Curriculum Vitae

Academic Experience

  • 2021- Lecturer in Engineering Management, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2022- Deputy Director, The Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation, The Univerity of Edinburgh
  • 2021- Deputy Director, The New Real (The University of Edinburgh / Alan Turing Institute) 
  • 2021- Deputy Director Festival Futures, Edinburgh Futures Institute, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2020-2021 Univerity Teacher, The Univerity of Edinburgh
  • 2018-2020 Research Assitant, Productivity Scale-ups (PIN) / Edinburgh Living Laboratory / Fife DDI AMC Project / HEIinnovate OECD, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2017 Innovation Caucus Internship, ESRC & Innovate UK
  • 2016-2021 Editor, ISSTI Newsletter, University of Edinburgh
  • 2015-2020 Academic Tutor, The University of Edinburgh

University Teaching

  • 2023- Course Organiser, Systems Engineering: Thinking and Practice, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2022- Course Organiser, Technology and Innovation Management 5/MSc, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2022- Co-Course Organiser, Building Near Futures, The University of Edinburgh 
  • 2022- Lecturer, Digital Design and Manufacture Dissertation, The University of Edinburgh 
  • 2021- Supervisor, Mechanical Engineering BEng Projects 4, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2020- Supervisor, Mechanical Engineering MEng Individual Projects 5, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2020-2021 Course Organiser, Technology Entrepreneurship 5/MSc, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2021-2022 Supervisor, BEng Mechanical Engineering Projects 4, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2022- Guest Lecturer, “Data-driven strategies for socio-economic design of place”, part of “Strategic spatial design”, University of Ljubljana
  • 2020- Guest Lecturer, “Transplanetray Ecology and Sustainable Development”, part of “Emerging technology and transhumanist society of the future”, University of Ljubljana
  • 2020 Course Organiser, Marketing Technical Products, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2020 Guest Lecturer, “Back to the Drawing Board?: Ego-SNA in the “real-world””, Web and Social Network Analytics, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2018-2019 Student-Led Projects Lead, Technology and Society, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2017-2019 Supervisor, Summer Student Projects, Institute for Astronomy, The University of Edinburgh; supervising students: Maureen Cohen and Angus Millar (2017); Aisling Hurley and Matthew MacIntosh (2018); Margot van Laar (2019)
  • 2016-2020 Guest Lecturer, “Copernican Revolution” (2016) “The Discovery of Space” (2017), “Strike… In Space” (2018), “Rockets, Space and the Military-Industrial Complex” (2019),”Traces of Tracing the Cosmos” (2020), part of “History of Science 1” (SCSU08002), University of Edinburgh
  • 2015-2019 Tutor, “Evaluation Research Methods”, University of Edinburgh
  • 2015-2019 Guest Lecturer, “Politics, Science and Innovation: The Case of Scottish Space Industry”, part of “Ethical and Social Aspects of the Development of Modern Science”, University of Ljubljana
  • 2014-2015 Guest Lecturer, “Fake Science”, part of “Fakes: The Anthropology of Counterfeit, Imitation and Disguise”, University of Edinburgh

Education

  • 2015-2020 University of Edinburgh, PhD in Science and Technology Studies,
  • 2014-2015 University of Edinburgh, MSc by Research in Science and Technology Studies,
  • 2013-2014 University of Edinburgh, MSc in Science and Technology in Society,
  • 2011-2013 University of Edinburgh, BSc (Hon) Physics, 2.1 class,
  • 2009-2011 University of Aberdeen, MA Philosophy-Physics (1st & 2nd year only),
  • 2009 Maruritetno Spricevalo (National Grammar School Certificate) at Excellent (5) with 33 out of 34 points total,
  • 2005-2009 Gimnazija Nova Gorica (4-year Grammar School)- European Class, Slovenia
  • 1997-2005 Osnovna sola Frana Erjavca Nova Gorica (8-year Elementary School), Slovenia

