Algebra Bernays University is based in Zagreb and focuses on digital technologies, computing and applied education. What really defines us is the strong connection between education and industry – we don’t just teach theory, we prepare students for real careers in a rapidly changing digital world. We are also actively involved in European projects, especially those focused on digital skills and innovation. In HER TECH, we act as the project coordinator, bringing partners together and ensuring everything moves forward smoothly.
1. Hello Aneta and Maja. Thank you for the opportunity to meet you and discuss HER TECH project. Let us begin with a brief introduction. To begin, could you briefly introduce Algebra University and your role within the institution?
Algebra Bernays University is a place where technology, education and industry meet. We focus on preparing students for real-world challenges in the digital sector, and that mindset also shapes how we approach projects. In HER TECH, we take on the role of coordinator, which means keeping everything aligned, supporting partners and making sure the project delivers meaningful results.
2. As the coordinator, you were closely involved in shaping the HER TECH proposal. What was the original idea behind the project and why was it important to launch it?
The starting point was a very simple question: why are girls still not choosing ICT, even though opportunities are everywhere?
We realised that there are many initiatives out there, but not always a clear understanding of what actually works. HER TECH was designed to take a step back, look at the bigger picture, and connect research with real-life practices. The goal was not just to talk about the problem, but to better understand it and build something useful on top of that knowledge.
3. We are now approaching the end of the first year of the project. How would you describe this first phase of HER TECH?
The first year has been very much about building the foundation of how we work together. With partners coming from different countries and backgrounds, it was important to create a shared understanding, establish ways of working, and build trust within the consortium.
We spent a lot of time aligning expectations, refining methodologies, and learning how to collaborate effectively across contexts. This phase may not always be the most visible, but it is essential — because strong cooperation and trust are what allow the project to move forward in a meaningful and coordinated way.
4. Coordinating a project that brings together partners from several countries and sectors is a complex task. What have been the main highlights and challenges of coordination so far?
What stands out the most is how different perspectives come together in one project. Each partner brings something unique, shaped by their country, system and experience.
Of course, coordinating that is not always easy: aligning timelines, approaches and expectations takes effort. But at the same time, this diversity is exactly what makes the project richer and more relevant.
5. What would you consider the most important achievements of the project so far?
One of the biggest achievements is that we now have a solid evidence base. We’ve gathered insights from different countries, mapped existing initiatives, and started to see clear patterns. This gives us something very valuable – not assumptions, but knowledge we can build on.
At the same time, we have built a strong and well-connected consortium, where partners understand each other’s contexts, communicate openly, and work towards a shared goal. This kind of collaboration is not something that happens automatically, it takes time, but it is essential for the quality and impact of the project.
6. Based on the work completed so far, what early insights have surprised you the most?
What really stood out to us is how early things start to shift.
It’s not that girls are less interested in technology – quite the opposite. The difference appears later, when confidence drops, when they start questioning whether they belong, or when they stop seeing people like themselves in those roles.
That moment is subtle, but very important. It shows that the challenge is not about sparking interest, but about sustaining it, and creating environments where girls feel confident enough to stay.
7. HER TECH brings together universities, networks and organisations from across Europe. How has the collaboration been so far?
The collaboration has been really positive and, most importantly, very genuine. It doesn’t feel like partners are just delivering tasks, there is a real willingness to listen, share experiences and learn from each other.
What makes it especially valuable is the diversity within the consortium. Each partner brings a different perspective, shaped by their country, system and daily work. This creates a space where discussions are not only productive, but also inspiring.
Over time, we’ve moved from simply working together to actually thinking together, which makes a big difference for a project like HER TECH.
8. Why is it important to focus on girls’ and women’s engagement in ICT today?
Because we are still losing a huge amount of potential.
Girls don’t opt out of technology because they are not interested or capable – they often just don’t see themselves in it. And that’s something shaped very early, through education, expectations and everyday experiences.
If we want a more innovative and balanced digital future, we need to make sure that more girls feel that technology is also “for them”. It’s really about opening doors, and making sure they stay open.
9. What are you most looking forward to in the next phases of HER TECH?
What we’re really looking forward to now is moving from talking to doing.
So far, we’ve spent a lot of time understanding the problem. Now it’s time to start testing ideas, trying things out, and seeing what actually works in real settings.
This is the part where the project becomes more visible and more tangible. We’ll be working more closely with educators and stakeholders, and turning insights into something practical that people can actually use.
10. What message would you like to share with educators, policymakers and organisations interested in supporting girls and women in ICT?
We already know more than we think about what works.
The real challenge now is to apply it, consistently and across different contexts. Sometimes small changes in how we teach, communicate or support students can make a big difference.
And in the end, it’s about making sure that every girl can see technology not as something distant, but as something that belongs to her too.
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