Doron Hekič
Young researcher, civil engineer in the field of bridges and infrastructure
Master of Civil Engineering nearing the completion of his PhD. A researcher by heart and profession, he's been immersed in civil engineering since childhood. His work focuses on infrastructure and bridges — a field that is also his greatest passion. In his free time, he hikes, cycles, and brings new life to discarded objects. He credits seven years of road cycling training for his belief that most obstacles are created in our minds. He considers himself privileged to live the well-known saying: “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” He says we should more often return to the original meanings of the words engineer (from Latin ingenious) and competition (from Latin to run together).
Your Edge of the Unknown: Will one day bridges tell us precisely what is their remaining lifetime?
Klara Križnič
Physiotherapist, student of Medicine
A physiotherapist who followed her curiosity and desire for new knowledge to study medicine. When she is not busy studying, you can find her somewhere in nature with her family and boyfriend. She is inspired by honest people, distant places and foreign cultures. For her, the most important thing in life is hearing and following your inner voice. She loves taking on challenges, whether it is walking from Bologna to Florence, writing a professional article or talking at a Tedx event.
Your Edge of the Unknown: the power of gratitude and perspective
Nina Planinšek
Co-founder & CEO of a purpose-driven tech nonprofit
Nina Planinšek entered the world of social innovation after living and volunteering in Norway, where she kept asking herself: “Why isn’t doing good more popular?” That question led to a master’s thesis on gamification and social change, and eventually to co-founding a startup focused on turning civic action into a habit. She now works at the intersection of communication, behavioral science, and tech to help people help the world—joyfully.
Your Edge of the Unknown: Feel-Good Addictions: How Games Can Help Us Save the World?
Petrisa Čanji Vouri
Master's student of Economics, President of the Green Student Network
A master’s student in economics who loves reading and writing, but even more, she enjoys solving problems and finding innovative solutions. She thrives on performing and sharing ideas, with music as her constant companion. The kitchen is her creative playground, where she experiments with new flavors. Traveling fuels her passion for discovering new places and perspectives. Her greatest achievement? Marrying the most wonderful man and building a future full of dreams and shared goals.
Your Edge of the Unknown: Figuring out what I would like to do for the rest of my life and the impact that I will leave behind
Saša Aden
CEO The Power of SciComm
She is an eternal explorer, always seeking answers and new paths. Creative and passionate, she is constantly in motion, never knowing boredom—her only obstacle is having too little time to bring all her ideas to life. Inspired by her children and a vision of a thriving planet for future generations, she shares her knowledge with patience, warmth, and infectious energy, believing that education is the key to positive change. She finds relaxation in sports, nature, and connecting with like-minded people. Her guiding principle: "The future does not belong to those who wait, but to those who create." With this spirit, she contributes every day to the changes she wishes to see in the world.