Grants

  • 2023 The New Real: Next Generation Intelligent Experiences (Creative Scotland) – Co-I (£60,000)
  • 2023 Big Ideas Accelerator (University of Edinburgh) – Co-I (£15,000)
  • 2022 Uncanny Machines (Scottish AI Alliance, Alan Turing Institute) – Co-I (£30,000)
  • 2021 Data-Driven Innovation Development Strategies in the City-Region: Making an Impact through the Opportunity Areas Analysis Tool (DDI Programme) – PI (£15,000)
  • 2021 Resilience in the New Real (UKRI) – Co-I (£460,000)
  • 2021 The New Real Observatory (Turing 2.0/EPSRC) – Co-I (£275,000)
  • 2020 Innovation Hotspots in SE Asia (ERIA) – Co-I
  • 2020 SFC Beacon / Design Lab / Experience in TNR – PDRA/Co-I (£110,000)
  • 2020 Resilience of DDI Firms During Covid – Co-I
  • 2019 PIN Small Award – Collaborator (£50,000)
  • 2019 DDI Space and Satellite Feasibility Study – Co-I (£50,000)
  • 2019 IoP Scotland Public Engagement Grant for NWHI-SAT Outreach Tour
  • 2019 SGAC European Space Leader Grant for E-SGW in London
  • 2019 IoP Scotland and British Society for History of Science (BSHS) Public Engagement Grants for Curious Astronomy
  • 2018 ESA ISEB Scholarship to IAC 2018 in Bremen
  • 2018 STIS Knowledge Exchange Funding (OISF 2018)
  • 2018 SSPS Student Development Office Special Projects Grant for “Is Astronaut Food the Future” CoDI Fringe show
  • 2018 UKSEDS Public Engagement Grant and BSA Connecting Communities Grant for long-distance outreach to Sutherland
  • 2017 SSPS Student-Led Special Project Grant for Outer Space Research Workshop
  • 2017 IoP Public Engagement Grant for “OISF-SAT Prnkey International Science Festival Space and Astronomy Tour”
  • 2017 IAF Emerging Space Leaders Grant for IAC 2017
  • 2017 SSPS Student Development Office Special Projects Grant for “Outer Space – Next Empire?” CoDI Fringe show
  • 2017 SGSSS Overseas Institutional Visit Grant for Research Visit to the Centre for the Study of Science at the University of Ljubljana
  • 2017 STIS Travel Funding (London SpaceUp 2017, SIP 2017, IAC 2017)
  • 2017 William Dickson Traveling Fund, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2017 UKSEDS Public Engagement Grant for long-distance outreach to Orkney
  • 2016 STIS Travel Funding (EASST/4S Joint Meeting in Barcelona and SPRU50 in Brighton)
  • 2016 SSPS Student Development Office Special Projects Grant for “Let Big Brother Watch” CoDI Fringe show
  • 2016 IoP Public Engagement Grants for “I-SAT: Islay Space and Astronomy Tour” and “Let Big Brother Watch” show for Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas at Edinburgh Fringe Festival
  • 2016 BSHS Conference Grants for SSU50 workshops “Practising the Reflexivity Tenet” and “Between History, Sociology and Politics: Half a century of STIS”
  • 2015 SGSSS Summer School Workshop Grant for “Strategic Ethnographies” and “Document Analysis” workshops
  • 2015 Graduate School Practice Programme ILW Grant for “Studnet Research Films” project
  • 2014 Principal’s Go Abroad Travel Fund, University of Edinburgh

Awards

  • 2021 AsSIST-UK PhD Prize
  • 2019 European Space Leader Award, Space Generation Advisory Council
  • 2017 Emerging Space Leader, International Astronautical Federation
  • 2016 Edinburgh Award for Digital Ambassadorship, University of Edinburgh
  • 2016 2nd Prize, School Heat, 3 Minute Thesis Competition, School of Social and Political Science, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2016 Shortlisted Nominee, Outstanding Class Representative, EUSA Impact Awards
  • 2015 Shortlisted Essay, ESRC and SAGE “World in 2065” Competition
  • 2015 Most Valued Participant, GLIC SpaceUp, Munich
  • 2015 Edinburgh Award for Student Representation, University of Edinburgh
  • 2013 Edinburgh Award for Peer-Assisted Learning (PhysicsPALs), University of Edinburgh
  • 2012 Innovative Learning Week 2012 Award, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh
  • 2011 Honorary Mention, LiMUN, London
  • National knowledge competitions (elementary and grammar school, 2000-2009): gold awards in Slovene and History, silver awards in Logic, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and English

