Engineering is a field that shapes our everyday lives and our future – from the materials and technologies we use to the processes, systems and solutions through which we address environmental, industrial and societal challenges. This is precisely why initiatives that give visibility to women engineers and their stories are more important today than ever before.
The Engineer of the Year selection highlights role models who demonstrate to young people that engineering is a dynamic, creative and socially relevant career path. Among this year’s finalists was Manca Krumpačnik, a researcher at Plastika Skaza – a great recognition for us and a clear confirmation that our team is home to talents who actively help shape the future of the industry.
As part of the final selection, the title Engineer of the Year 2025 was awarded to Dr Eva Pirc (Dewesoft). We extend our sincere congratulations to the winner, as well as to all finalists who, through their work, make an important contribution to the development of the profession and inspire future generations.
When Curiosity Grows into the Development of Materials for the Future
Manca Krumpačnik, a graduate engineer of polymer technology from Črna na Koroškem, is employed as a researcher. Her work includes the development of new materials, the implementation of compounding processes, and the transfer of development solutions into an industrial environment. Early in her career, she was given the opportunity to take part in the introduction of a new extrusion technology, which significantly shaped her professional growth.
“It is rewarding to be able to directly contribute to solutions that will have a long-term impact on the company’s development, and to see that I am growing together with the process,” Manca emphasises.
Her path into engineering was not self-evident. Initially more oriented towards the social sciences, she was guided into the technical field by her curiosity, logical thinking skills and courage. “At the beginning, I doubted myself, but today I know that challenges are what shape you,” she says.
What motivates Manca most is the opportunity to actively contribute, through her work, to a more responsible use of materials. Her focus goes beyond technical performance, extending to the broader impact materials have on the environment and society.
“Plastic itself is not bad – the problem lies in how we use it. My goal is to develop materials that are more environmentally friendly,” she points out.
At Skaza, we believe that this very mindset – combining expertise, curiosity and responsibility – is what creates innovations with long-term value.
Manca encourages young girls not to be afraid of technical professions and to allow themselves to explore. “Every obstacle makes you stronger and more confident,” she says. Her key message remains clear and timeless:
“Perseverance and curiosity open the door to opportunities you might not even dare to dream of at the beginning.”
The Future of Engineering
Stories like Manca’s show that the future of engineering is built where knowledge meets values, courage and openness to learning. Women engineers are not merely part of the industry – they are its driving force, role models and source of inspiration.
At Plastika Skaza, we believe in the power of such stories. Because the future is not created by ideas alone, but by people who know how to turn them into reality.