In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Kultúrno-kreatívne centrum Hviezda
Kniežaťa Pribinu 197/3 911 01 Trenčín
Trenčín, Trenčiansky kraj, 91101
Slovakia

Eva Vavráková

Eva Vavráková is a psychologist who works with individuals and couples. In her practice, she guides people on their journey toward healthier relationships—not only with themselves but also with others. She combines coaching with therapeutic methods and frequently uses guided imagery, which helps clients gain deeper self-understanding, break down limiting beliefs, and unlock their full potential in achieving their goals. She shares her professional knowledge with the public through the Dobrobytie project, a supportive space offering valuable information and practical tools for improving mental health and overall well-being. She is also the co-author of the book Psychology for Loving Parents, which has become a bestseller.

Katarína Koščová

Katarína Koščová is a singer, songwriter, mother, and passionate book lover. With her unique voice, authenticity, and warmth, she has won the hearts of many fans. She is unafraid to experiment with different genres, blending elements of jazz, chanson, and folk in her music. Together with Daniel Špiner (piano, accordion), she forms a musical duo known for their intimate, heartfelt concerts full of tenderness and emotion. In November 2023, they released their new album Krehkosť (Fragility), created in a log cabin beneath the Tatra Mountains. The album explores the fleeting nature of the moments we live, capturing both the beauty and pain of life. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Geišbergovci, Neřež, Dan Bárta, and AMC Trio. Recently, she has been focusing more on topics like mental health, healing emotional wounds, societal expectations, self-acceptance, and self-love.

Matej Jurášek

Matej was the leader of a group of football ultras, participating in organized physical clashes with rival groups. He has provided protection for many well-known personalities, including presidential candidate Zuzana Čaputová and the band Depeche Mode, accompanied artists from around the world, and worked at Slovakia's largest music festivals. During the pandemic, he assisted the city of Bratislava in operating a quarantine facility for the homeless and worked in the communication team of Bratislava's city council. He currently lives with his family on the island of Madeira.

Michal Matloň

Michal is an architectural psychologist who helps create spaces for a good life and meaningful work, from offices to urban districts. In the past, he worked for one of the largest European office developers and a consulting firm founded by cognitive scientists from the University of Vienna. Michal is also the co-founder of the Venetian Letter newsletter, which focuses on human-centered and science-based architecture and urbanism.

Monika Cahová

A microbiologist specializing in the relationship between gut microbiota and non-communicable diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes and certain gastrointestinal disorders, she is committed to educating the public about the dangers of fraudulent ""microbiome scammers"" who claim to produce ""tailored probiotics."" Her career has included roles at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the Research Institute of Biopharmacy and Veterinary Medicines, and her current position at the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) in Prague. Passionate about studying the impact of diet on the composition and function of the gut microbiome, she is an advocate for plant-based diets. As a member of the Czech Microbiome Society's committee, she works to provide the public with a realistic understanding of what science knows—and doesn’t know—about the microbiome. Her favorite motto? ""Be like bacteria, collaborate!""

Peter Bárdy

Peter Bárdy is a journalist, political commentator, and editor-in-chief of the news website aktuality.sk, with a career in the media that began in 1995; he has held the position of editor-in-chief since 2008. Recognized as one of the most cited Slovak journalists in foreign media, he is the author of three books on Slovak political figures: "Obyčajný Matovič. Homo vulgaris," "Fico – Posadnutý mocou," and "Zuzana Čaputová – Odvaha k ľudskosti." He won the debut book award at the 2021 Panta Rhei Awards and the Book Muse Award, and he also co-authored the books "Umlčaní" and "Politika po slovensky."

Radovan Lupták

Radovan Lupták is a lecturer for the organization AI dětem (www.aidetem.cz) and holds degrees in knowledge engineering/IT from CTU and pedagogy. His passion for combining technology with education, along with his experience in software development and project management, enables him to innovate teaching methods. As a teacher and guide in the world of computer science and artificial intelligence (Scratch, micro:bit, LEGO robotics, ML4Kids), he prepares children for life in a rapidly changing digital world. He emphasizes critical thinking and strives to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for learning and play.

Tomáš Eichler

Tomáš Eichler is a scientist and science communicator specializing in neurogenetics and sleep research. He studied genetics at Comenius University under the mentorship of Professor Ľubomír Tomáška, a laureate of the ESET Science Award. In addition to his scientific work, he writes both academic and popular science articles and actively promotes science, meditation, and critical thinking. His research on the mechanisms of sleep and wakefulness was conducted at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology and the Konrad Lorenz Institute in Vienna, with his findings published in the prestigious scientific journal Science. For his contributions, he was awarded the Vienna Biocenter Science & Art Award and the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds Fellowship.

Tomáš Michalík

Tomáš Michalík is a lawyer and archaeologist dedicated to the preservation and research of cultural heritage. He serves as the Deputy Director of the Trenčín Museum, a consultant in cultural heritage and monument law, a guest lecturer at VŠVU, and a court expert in the field of “Culture”, specializing in “Archaeology”. His research focuses on the history of Trenčín and its surroundings, spanning from prehistoric times to the first half of the 20th century. Additionally, he explores genealogy and draws connections between the past and the present. He has collaborated—and continues to collaborate—on various projects, including work on Trenčín Castle and other museum sites, as well as projects at Beckov Castle, Ladce Manor, Vila K in Nitra, and the Trenčín Synagogue. In his free time, he enjoys reading and experimenting with prehistoric flint-knapping techniques to recreate ancient tools.