Scholarships

  • 2014-2018 1+3 Pathway Studentship, Science, Technology and Innovation Pathway, Scottish Graduate School in Social Science, ESRC
  • 2013-2014 Highly Skilled Workforce Scholarship, Schottish Funding Council
  • 2009-2013 AdFutura Scholarship, Slovene Human Resources and Scholarships Fund
  • 2005-2009 Zois Scholarship, Employment Service Agency of Slovenia

Recent Research Talks

  • “Towards Open Engineering: Involving Public(s) in Transitional Infrastructure Design”, EASST, Madrid, 2022
  • “Towards a Heuristic Model for Experiential AI: Analysing The Zizi Show in The New Real” [on behalf of the New Real team], DRS 2022 Conference, Bilbao, 2022
  • “Outer Space, Sustainability, Ecology of Systems and Open Engineering”, SSOS-ESTEC Meeting, Noordwijk, 2022
  • “Aligning Open Engineering Practices”, ICE-IAMOT 2022, Nancy, 2022
  • “Strategic intelligence for the future of places: Enabling inclusive economic growth through the Opportunity Areas Analysis Tool” [with Fumi Kitagawa], Sustainably Towards Net Zero and Beyond: Strategy Tools for Carbon Negative Futures, Edinburgh, 2022; ISSTI Summer Gala, 2022
  • “Data-Driven Innovation Development Strategies in the City-Region: Towards the Opportunity Areas Analysis Tool” [with Fumi Kitagawa], SKAPE Seminar, 2022; Levening Up Task Force Visit, 2022
  • “The Case for Experiential AI: Boldly into The New Real” [with Drew Hemment], ISSTI Summer Gala, 2022
  • “Data, Experience(s) and Politics of “Smart” Planet Ecology”, AsSIST-UK 2021 (Virtual) Conference, 2021
  • “Is Ecology Antithesis to Liberty?”, Institutions of Extra-terrestrial Liberty Symposium, Edinburgh, 2021
  • “AI, EO & Eco: Algorithms, Space Data and Sustainable Development”, Critical Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence Ethics 2020, (online), 2020
  • “Introduction to Transplanetary Ecologies: An Ecology of a Smart Planet: Algorithms, Space Data and Sustainability”, EASST/4S Conference: Locating and Timing Matters: Significance and agency of STS in emerging worlds (online), 2020
  • “PERIpatetic Observatory/ies”, Universales Locales Symposium, Edinburgh, 2020
  • “New Space and Agile Innovation: Understanding Transition to Open Innovation in the Scottish Space Sector”, MAE Invited Seminar Series, Glasgow, 2019
  • “Enablers, Equippers, Shapers and Movers: A Typology of Innovation Intermediaries Interventions and the Development of an Emergent Innovation System”, International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., 2019
  • “Mountains, Rockets and Space Races: 200 Years of Reaching for the Final Frontier”, York Union, 2019
  • “MLP-GSSI Framework: Multi-level Perspective (MLP) Geographically-bound Sectoral Systems of Innovation (GSSI)”, AsSIST-UK National Conference, Manchester, 2019
  • “Has the Birth of Mountaintop Astronomy led to the Death of Time Service?: The Changing Public Role of the Royal Observatory Edinburgh”, Charles Piazzi Smyth Symposium, Edinburgh, 2019
  • “Is Risk Renormalisation Obscuring the Final Frontier?”, Moon as a Contact Zone, Manchester, 2019
  • “‘Cleaning Outer Space’: Is Normalising the Problem with Every-day Metaphors Stopping Us from Doing Anything About it?”,18th Alpe-Adria STS Conference, Graz, 2018
  • “Should you all talk to ESA!?”, Stobie Talk, ROE, 2015
  • “Networked Innovation Moments: Multi-level Analysis of Geographically-bound Sectoral Systems of Innovation”, STIS PhD Half-day, The University of Edinburgh, 2019
