Hande Barlin is an economist and sociologist, currently holding a faculty position in the Department of Economics at Gebze Technical University and acting as the CEO of Aelur Research Consultancy. With over two decades of experience in social policy, international development, and socio-economic research, she specializes in areas such as social inclusion, vulnerable groups, digital divide, and climate justice. She has led and contributed to numerous projects supported by the EU, UN, and the Council of Europe. Her academic and consultancy work bridges policy and practice, with a focus on inclusive, sustainable, and rights-based development. She currently serves as the Science Communication Co-Coordinator of PAAR-Net.