Rinat Sherzer

Who is Rinat Sherzer?

Rinat Sherzer is a biotech engineer, transdisciplinary designer-artist, and social entrepreneur working between Barcelona and New York. Her work sits at the intersection of science, design, and systemic change, where she explores how human experience, equity, and mental health can be reimagined through new frameworks and practices. Recognized as one of the Top 40 Women Keynote Speakers by Real Leaders Magazine, she has built a reputation for delivering thought-provoking and forward-thinking talks that resonate across industries and disciplines.

Her approach is deeply rooted in bridging analytical thinking with creative exploration. By combining her scientific background with design methodologies, Sherzer creates a unique perspective that challenges traditional silos and opens up new possibilities for innovation and impact.

Academic and research work

Rinat Sherzer is a practice-based PhD researcher at RMIT University, where she investigates the embodiment of hope in practice-based design. Her research explores how abstract concepts like hope can be translated into tangible experiences, systems, and design practices that influence both individuals and communities.

In addition to her research, she serves as an Associate Professor at Parsons School of Design in New York. Here, she engages with students and professionals at the forefront of design and innovation, shaping future thinkers to approach complex global challenges with empathy, creativity, and rigor.

Her academic work is not confined to theory. It actively informs her speaking engagements, offering audiences insights that are both intellectually grounded and practically relevant.

Speaking topics and expertise

Rinat Sherzer speaks on a range of topics that reflect her multidisciplinary expertise and global perspective. Her talks are designed to challenge assumptions, spark dialogue, and inspire meaningful change.

Key areas include:

• The intersection of science, design, and systemic change
• Mental health and its role in shaping resilient systems
• Equity and gender equality in innovation and leadership
• Neuroscience and its application in design thinking
• Speculative design and future-oriented problem solving
• Participatory systems and collaborative transformation

Her ability to connect these themes makes her a sought-after speaker for organizations looking to navigate complexity and create lasting impact.

Global stage and recognition

Rinat Sherzer has spoken at leading institutions including Harvard, Columbia University, and New York University, where she has shared her insights with diverse audiences of academics, leaders, and innovators. She has also delivered a TEDx Talk focused on gender equality, bringing her perspective to a global audience.

Her work has been recognized on international platforms, including an invitation to speak at the UN Women Summit. These engagements reflect both the relevance and urgency of her message, as well as her ability to engage audiences in meaningful and transformative conversations.

A unique voice on systemic change

What sets Rinat Sherzer apart is her ability to translate complex ideas into compelling and accessible narratives. She integrates neuroscience, speculative design, and participatory systems into her work, creating a holistic approach that resonates across sectors.

Her talks are not only informative but also experiential. She invites audiences to reflect, question, and engage with new ways of thinking about the systems they are part of. By focusing on embodiment and lived experience, she brings a human-centered perspective to topics that are often treated as abstract or technical.

Book Rinat Sherzer for your event

Booking Rinat Sherzer means bringing a speaker who combines academic excellence with creative vision and real-world relevance. Whether addressing leaders, innovators, or interdisciplinary teams, she delivers keynotes that inspire action and open new pathways for thinking and collaboration.

Her presence on stage is both engaging and thought-provoking, leaving audiences with a deeper understanding of how science, design, and human experience intersect—and how these intersections can be leveraged to build more equitable and resilient futures.