  • “Living Lab: (Planetary) Innovation Tackling Macro-Scale?”, Planetary Environments in the Laboratory workshop, Stirling, 2019
  • “Knowing Known Unknowns: Exploring Risks and Their (Re-)Normalisation in Outer Space Exploration and Utilisation”, SSTNET 2018 Workshop, Ljubljana, 2018
  • “Living Laboratories: Extending the Biosphere to Space?”, IAC 2018, Bremen, 2018
  • “‘The 10 million eur/gbp Question’: How Innovation Intermediaries Support Smart Specialisation? – ‘New Space’ Sector in Slovenia and Scotland”, smartEIZ Conference, Zagreb, 2018
  • “Innovation Meets Outer Space: Transforming Networks, Organisations and People”, EASST 2018, Lancaster, 2018
  • “New Space and Agile Innovation: Transforming Networks, Organisations and People”, TETM, Edinburgh, 2018; IAC 2018, Bremen
  • “Building a Functional Typology of Innovation Intermediaries’ Interventions”, DRUID 2018, Copenhagen, 2018
  • “Innovation in the Scottish Space Sector: Changing Paradigms of Technology, Environment and Users’ Involvement”, 17th Alpe-Adria STS Conference, Graz, 2018
  • “Living Laboratories: Space Data and Agriculture”, 17th Alpe-Adria STS Conference, Graz, 2018
  • “Ego-nets and Whole Sets: ‘Stitching’ together the Scottish space industry innovation network”, SNAS Seminar Series, Edinburgh, 2018
  • “Agile Space: A new take on innovation in Space Industry”, NSSC 2018, Guildford, 2018
  • “The Role of Intermediaries Building Knowledge Networks”, STIS PhD Showcase, The University of Edinburgh, 2017
  • “New Space- A new Innovation Culture”, Next Generation Plenary, International Astronautical Congres, Adelaide, 2017
  • “The Changing Innovation Culture: New Space, SMEs and Scottish Space Sector”, Science in Public Conference, Sheffield, 2017
  • “New Space – paving a New Way for Innovation and Industry”, SpaceUp London, 2017
  • “High-tech SME Innovation: Between Networks and Products in the Scottish Space Sector”, BIGSSS Summer retreat 2017, Bremen – Gut Ankelohe, 2017
  • “New Space, SMEs and the Changing Innovation Culture: The Case of Scottish Space Sector”, STIS PhD Days, Edinburgh, 2017
  • “How Data SMEs are Changing the Innovation Culture in the Space Industry: The Case of Scotland” (poster), Data.Space 2017, Glasgow, 2017; UK Space Conference, Manchester, 2017
  • “It is Time for the Future: Towards a New Era in Space Exploration and Industry” (invited keynote), SpaceUp Manchester, Manchester, 2016
  • “Biographies of Innovation: Networks and Produstc in The Scottish Space Industry”, 4S/EASST Joined Conference, Barcelona, 2016
  • “Networks and Knowledge Flows: The Case of Scottish Space Industry”, iDocQ, Glasgow, 2016; SNAS Seminar, Edinburgh, 2016
  • “Understanding Innovation Networking: The Case of Scottish Space Sector”, SpaceUp Glis, Geneva, 2016
  • “Knowledge Networks at the Heart of the Space Industry: The Case of Scotland” (poster), Reinventing Space 2015, Oxford; SUPA Cormack meeting, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, 2015; SSU50 Workshop, Edinburgh, 2016
  • “Networks – The Missing Link in Understanding High-tech Innovation: The Case of Space Sector in Scotland”, Annual Meeting of Slovenian Sociological Association, Ljubljana, 2015
  • “It IS Rocket Science! – Understanding NPD through ‘Biographies of Innovation'”, ISSTI Seminar Series, University of Edinburgh, 2015; SpaceUp GLIC, Munich, 2015
  • “Seeing ‘Progress’ – Visualising Biographies of Innovation”, ISSTI retreat, Newbattle Abbey, 2015
  • “Where Do I Start?”, 3rd Scottish Space Symposium (Challenge Pitch), ECCI, Edinburgh, 2015

