Špela Vrtovec, Main area of research: cognitive neuroscientist

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

I spent my childhood between Ajdovščina, Ljubljana, and Ivančna Gorica. Later, I added Berlin to this multi-location situation, and most recently, the Slovenian coast as well.

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

I studied cognitive neuroscience at Humboldt University, Berlin School of Mind and Brain.

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

I read, think, and write—and then I test the thought about.

• What does your typical working day look like?

It depends on what stage of the research process I’m in, but it always starts with Yorkshire tea with milk and a little sugar.

• What makes you excited about your work?

The fact that I can constantly learn and that I’m surrounded by people who are equally curious and enjoy sharing their skills and knowledge.

• And what is the biggest challenge at your work?

The slow progress of science. So—my own impatience.

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

I am truly grateful for the internet.

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

My current favorites are Aki Kaurismäki and Alice Rohrwacher in film, and Aleksi Perälä and Fever Ray in music.

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

A lot of shoegaze; a friend of mine has been making a list of best albums (in his opinion) of the birthyears of all our friends, and I’m currently listening to his best of ’93.

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

Exploring the Slovenian coast is still on my to-do list…

• What makes you enthusiastic?

Creating together with others.

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

Hm, I don’t have a guiding motto. But it’s important for me to build on my own confidence of nurturing what makes me happy and makes life beautiful for myself and my loved ones.

• What does the charm of wood mean to you?

It starts in the forest. 🙂