Introducing the people behind HUB
HUB's science-driven conservation, restoration, and training activities are made possible thanks to the commitment of our many partners, supporters, staff, board members, and volunteers.
HUB was born from the vision and drive of co-founders Alexandre and Anna Antonelli.
A childhood encounter with a blue morpho butterfly in Brazil's Atlantic Forest sparked a lifelong fascination with nature that never faded. After decades of research and witnessing vast forest loss, Alex co-created HUB to help ensure a future where biodiversity is understood, valued, and protected.
In his "day job", Alex is Executive Director of Science at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in the UK, Professor of Biodiversity and Systematics at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, and Visiting Professor at the University of Oxford.
A lifelong bond with nature—shaped by many summers on the Swedish west coast with her family, childhood concerns about human impact, and helping her veterinarian father—led Anna to see people as part of the natural world with a duty to leave it better than we found it.
Anna co-founded HUB to make a tangible difference in her lifetime, bringing deep management and leadership experience to ensure every amount entrusted to the foundation—big or small—is used most effectively toward its goals.
A small core team of staff and volunteers supports HUB operations.
With over two decades of experience in biodiversity conservation and partnerships, Hannes focuses on building innovative collaborations and mobilising resources to drive meaningful, lasting impact.
With insight and dedication, our Board helps shape HUB’s direction and amplify its impact.
Our advisors share their experience and ideas to advance HUB’s mission.
Science, Strategy and Communications
Animal Welfare and Ethics
HR and Corporate Operations
Our volunteers are essential partners, contributing in many ways, big and small.
Save species with science
Your support powers research, restoration, and community partnerships in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Please donate, collaborate, or visit. Together we can halt extinctions and build resilient ecosystems for people and nature.
join us
Ready to join us in rainforest discovery?
We believe discovery thrives in collaboration. Researchers, students, volunteers, conservationists, and corporate partners are invited to work with us in revealing biodiversity’s secrets and advancing conservation and restoration in Brazil and beyond. Reach out to explore partnership opportunities or get involved.