Recent Conceptual Talks / Keynotes

  • “Personal journey in the space sector, Space Innovation Hub and how students can get involved…”, The Dawn of a New Era, Edinburgh, 2022
  • “From Scotland to Space?”, Stirling Meeting(s), Institute of Physics in Scotland (online), 2021
  • “Spaceports: The Future of Scottish Space Industry?!”, U3A Astronomy Group, Edinburgh (online), 2020
  • “Why Satellite Data Matters?: (Planetary) Innovation Tackling Global Issues”, terra_Nova Hackathon, Edinburgh, 2020
  • “Space and Astronomy Tours (SAT): (Out)reaching to Remote Communities”, #RASreach2019, Newcastle, 2019
  • “Designing the future of space (and your career…)”, Careers Launch, Belfast, 2019
  • “How to be a Space Entrepreneur?!”, SpaceUp Leicester, 2019
  • “Is the Deep Space Gateway in the Right Place?”, International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C, 2019
  • “Astronomy and the Scottish Space Industry: An Overview”, SpaceUp Glasgow, 2019
  • “Who Is Getting Off the Ground and How?: in the New Space Industry”, SpaceUp Leicester, 2018
  • “Your (Bright) Future in the (New) Space Industry…”, RIS 2018, London, 2018
  • “Scottish Space Enlightenment”, Spectrum Symposium, Newcastle, 2018
  • “Gateway Earth: Propelling an Off-Earth Economy with a Modular Space Access Architecture”, International Business Festival, Liverpool, 2018
  • “(New) Space in Scotland: A new era in Space Industry?”, SPERO Network Meeting, Stirling, 2018
  • “New Space – New Opportunites: Between Networks, Products and Agility”, Reinventing Space Careers Day, Glasgow, 2017
  • “Developing the Technical and Operational Framework for Gateway Earth Space Access Architecture”, (poster) Reinventing Space, Glasgow, 2017
  • “Gateway Earth: A Pragmatic Modular Architecture for Space Access and Exploration”, International Astronautical Congress, Adelaide, 2017
  • “From Science Wars to Post Truth: What are and aren’t STS studies?”, Stobie Talk, ROE, 2017
  • “Buying Into the Utopia: Gateway Earth, the Future of Human Exploration of Outer Space and Me”, Science in Public Conference, Sheffield, 2017
  • “Living Labs – New Research and Development Opportunities in Scotland and Slovenia”, 3rd Conference of Young Slovenian Researchers, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, 2017
  • “Gateway Earth: The (Modular) Space Access Architecture for the Future of Space Exploration”, UK Space Conference (Soapbox Session), Manchester, 2017
  • “Join Us in Space!: New era – new opportunities”, Stromness Academy and Kirkwall Grammar School, Orkney, 2017
  • “Gateway Earth Development Group: Building your gateway to space”, NSSC 2017, Exeter, 2017
  • “Who Will Get Us There?: The journey to Mars- and back -and there again…”, Manifest Destiny: Interdisciplinary forum on Mars Colonisation, The University of Edinburgh, 2017
  • “Gateway Earth: Space Access Architecture”, SpaceUp Manchester, Manchester, 2016
  • “To GEO and Beyond: Gateway Earth Space Access Architecture”, Reinventing Space, London, 2016
  • “Gateway Earth – A gateway To Space”, SpaceUp Glis, Geneva, 2016
  • “We Mean Business! – Me, Higgs and You”, Stobie Talk, ROE, 2015
  • “‘Back to Earth’ on Innovation and Growth Strategy”, UK Space Conference (Soapbox Session), Liverpool, 2015
  • “The Technologies That Expanded Time”, (2nd) Edinburgh Time Network Meeting, University of Edinburgh, 2015

