Lea Primožič; public relations and marketing communication, science communication of sustainable construction

• Where were you living in childhood and where do you live now?

I was born in Koper and lived there until I went to study to Ljubljana. I lived abroad for a while, and then I returned to my hometown Koper, where I also live today.

• What have you studied and what were the motives for your decision?

I did my bachelor’s degree at the Faculty of social sciences, University of Ljubljana at the program Marketing communication and public relations. For the master’s degree I chose the Faculty of economics in Ljubljana. Few years ago, I decided to start also a PhD study, that I am currently finishing at University of Primorska’s Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies.

• How would you describe your work to someone outside your field?

I am responsible for the PR activities at InnoRenew CoE, and a PhD student specializing in science communication. My work revolves mostly around how to communicate complex scientific concepts about renewable materials and sustainable construction to the general public. Through various communication channels such as press releases, news items, events, etc. I inform the broader audience about the institute’s activities and achievements. I try to make scientific information accessible, engaging, and understandable to individuals who may not have a background in this field. So, I write and read, and translate a lot (everything we publish is always both, in Slovene and in English).

• What does your typical working day look like?

I always start my day with reading emails and making a daily “to do” list. Then I get my coffee, and I start with ticking off things from the list with the aim and hope to cross everything before I finish the working day.

• What makes you excited about your work?

The fact that it is very diverse and it gives me the possibility to be creative, to always learn something new and to be growing. I also have to mention my coworkers that make the days in the office much nicer.

• And what is the biggest challenge at your work?

The diversity that I like, its also challenging. It is important to find balance between different tasks.

• Which scientist or scientific achievement are you fascinated by and why?

Hm..There have been several great scientists throughout history who have made significant discoveries. It is hard to single out only one individual.

• Tell us about the work of art (books, music, movies, theatre, dance, visual arts) that has a special place in your life.

Music has a special place in my daily life. Probably for every significant event in my life I have a song that reminds me of it.

• What have you read, listened to, or watched lately?

I read a book The Choice by Dr. Edith Eva Eger. It is a very powerful story of a Holocaust survivor, that teaches us how we cannot control always what happens to us, but we can control what we put in our mind. I listen to music daily, and I like watching TV series – I am currently watching The New Amsterdam.

• Which place on the Slovene coast do you like the most?

I have few favourite spots, and all include the sea. I consider myself very lucky to live in a place like this.

• What makes you enthusiastic?

A lot of things actually, life is beautiful!

• Characterize your life’s guidance or an important realization (or epiphany) you have experienced.

Life goes on, and if you want to keep the balance, you need to keep moving.

• What does the charm of wood mean to you?

Wood has a special charm for me, because it brings to mind the joys of spending time with my family in the snowy mountains.