Zdenka Peršin is employed at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering University of Maribor, as Senior Research Associate. She obtained her Doctorate in 2005 at the same Faculty. She possesses knowledge in the field of materials. Performing her research work she is involved in solving complex scientific and technological problems in the field of textiles and technical fibres, surface modifications and analytical techniques for characterization. She actively participated in several EU and national projects dealing with polymer materials and technology in different fields i.e., medical devices, packaging, efficient use of energy, polysaccharides for different applications, protective textiles, waste material, etc. She was the leader of several projects dealing with the knowledge transfer, medical devices and Infrastructure programme. She possesses award Futurum 2006 for the best doctoral thesis in the fields of natural sciences, technology, biotechnology and medicine, the award for the best achievements in the field of research and development of polymer technology, materials and solutions (CO PoLiMaT) and the bronze award for innovation (Chamber of commerce and industry Slovenia. Her bibliography contains more than 30 original scientific articles, 3 chapters in monographic publications, 1 scientific monograph, 3 patents, 4 patent applications, 7 laboratory prototypes and 16 technological improvements/innovations.