Jure PURGAJ

Mag. Dr. Jure PURGAJ is a Professor of Fachdidaktik Mode und Design at the Pädagogische Hochschule Wien (PH Wien), Austria, leading the Master's program in Modemanagement. He holds a PhD in Design Research from the University of Ljubljana and Universität der Künste Berlin. His roles include Chair of the Curricularkommission at PH Wien, editorial board member of Young Screens and International Journal of Sustainable Fashion and Textiles, and expert advisor to the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education. His research focuses on sustainable fashion systems, inclusive education, and technology integration in vocational training. Notable projects include the EU-funded PAX (XR-technology in teacher education) and the GELATO design initiative. He teaches courses on fashion design, curriculum development, and digital tools in education. Recent work emphasizes AI-driven teaching methods and intercultural learning in vocational contexts.

Education:

• PhD in Design Research (2013), University of Ljubljana & Universität der Künste Berlin
• M.A. in Fashion Design (2005), Universität für angewandte Kunst Wien
• Vocational Training in Visual Merchandising (2000), Höhere Handelsschule Maribor

Research Interests: Sustainable fashion systems, inclusive vocational education, design didactics, technology integration (VR/AR/AI), cultural studies in design, and curriculum development. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in fashion and education sectors.

Recent Trends in Publications: Focus on diversity in craft-design collaboration, inclusive pedagogy for vocational schools, and leveraging AI for assessment and feedback in arts education. His articles analyze global fashion education models and innovative assessment methods.

Awards & Grants: Secured €1.3M EU funding for PAX (2023–2026), led the Creative Europe-funded GELATO project (2023–2025), and contributed to Moldova's inclusive vocational education reforms through the IVET project.

Advising & Grants: Supervises master's theses in Modemanagement, co-designed national curriculum frameworks, and mentors educators on digital tools. Active in EU educational policy through BMBWF commissions and international conferences.

Labs & Teams: Co-directs the Modemanagement program's interdisciplinary team, collaborates with the Dex Center for Art Education at Universität für angewandte Kunst Wien, and leads XR-technology initiatives in teacher training.