Get to know us

Next-Gen was born out of a broken promise.

For decades now, academia has been struggling with the consequences of PhD and postdoc hyperproduction — a system that continues to generate more researchers than it can meaningfully support. Everyone sees the problem. Students talk about it. Professors acknowledge it. But while the issue is widely known, almost no real solutions have been offered.

The call to “fix the system” or “slow down production” ignores a deeper truth: this is not an accident — it’s a byproduct of how science is funded today. In the age of the knowledge economy, science is an intellectual industry, and PhDs are its main labor force.

The academic ladder has collapsed for many. Positions are fewer, competition is fierce, and the path forward is uncertain and scarry. In the end most scientists are pushed out into a global job market — often without the skills, clarity, or confidence to navigate it meaningfully.

Our mission is to empower science-driven individuals to reclaim control of their careers and purpose. We do this by focusing on self-development, skill building, strategic clarity, and personal leadership — tools rarely taught within formal education, but essential for success beyond it.

We believe leadership in science doesn't begin with a job title — it begins with self-awareness, vision, and initiative. Through our workshops, coaching, and unique methods for self-reflection and alignment, we guide individuals toward becoming confident, capable, and self-led changemakers.

Whether you’re climbing the ladder, transitioning out of academia, building a non-linear career, or simply seeking direction — you are not alone. Next-Gen exists to support those who refuse to be defined by outdated systems and are ready to lead science into new frontiers.

We’re not just preparing people for “alternatives.” We’re helping them shape real, aligned, and impactful futures.

Our team

Our team blends expertise from science, psychology, and creative facilitation to address the challenges researchers face today. We unite academic rigor with practical tools for self-leadership, emotional resilience, and career clarity. With backgrounds ranging from climate research to design thinking and clinical psychology, we bring a holistic approach to supporting science-driven individuals in building purposeful, impactful futures.

Damjan Jelić

Program Architect

• PhD in Climate Science

• EU Project's Researcher

• Founder of a Climate Solutions R&D Startup

• Co-designer of university courses (BSc, MSc, PhD)

• 15+ years experience in Education and Mentoring

• Advocate for redefining the value of advanced education in modern society

Daiana Zavate

Program Asistant

• 5+ years of experience in workshop facilitation and technical collaboration

• Expert in leveraging tools like Miro to organize and visualize real-time insights

• Background in philosophy and design thinking

• Experienced in structuring engaging, participant-driven workshops for diverse audiences

Kristina Jelić

Clinical Psychologist

• MSc in Psychology

• 10+ years of professional experience

• Expert in emotional, behavioral support

• Skilled in family dynamics and developmental psychology

• Advocate for mental health and resilience-building