Recent Public Talks

  • “Scotland Into Space”, Embers Into Sparkx (online), 2022
  • “Satellite Data and (Trans)Planetary Ecology: How Space is Changing our World-view?”, Astronomers of the Future, Troon, 2021; SIGMA (online), 2021; Dundee Astronomical Society, 2020
  • “Can We Clean Outer Space?”, Space Bar, 2021
  • “Astronomy 101: “What is all the stuff up there?”, Shetland Space 101 Day, 2021
  • “What’s Up? Putting Science into Stargazing: on rovers, recognitions and rambling”, ROE Astronomy Talk, 2021
  • “Spaceports: Pocket rocket launch sites for any pocket!” (with Yvette Hopkins), Slovenian Science Festival, 2020
  • “A Spaceport for Scotland” (with Yvette Hopkins and Derek Harris), Orkney International Science Festival, 2020
  • “Helping Scotland Launch to Space!” (with Karina Wardak), ROE Astronomy Talks, 2020
  • “What’s Up? Putting Science into Stargazing: on pandemonium, prophecies and pandemic”, ROE Astronomy Talk, 2020
  • “What Has Space Ever Done for Us?”, Caithness Science Festival [online], 2020
  • “Alba ad Astra!: Scotland is Reaching for the Stars”, Edinburgh Astronomical Society, 2019
  • “What’s Up?: Putting Science into Stargazing: on expectations, exploration and expedience”, ROE Astronomy Talk, 2019
  • “Brief History of Scottish Astronomy and Space Exploration”, Midlothian Soience Festival, 2019
  • “From Standing Stones to Blasting Rockets: Is Scotland off to Space?”, Forsinard Flows Centre, 2019
  • “Star From the Mountaintops, Inches in the Pyramids: Charles Piazzi Smyth (1819-1900)”, Orkney International Science Festival, 2019
  • “Scotland – The Final Frontier?!”, Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas, New Town Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe, 2019
  • “The Scottish Space Industry and Future of Spaceports”, Highlands Astronomical Society, Inverness, 2019
  • “A Signposted Guide to Astronomy in 8 Technologies”, Tarbert Astronomy Group, 2019; Ferrycroft Visitor Centre, Lairg, 2019
  • “From Charles Piazzi Smyth to Scottish Spaceport: 200 years of reaching for the stars”, An Lanntair Centre, Stornoway, 2019; Lochinver Village Hall, 2019; Mareel, Lerwick, 2019; Unst HS, Unst 2019; Carnegie Hall, Sandwick, 2019
  • “Universal Signals: Outer Space, (Tele)communication and Scotland”, Goudie Lecture, Museum of Communication, Burntisland, 2019
  • “Where from and where to? – What is the deal with Scottish growing (New) Space Industry?”, part of “Blast Off!”, Edinburgh International Science Festival, 2019
  • “What’s Up?: on life, loneliness and laughter”, ROE Astronomy Talk, Edinburgh, 2019
  • “What Are They Really Doing Up There?”, Astronomy on Tap Edinburgh, 2018; Airdrie Astronomy Association, Airdrie, 2018, Tweeddale Astronomical Society, 2019; Falkirk Science Festival, Tripple Helix Park, 2019
  • “What’s Up?: on matters light and dark”, ROE Astronomy Talk, Edinburgh, 2018
  • “Slovenia Reaches to the Outer Space”, Slovenian Science Festival 2018, Ljubljana, 2018
  • “Make It, Fire It Into Orbit!”, OISF 2018, Kirkwall, 2018
  • “Universe: The Love Story”,skyranMoon, the museum of the moon / OISF 2018, Stromness, 2018
  • “Is Astronaut Food the Future?”, Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas, Edinburgh Fringe, 2018
  • “From Standing Stones to Blasting Rockets: Scotland in Off to Space!”, SIGMA / BIS Scotland, Elgin, 2018; OISF 2018, Sanday, 2018
  • “Food and Space”, Shoreline of Infinity’s Event Horizon, 2018
  • “Everything: (You (Might) Want (to Know) About (Nano) Satellites (and Scotland))”, part of Astronomy on Tap, Edinburgh International Science Festival, 2018
  • “Measuring the Length of a Shoestring: Space, Innovation and Scotland”, part of “Spaceflight on a Shoestring”, Edinburgh International Science Festival, 2018
  • “From Scotland to the Stars: New Space, Innovation and Agility”, John Braithwaite Memorial Lecture, Airdrie Astronomical Association, Airdrie, 2018
  • “What’s Up?: or how three became one”, ROE Astronomy Talk, Edinburgh, 2018
  • “Space & Scotland: Bringing about a new era in Space Exploration Industry”, Leuchie House, North Berwick, 2018
  • “Dark Skies to Outer Space”, Sutherland Science with Travelling Scholars, Tongue, 2018; Bonnar Bridge, 2018
  • “Key Trends in the Development of Global and Slovenian Space Industry”, Slovenian Space Academy, Ljubljana, 2018
  • “The Space Industry in Scotland”, U3A Astronomy Group, Edinburgh 2017
  • “Conquering the Universe: Between a myth, reality and new opportunities”, Slovenian Science Festival (remotely from IAC), 2017
  • “Dark Sky is Your Bright Future”, “An Astronomer’s Daughter and Lost Armada Ships”, “Celestial Harmony”, “Discovery of Space” and “Tales of Outer Space”, Orkney International Science Festival, 2017
  • “Outer Space – The Next Empire”, Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh, 2017; Midlothian Science Festival, Dalkeith, 2017
  • “Astronomy and Space Science in Edinburgh”, Curious Edinburgh Tour, Moments in Time Exhibition, Edinburgh International Science Festival, 2017
  • “From Orkney to Space”, OISF 2017 Launch, Kirkwall, Orkney, 2017
  • “Reaching for the Stars and Down to Earth Again: Space Industry in Scotland”, ROE Astronomy Talks Series, 2017; Stirling Astronomy Society, 2017
  • “Let Big Brother Watch!”, Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh, 2016
  • “Astrotechnology – and How it Changed the World”, Bowmore High School, Islay, 2016
  • “Back to Earth on Space Innovation & Growth Strategy”, East Kilbride Kittoch Rotary Club, 2016
  • “What Has the Space Ever Done for Us?”, Borders Science Festival, Peebles, 2015; Highlands Astronomical Society, Inverness, 2015; Dundee Astronomical Society, 2016; Astronomical Society of Glasgow, 2016
  • “Stargazing”, Falkirk District Science Festival, 2015
  • “A Brief History of Astronomy and ROE”, Snowdrops Festival, Cambo House, 2014
  • “How Did I Get Here – Careers in Astronomy and Science Communication”, Forth Valley College, Falkirk, 2013; Gimnazija Nova Gorica, 2015

