Meet Nikolina, our Communications Manager
Nikolina is our dedicated Communications Manager, working on different range of projects from quantum research to medical initiatives and is a part of the team working on the European IP helpdesk activities. In addition to her professional pursuits, she is currently pursuing a PhD in Marketing at the University of Ljubljana, where her research focuses on crisis communication.
Can you describe your professional journey so far? What led you to this role?
My professional journey has been very diverse. Namely, it is shaped by my relentless curiosity about – everything. This is the reason why I studied Communication and History in the first place. My journey started early in my student days, where I embraced every opportunity, working on different projects, in media, and at PR agencies, driven by a “try everything” mentality.
Subsequently, I took on roles at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER) on the European Processor Initiative project, and gained valuable experience at the Voice of Entrepreneurs Association and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Croatia. These roles deepened my expertise in public relations, content creation, and social media management. My professional path has been a mix of academic rigor and real-world communication strategies, leading me to the role I am in today.
You are currently working on your doctor dissertation at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences. Can you tell us more about your doctoral dissertation? How did you decide on that direction?
Well, my doctoral dissertation at the Faculty of Social Sciences delves into the realm of crisis communication within a political setting. This focus aligns with my lifelong passion for politics and political communication. I've been fascinated by the intricate dynamics of the political sphere from a young age, which has guided my academic and professional journey. Crisis communication is a subject I find fascinating because it demands an understanding of both modern strategies and a profound appreciation for history.
Throughout my career, my work and research have revolved around political communication, allowing me to grasp how crises and effective communication intersect within the complex landscape of politics. The decision to embark on this path was quite natural, given my passion for research and the desire to explore subjects that genuinely pique my interest. Pursuing a PhD allowed me to delve deeper into these areas, and crisis communication became a clear choice. It's not an easy journey, but the challenge is part of what makes it so rewarding.
What projects or assignments are you currently involved in?
At the moment, I'm engaged in several exciting projects: METASTRA, PASQuanS2, and EuRyQa. These projects span a diverse range of fields, from quantum research to medical initiatives, providing me with an array of experiences. It's truly fascinating to work on projects with such contrasting scopes, as it “keeps me on my toes” and constantly learning.
In addition to these projects, I'm also part of the team working on the European IP Helpdesk. This assignment allows me to explore the intricate world of intellectual property, adding another layer of complexity and variety to my work.
What do you like the most about your job? What tasks do you enjoy the most?
What I cherish most about my job is the unique blend of research, curiosity, and creativity it affords. I find immense satisfaction in the creative aspects of my work, where I can let my imagination run wild and craft innovative solutions. It's incredibly fulfilling to merge this creativity with extensive research on a diverse range of topics.
Moreover, I love the ever-changing nature of this field. It's a profession where adaptability is key. The constant evolution and challenges urge me to stay updated and continually grow. It's this dynamic and demanding nature that makes my job so interesting. The need to keep pace with the shifting landscape ensures that every day brings something new, keeping my enthusiasm alive and my work engaging.
What are some of the trends you see in the communication of science to a broad audience?
In my research, two prominent trends stand out in the communication of science to a broad audience. First and foremost is the heightened focus on fact-checking and the battle against misinformation. With the pervasive spread of inaccurate or misleading information, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of scientific content is paramount. Fact-checking has become a central element, as it not only establishes trust with the audience but also serves as a shield against the dissemination of false information. In an era of information overload, this practice acts as a critical tool in promoting responsible science communication.
A trend closely intertwined with fact-checking is the concept of community building. I believe that this is of utmost importance within the scientific community. Building and nurturing communities of science enthusiasts fosters engagement, encourages discussions, and shares knowledge in a collaborative and interactive manner. This approach not only connects scientists with the public but also allows for a more dynamic and participatory exchange of ideas.
What is your favourite thing about working at RISE?
My absolute favourite aspect of working at RISE has to be the close-knit community we've fostered. As a small company, we have the privilege of spending a significant amount of time together, which enables us to truly get to know each other. In this environment, you're not just another face in the crowd; you're genuinely heard and seen. This level of personal attention and recognition is something that can be quite rare to come by in larger organizations.
In addition to the people and the tight-knit community, I also appreciate the opportunities for growth and learning that RISE provides. The small company dynamic allows for more hands-on involvement and the chance to take on diverse responsibilities, which has been instrumental in my professional development.