Nathan Rabec, intern at InnoRenew CoE

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

I’ve lived most of my life in coastal cities—mainly in Le Havre, France, then in Cherbourg, and now I am here in Izola. I can’t imagine living without the sea and the beach!

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

I studied many different subjects, from IT to biology to engineering (including electricity, mechanics, etc.). At the time, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, but now I know, I want to be an engineer and work across a variety of fields that’s my strength.

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

In the company I work for in France, I’m involved in managing co-activity, where around 20 different types of work are happening at once. My role is to ensure everything progresses smoothly, which means I participate in many coordination meetings.
Here in Izola, I’m working on different topics, mainly focused on IT development. I help with programming for research theses, making sure the software functions properly and aligns with the vision and ideas of my colleagues.

• What does your typical working day look like?

A typical workday for me starts with planning—thinking about what needs to be done and how to approach it. Then, I spend time learning by watching YouTube videos, adapting what I learn, and testing it out. I like to try many different things. Sometimes, I also help my colleagues with electrical, mechanical, or IT-related tasks. Then it’s back to my routine, ready to repeat the process but I never forget to take a coffee between haha.

• What makes you excited about your work?

What excites me is simple: seeing the work finished and functioning well. There’s a lot of satisfaction in that—especially when my colleagues are happy with the result. I think that’s my favourite part: seeing their satisfaction.

• And what is the biggest challenge at your work?

The hardest part is making things actually work. Sometimes everything seems fine, and then the next day, nothing works at all. It can be frustrating especially when, in theory, everything should be working.

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

I’m fascinated by Stephen Hawking because he was not only brilliant but also incredibly hardworking, especially considering the challenges he faced with his health. His work on understanding the universe—how it began with the Big Bang and the mysteries of black holes—deeply fascinates me. I also love reading his books; they are well written and easy to understand, which makes complex ideas accessible and engaging.

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

Two important influences in my life are Nujabes and Salomé Saqué. Nujabes creator of lo-fi hip hop helps me focus and find calm, with music that feels both chill and deeply emotional. In contrast, Salomé Saqué’s work on climate change, social justice, and gender equality inspires me to stay engaged with the world. Together, they bring balance—peace of mind and a push toward meaningful action.

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

Lately, I’ve discovered so many new songs that I can’t even list them all! I also read 1984 by George Orwell and Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking. I truly enjoy books that challenge my perspective on life, how I think, feel, and see the world. They push me to reflect more deeply on everything around me.

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

It’s hard to say, but I’d choose Izola since I’ve spent most of my time here, I think my colleagues would agree with me too.

• What makes you enthusiastic?

Just talking and spending time with my best friends gives me strength. I laugh so much with them—I honestly can’t live without them! (I also include my family and other friends.) I’m an extrovert, so I really need to be around people and share moments with them.

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

My personal epiphany is this: always try your best, be kind, stay positive, and don’t be afraid of failure. You can adapt to anything so just go for it! One of my favourite things to say is: “Don’t worry, there are no problems, only solutions!”.

• What does the charm of wood mean to you?

To me, the charm of wood is a reflection of nature’s beauty. I don’t know exactly why, but when I’m in a wooden environment like a house made of wood, I feel more relaxed, more connected to nature and to life on Earth.