Recent Workshops’ Organisation

  • 2023 ICE2023 Conference, Edinburgh
  • 2023 NITIM Graduate School, Edinburgh
  • 2022 Building Habitable Worlds, Edinburgh (IT/Online Chair)
  • 2022 SpaceUp Scotland, Edinburgh
  • 2021 “From Idea to Product: Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship”, Eat Sleep Ride CIC, Eyemouth
  • 2019 “Out of the Cradle: Inclusive Systems in Outer Space”, Royal Observatory Edinburgh
  • 2017 “Outer Space Research Workshop”, STIS Subject Group and SSPS Graduate School, University of Edinburgh
  • 2017 “Survival Strategies for the Modern PhD Student”, SGSSS Student Symposium, University of Glasgow
  • 2017 “Between Science, Policy and Innovation: The Case of Space Industry in Scotland”, part of Yonsei University Study Visit to Edinburgh
  • 2016 “The Past, Present and Future of Science, Technology and Innovation Studies”, AsSIST-UK 2nd National Conference, Part of SSU50 Celebrations, STIS, SSPS, University of Edinburgh
  • 2016 “Practising the Reflexivity Tenet”, SSU50 Workshop, STIS, SSPS, University of Edinburgh
  • 2016 “Strategic Ethnographies”, SGSSS Summer School 2016, Edinburgh
  • 2016 “Algorithm Society” Scoping Workshop (C.39), Alan Turing Institute, London
  • 2015 “Student Research Films”, Innovative Learning Week (ILW), University of Edinburgh
  • 2013 “Exoplanets – What Will We Find?”, Innovative Learning Week (ILW), University of Edinburgh
  • 2012 “Build Your Own: Time Machine”, Innovative Learning Week (ILW), University of Edinburgh

