Lučka Bibič is a Slovenian-born scientist, communicator, and creative force in the world of digital product management. With a PhD in chemical sciences from the University of East Anglia (U.K.), she has worked at the University of Cambridge and collaborated with BBC5Live as a science communicator. Her career journey has been defined by innovation – from researching spider venoms and chronic pain to developing a VR game that makes science engaging and accessible. A TEDx speaker, CAS Future Leader, and Global Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting awardee, Lučka has authored over 65 publications and led winning teams in biotech entrepreneurship. Now, as Head of Article Pipeline Management at Springer Nature, she’s dedicated to transforming the academic publishing process. Her focus is on supporting the publication of more high-quality articles and reducing turnaround times, ensuring a more efficient and effective publishing workflow. Outside of work, Lučka loves to run trails, caring for her plants, and is a passionate advocate for bringing creativity into the world of scientific discoveries.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Lučka shared her professional trajectory, insights on the evolution of the science communication field in the next 5-10 years, the secret mantra behind her success, personal hobbies and interests, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Lučka. Can you walk us through your background and what you’re most passionate about in your work?
Sure! So, I’m Lučka – a scientist turned product person with a soft spot for ed-tech and team building. My background spans chemistry, science communication, academia, and entrepreneurship, but my true passion lies in making science accessible and engaging. That‘s why it’s so much fun to work in publishing now. I get to help champion ways to not only help researchers with their work, but ensure swift and easy access to reliable scientific knowledge. Something that for us in this day is incredibly important as knowledge, discoveries and research can help us tackle topics that can truly change the world. And I love contributing to missions that bring science out of the lab and into the world where it belongs.
What aspects of your current role bring you the most joy and fulfillment?
Helping researchers and the research community publish quicker! It’s like being the bridge between their brilliant minds and the world. As an ex-academic, I know how tough publishing can be, so making the process smoother and operate faster feels like a win for everyone. Plus, connecting publishers, authors, editors and reviewers to improve everyone’s satisfaction is empowering.
What inspired you to create the VR game for public engagement and science education?
When we created the game, I was a grad student, and I couldn’t help but notice how much time scientists spend in the lab while their stories go untold. I’m talking about the struggles, failures, and relentless problem-solving that lead to those rare moments of triumph. Too often, all we see are polished press releases, but the messy, fascinating journey is where the real learning happens.
My PhD focused on spider venoms and chronic pain, and I wanted to share just how fascinating spider venoms are in a fun and engaging way. Using VR and games, I found a way to bring science to life—combining storytelling and interactive challenges to help students learn while having fun.
What was it like to be a TEDx speaker in 2021, and what message did you hope to convey to your audience?
It was epic! Also, slightly terrifying. My talk, How Gamers Are Solving Science’s Biggest Problems, explored how VR and gaming can address major global challenges, from Alzheimer’s research to poverty, and even surgical training. Gaming is a powerful tool for science because it harnesses collective intelligence, bringing together thousands—or even millions—of players to tackle complex problems. For example, Foldit gamers solved protein structures faster than algorithms, and VR simulations provide scalable, hands-on training for medical professionals worldwide.
But the thing is that gaming often gets a bad rap due to the connotations tied to the word ‘games’ – it’s often not taken seriously. Add the word ‘serious,’ though, and suddenly we’re changing the narrative. Serious games are like the Clark Kent of gaming—what looks like fun on the surface is actually here to save the day. That’s why I focus on serious games—tools specifically designed to educate, solve real problems, and create meaningful impact. These games reframe gaming as a legitimate way to learn and retain knowledge, making complex ideas accessible and unforgettable. It’s not just play—it’s powerful learning in action.
You were recognized as a CAS Future Leader and Global Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting awardee. Our readers would love to know the secret sauce behind your success.
Oh, thank you. But you know, honestly, it’s not a sauce – it’s more like a messy casserole of passion, instinct, and following my heart (a very unscientific organ, I know). I guess the key is to figure out what makes your heart sing, dive in headfirst and surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. And be true to yourself no matter where you go, what you do there or with whom you’re doing those stuff with – authenticity is your superpower.
How do you see the field of science communication evolving in the next 5-10 years?
So much has changed when you look back at the last 10, 20 years with the internet, social media, and the immediacy of knowledge when it comes to communicating science. It goes without saying that AI is the next emerging technology that is providing us with exciting opportunities across sectors. And there are so many opportunities for it in science communication, when used responsibly and ethically. Imagine high quality, sustainable and ethical AI-powered platforms, crafted and validated by research communities, where science becomes a story, that you can ‘play through’. Imagine learning complex discoveries while making choices like in an adventure game – fun, intuitive, and sneakily educational. A space where scientific knowledge is not just shared but experienced, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for everyone. The future of science comms? Immersive, modular, and a bit magical, somewhat a bit like Harry Potter as it will foster collaboration, inspire curiosity, and transform into an adventure.
Who has been a significant influence or mentor in your career, and how have they helped shape your professional journey?
I’ve had many mentors – friends, colleagues, and accidental teachers. They’ve pushed me, taught me, and sometimes given me tough love. But I feel that over time, and with certain mentee-mentor relationships, those mentor-mentee roles blur, and suddenly, you’re both learning from each other.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
Trail running! It’s taught me more about resilience, emotional regulation and problem-solving than my scientific training ever did. For me, long runs are like life: unpredictable, full of surprises, and best tackled with a solid plan, the right gear, some good snacks and a support system. It gives you a certain perspective about life, career and relationships, reminding you that there’s always another mountain to climb, or to move!
Which technology are you investing in now to prepare for the future?
There are lots of new emerging technologies that have the potential to really change and empower the sector I work in. AI – can offer us many exciting opportunities when we look at how we can responsibly integrate it into product management, data and insights. This technology continuously introduces new processes, insights, and interpretations of data. For example, in my role as Head of Article Pipeline Management, we’ve been leveraging machine learning models to analyse and optimise our publication workflow, improving turnaround times (the time in which it takes an article to be published). By identifying bottlenecks and predicting workflow inefficiencies, these ML- and AI-driven insights can help streamline operations and contribute to a more efficient publishing process, whilst keeping quality and integrity at the heart. Bridging the gap between no-code and code is crucial, so investing in AI-driven analytics skills alongside human expertise is key to driving innovation and something that we are committed to exploring, with researchers, sustainably and ethically.
What are your long-term career aspirations, and how do you see yourself evolving as a leader over the next five years?
My goal, no matter in which role or at which career stage I am, is to empower people, build things that matter to people, and have fun while doing it. Basically, less boss, more cheerleader!
What advice would you give to aspiring scientists and technologists?
Be intentionally curious. Be bold. And don’t be afraid to bring your full self – quirks and all – into your work. The world doesn’t need perfect or stiff; it needs passion. And if your career sometimes makes you feel like a kid in a candy store and an elephant in a porcelain shop—excited, maybe a little overwhelmed, but still eager to push forward—you’re on the right track.
Science and technology thrive on collaboration and the exchange of ideas. No major breakthrough or innovation ever came from just one person working in isolation. The magic of science is its constant evolution, and that only happens when diverse perspectives come together.
Innovation doesn’t grow in a vacuum—it thrives in networks, where ideas bounce off one another, where feedback challenges assumptions, and where collective energy drives boundaries forward.
So, sure, embrace the chaos but structure it in chunks. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, remember that’s where the real growth and discoveries happen. Keep pushing, keep questioning, and most importantly, keep collaborating. The journey is way more rewarding with others by your side.