Erzähl mal, Carina…

Ein Blick hinter die Kulissen von V-Research
In unserer Interviewreihe „Erzähl mal,…“ geben unsere MitarbeiterInnen persönliche Einblicke in ihren Forschungsalltag, erzählen von internationalen Erfahrungen und teilen ihre kulinarischen Lieblingsrezepte. Ob spannende Projekte, kulturelle Vielfalt oder der Geschmack von Heimat – hier wird sichtbar, was V-Research ausmacht: Innovation, Teamgeist und Leidenschaft.
Die Interviews veröffentlichen wir im Originalton – oft auf Englisch –, um die persönlichen Geschichten authentisch und unverfälscht erlebbar zu machen.

„KI und Data Science sind die Wegbereiter für die Forschung von morgen – ein Privileg, diese Zukunft aktiv mitzugestalten.“
Carina Barbara Antonin, Ph.D. Candidate for Circular Economy & Sustainability Manager

What is Computational Sustainability and why is it so important for industry?
Computational Sustainability is about applying advanced computing, AI, and data science to balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. For industry, it means developing smarter systems that optimize resources, reduce waste, and lower environmental impact – all while maintaining competitiveness. The importance results from the multiple benefits: it turns sustainability into a measurable, actionable, and scalable practice.

Can you give an example of how your work contributes to resource conservation in industry?
My work is aiming at developing a closed-loop system for technical polymers, that are highly relevant for Automotive performance components. Connecting this circular economy project to Computational Sustainability, this ultimately means, that supply chain partners do need to share relevant and standardized data to improve processing materials. Considering all three dimensions of sustainable development (social, economic and ecologic), resource conservation is looked at from different perspectives.

What role do data and modeling play in sustainable product development?
In my opinion, data serves as the basis for analysing the status quo of a product, while modelling enables the change of the current status quo in a scientific, experimental way. Without modelling and pilot projects, we could have no further development, because practice beats theory in many ways.

What motivates you to work at the intersection of AI and Data Science?
For my job, I frequently use AI tools, that support my studies and my research. Data Science is also a huge part, as I rely on accurate data to generate findings that can be analysed and scaled up. AI and Data Science are creating the future of research, and I am very grateful to be exploring those powerful tools first-hand.

What is your personal motto or slogan?
Jumping into cold water gives you goosebumps but clears your head and perspective. Literally and metaphorically. I love to jump onto new challenges!

Which person (dead or alive) would you like to meet for coffee, tea or beer?
Tea: My grandparents who passed aways so early, to ask so many questions and seek advice from them.
Coffee: Christiana Figueres, architect of the Paris Climate Agreement and former executive secretary of the UNFCCC – deep diving into the intersection of climate policy and company actions.
Beer: David Attenborough, the nature photographer with so much wisdom about planet earth.

What originally brought you to Vorarlberg—and what made you decide to work at V-Research?
My former job at a Start-Up in Liechtenstein for sustainable swim- & activewear. I loved the mountains so much, that I decided to move here after my master’s degree in Paris & Eichstätt. After working for 2 years as sustainability manager for Hirschmann Automotive, I met V-Research at a funding event in Bregenz. Actually, I had manifested a doctor’s degree just at the beginning of this year, but always thought this might happen at a later point of time. All of a sudden, I found myself in a governmental funded doctoral research program for women in technical sciences for a greener future. Life can be such a surprise in so many ways & it always shows me that you cannot plan your future. Doors will magically open if you have a vision and dedication for your work.

What do you particularly appreciate about Vorarlberg—both professionally and personally?
The focus on sustainable development, the connection of research and industry, the stunning landscape shaped by the mountains of course – and the “Ländle” mentality of living in a huge village 😀

Is there a dish or beverage from your home country that you particularly miss—or perhaps even cook or prepare here in Vorarlberg?
As I am Bavarian, I miss BREZEN a lot – like, the typical Bavarian ones, you can´t beat that. 🙃

Have you discovered a favourite dish, beverage or culinary highlight in Vorarlberg that surprised you?
Käsespätzle with Applemousse – I never thought this would taste good but actually it does!

If you were to invite your team to a meal from your home country, what would you serve?
Probably Weisswurst Frühstück 😉

What was your most amusing or unusual culinary experience in Austria?
Käsespätzle with applemousse 😆

What is your favourite spice?
Chiliflakes

What is your favourite drink or cocktail?
Sarti Sprit

What is your favourite fruit or vegetable?
Fruit: Goldkiwi Vegetable: Italian tomatoes