University Representation

  • 2016-2019 Student Member, The University of Edinburgh Discipline Committee
  • 2016-2019 Student Representative, Scottish Graduate School of Social Science
  • 2014-2016 Class Representative (PGR Science, Technology and Innovation Studies)
  • 2013-2016 Student Member, Senatus Academicus, University of Edinburgh
  • 2013-2016 Student Member, College of Humanities and Social Science Postgraduate Studies Committee
  • 2013-2015 Student Member (PG), College of Humanities and Social Science Quality Assurance Committee
  • 2013-2014 Class Representative (MSc Science and Technology in Society)
  • 2010-2011 Class Representative (PH2015, PH2516, PX2505)

Science Communication

  • 2019- Programme Board Member, Orkney International Science Festival
  • 2017-2019 Core Festival Volunteer, Midlothian Science Festival
  • 2013-2018 Demonstrator, “Sci-Fun” Project, University of Edinburgh
  • 2013-2019 Demonstrator, “Particle Physics 4 Schottish Schools” Project, University of Edinburgh
  • 2012-2019 Stand-up Performer, Bright Club Edinburgh – Science Stand-up Comedy
  • 2012-2015 Demonstrator, “Physics in the Field” Project, Institute of Physics
  • 2011-2020 Senior Observatory Educator, ROE Visitor Centre (see below)
  • 2011- STEM Ambassador, STEM.Net
  • 2011-2015 Demonstrator, “Lab in a Lorry” (Scotland) Project, Institute of Physics

Non-Academic Activities

  • 2020- Director, Scottish-Slovenian Friendship Society (Ltd)
  • 2020- Scottish Branch Coordinator, British Interplanetary Society
  • 2020- Director, Space Up Scotland Ltd
  • 2020- Trustee, UK Students for Exploration and Development of Space
  • 2019- Co-founder and CFO (2020-), Algacraft Ltd
  • 2021-2022 Trustee, Asteria
  • 2014- Operations Director, Emporium Julium
  • 2011-2020 Casual Staff (2011-2012), Duty Officer (2013-2017), Senior Observatory Educator (2017-2020) Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Visitor Centre
  • 2012-2014 Contractual Work on Software Development, Blackford Analysis, Ltd.
  • 2006-2011 Library Editor, Grammar School Library, Nova Gorica
  • 2006-2008 Research Projects, University of Nova Gorica, Laboratory for Environmental Research
  • 2005 Assembly Line, Iskra Avtoelektrika, Sempeter pri Gorici

Youth Volunteering Activities

  • 2016-2017 Treasurer, Space_Ed Society, The University of Edinburgh
  • 2013-2014 LEAPS Student Volunteer, LEAPS
  • 2011 Secretary-General of AbeMUN 2011 Conference, overseeing all activities
  • 2011-2012 Board Member, MUN Office, UNA-UK Youth Council
  • 2010-2011 Vice-president for Model United Nations, UNYSA Society, University of Aberdeen
  • 2010-2011 Founder and President of Aberdeen University Slovenian Club
  • 2008-2009 Founder and Head of Humanities Club, Nova Gorica Grammar School
  • 2006-2007 Editor-in-chief, “OddelEk” magazine, Nova Gorica Grammar School
  • 2005-2007 Volunteer, Hospital for Children with Special Needs, Stara Gora
  • 2002-2004 Slovenian Youth Parliament: President of Regional Youth Parliament and Youth Government (2002 – 2004), Rapporteur of National Youth Parliament (2004)

Language skills

  • mother tongue: Slovene
  • active and fluent: English, Croatian, Serbian
  • active, but non-fluent: Italian, French

IT Skills

  • understanding and active knowledge of electronics and hardware design
  • advanced knowledge of commercial writing and editing software (‘office’ suits)
  • computational skills in Octave/MatLab and Maple
  • fluent in Java programming language and basic HTML
  • basic knowledge of the design suite LabVIEW and CAD