The team

I took over as Head of the Knowledge Transfer Office in April 2018. In addition to management and strategic steering of the Office, I assist researchers in negotiating and concluding R&D contracts with the business sector. I am involved in the intellectual property commercialisation process, using my legal expertise to negotiate and draft license contracts and contracts on transferring intellectual property rights.

Prior to my employment at the University of Ljubljana, I worked at a public research institute. It was there I encountered the transfer of knowledge from public research institutions to the business sector and gained extensive experience, foremost with the procedures of acquiring and protecting employment-related inventions, R&D contract negotiation, and concluding license contracts.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in law and have passed the state bar examination.

I joined the Knowledge Transfer Office in May 2018. My tasks include all areas of intellectual property law: patent law (coordination of the acquisition of service  inventions), trademarks and industrial designs (advising and assisting with trademark and industrial design acquisition), to copyright (advising, reviewing, and drafting contracts concerning copyrights). I am involved in the commercialisation of knowledge, know-how, and the intellectual property rights already acquired by the University of Ljubljana (negotiating and concluding licensing and assignment contracts with industrial partners). I also participate in the promotional and educational activities of the Knowledge Transfer Office.

I gained legal work experience in several public and private sector positions, and have also spent a year abroad. Working in the field of intellectual property has always been my aspiration and goal.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in law and have passed the state bar exam, as well as the professional exam for a trademarks and industrial designs agent.

After obtaining my PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Ljubljana Faculty of Medicine, I pursued my research work at the Jožef Stefan Institute and later on at the Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, in Portugal. My experience with the biotechnology industry started with a 5-years collaboration with the group Sanolabor d.d., where I had the opportunity to interact with some of the most prominent biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

My background in academia, experience with the industry and understanding of the patenting process enable me to understand the academic partners’ perspective and have the scientific knowledge that allow the critical view necessary for the successful commercialisation of new technologies.

Simona Rataj. 11 letters that summarise my strengths and experiences:

I am part of the team who promotes the innovations and knowledge generated by researchers and present both to companies. We connect the research and business communities to create networks for new development projects. We encourage cooperation, as we believe we can achieve much more, and do so more easily, by joining forces.

I have over ten years of experience in promoting and presenting innovation and stimulating development cooperation, which I gained working in the largest Slovenian business association. I am well acquainted with the Slovenian business sector, as well as the domestic and foreign entrepreneurship and innovation support environments.

I hold a master’s degree in economics from the Faculty of Economics and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Ljubljana.

I joined the Knowledge Transfer Office team in June 2018 as a Communications Officer. I am responsible for promoting innovation, communicating the activities of the Office, and organising events that connect science and business.

I have several years of experience in communication, journalism, marketing, and photography. Prior to joining the Knowledge Transfer Office, I was responsible for internal communication at a multinational company. Before that, I worked for several years as an editor and journalist, as well as photographer.

I hold a master’s degree in strategic marketing.

I joined the Knowledge Transfer Office team in August 2018 as a Market Researcher. My responsibilities include evaluating the potential of innovations, market research and trend analysis, with the aim of knowledge transfer and linking science and business.

I have several years of experience in international marketing in the FMCG sector and technology. Prior to joining the Office, I was responsible for the marketing strategy of a multinational company in both strategic and operational aspects. I am particularly well-versed in digital marketing strategies. I am also good with numbers.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in economics.

I am a creative by heart and a marketing communications graduate with many years of professional experience in advertising. As a copywriter and creative director at one of the biggest Slovenian advertising agencies I was involved in the creation and execution of diverse advertising campaigns and projects for various clients. Leading creative teams in close collaboration with broader marketing teams I have been successfully co-creating communication strategies and solutions for numerous regional and international companies and brands, from automotive industry and FMCG to retail, banking, insurance and other areas. I was also frequently and actively involved in creating communication solutions for various public offices and institutions. For my work in advertising I received awards at Slovenian and international advertising festivals.

Before joining the Knowledge Transfer Office in 2021, my professional path led me through my interest in philosophy and theology (I have an Advanced Master degree in Theology and Religion from KU Leuven) to work in gastronomy (I have a degree in Hospitality and Tourism) and finally to a start-up accelerator. I worked with start-ups on a daily basis and sat on many juries judging pitches and ground-breaking ideas.

As you can see from my career path, I juggle a lot of interests and walk a fine line between theory and practice. When confronted with a theoretical approach, I always look for ways to implement it. When I observe practices, I recognize the theories behind them. When I see potential in a project, I help with the first steps to a successful business – from pitching to funding.