann: Vom Hörsaal in den Plenarsaal. Wie berät Wissenschaft die Politik. https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/carsten-siemund-und-henriette-ruhrmann-vom-h%C3%B6rsaal/id1609980904?i=1000623033638
AESIS Network (2022, April 5). AESIS Newsletter April 2022 "Regional Collaboration & Clusters for Impact" (featured research). Available via the AESIS Network.
#GoodID Stories (Omidyar Network) (2021, July 5). #GoodID Stories - Henriette's Story. Available at https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ9cwq4DHLF/
AESIS Network (2021, June 30). AESIS Newsletter June 2021 "National and Regional Impact Frameworks" (featured research). Available via the AESIS Network.
Burt, C. (2019, September 25). CITRIS Policy Lab publishes digital ID and facial recognition reports to support ID2020 and Good ID | Biometric Update. https://www.biometricupdate.com/201909/citris-policy-lab-publishes-digital-id-and-facial-recognition-reports-to-support-id2020-and-good-id
Weiss, E. (2019, September 26). Good ID Highlights Policies that Limit Police Use of Facial Recognition. FindBiometrics. https://findbiometrics.com/good-id-highlights-need-policies-limit-police-use-facial-recognition-092604/
PRACTITIONER APP
The Research-to-Action Compass provides strategic guidance to translate their vision for knowledge exchange and impact into practice - based on three years of research. The Compass app guides self-reflection on goals and resources, presents the scope of tested support mechanisms for more knowledge exchange and impact, helps design modular strategies and compare them based on relevant criteria - based on three years of qualitative and quantitative research.The app is featured in collections by the WHO and the International Network on Government Science Advice (INGSA). The development was supported by a grant from the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research and delivered by the Fraunhofer IAO CeRRI and TU Berlin.
TEACHING
Lead Instructor (2025). Karl Eberhards University Tübingen. Communicating Science for Policy (in English for Post-Docs, in German for undergraduate students).
Co-Lead Instructor (2025). National Science Policy Network / George Mason University. Communicating Science for Policy (in English for 700+ researchers and practitioners). For more information, see https://www.communicatingscienceforpolicy.org/certificate
Course Developer and Co-Instructor (2020-present). Technical University Berlin. Engineering for Impact - Responsible Innovations (in English and German for graduate STEM students). For more information, see https://www.transferwissenschaft.de/en/practice-2/
Course Awarded the Prize for Exemplary Teaching 2023
Facilitator (2018). University of California, Berkeley - Goldman School of Public Policy. PUB POL 297: Berkeley Public Policy Journal - Graduate Student-Led Seminar. Co-Editor in Chief. See, for example, the Berkeley Public Policy Journal Fall 2018 Issue.
Graduate Student Instructor (2017-2018). University of California, Berkeley - Haas School of Business. UGBA101A: Microeconomic Analysis for Business Decisions.
Personally awarded the Cheit Award for Excellence in Teaching 2018
AWARDS & HONORS
Course Developer and Co-Instructor in course awarded the Prize for Exemplary Teaching, 2023, Technical University Berlin.
Full doctoral scholarship by the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes e.V.).
Best Presentation Award, 2022, European Forum for Studies of Policies for Research and Innovation (Eu-SPRI Forum) Early Career Conference 2022 in Manchester.
Open Science Fellowship, 2020, InnOsci, a project of the Stifterverband.
Shortlisted for the Annual Graduate Thesis Award, 2019, University of California, Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy.
Cheit Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2018, University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business.
Full scholarship for a year at the University of California, Berkeley, 2018, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Full scholarship for a year at the University of California, San Diego, 2015, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Full scholarship for undergraduate and graduate studies by the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes e.V.).
Google Sites
Report abuse