You have been with the Clean Hydrogen Partnership for a quite some time now and you have moved away a bit from doing research yourself – what excites you most about your role and which aspects of it bring you the most joy? If you were able to travel back in time and tell your young self that you’d be Head of Unit Operations and Communications, would she believe you? Why yes/why no?

Thank you for this interesting question, which really takes me down memory lane. As a chemical engineer, I have always been fascinated by science. Even as a child, I was intrigued by discovery and by how “things work.” Back then, the idea that I would one day live and work in Brussels seemed very far-fetched, especially since my home country, Romania, only joined the EU in 2007.

I feel fortunate to have witnessed Romania’s accession to the EU, a real historic moment, and to have contributed to it in my own way. My European journey began as a national expert seconded by my government, and joining the so-called “Brussels bubble” has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has allowed me to work in a truly international environment, alongside colleagues from all over Europe and beyond, exchanging ideas and tackling important energy challenges together.

What excites me most in my current role is the opportunity to create impact that goes beyond individual research projects which we are funding at the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. I am proud to see how our work empowers an entire community of researchers and industry players, and how our funding helps turn innovative ideas into competitive, real-life solutions. Working with such a talented team and engaging with stakeholders across Europe gives me both a sense of purpose and daily motivation.

If I could travel back in time and tell my younger self that one day I would be Head of Unit for Operations and Communications, I think I would be both surprised and proud. Surprised, because as a young engineer I would not have imagined moving from hands-on research to a leadership role within a European institution. But I would also believe it in myself, because curiosity, hard work, and a passion for learning have always been my driving forces.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in hydrogen research?

To be honest, hydrogen was not the most obvious choice at the beginning of my career as a chemical engineer. Although hydrogen and electrolysis have been known for a long time, their real-world applications have gained considerable importance only in recent years.

When I started working at the European Commission, energy policy was increasingly focusing on unlocking hydrogen’s enormous potential in the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy system. This vision inspired me. Through my work at the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, I am proud to contribute daily to making the entire hydrogen value chain and its various applications more affordable, more efficient, and more widespread.

What really attracted me was the fact that hydrogen holds so much untapped potential as an energy carrier. Given the global challenges we face today, hydrogen can play a key role in reducing emissions, ensuring energy security, and helping Europe become more energy independent. It feels meaningful to be part of this journey and to contribute to it on a daily basis.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? Why?

I am very proud of having contributed to the significant progress and scaling up of hydrogen technologies over the past two decades. More than any single milestone, I am proud of how my expertise and dedication, along with the collective efforts of my colleagues, have helped shape the European hydrogen landscape into what it is today.

It is incredibly rewarding to see concrete results: from pilot projects to large-scale industrial applications in our Hydrogen Valleys, and to know that our work has paved the way for a greener and more resilient energy future. I am also proud of the great teams I have been privileged to lead and work with, their dedication and commitment inspire me every day.

In your experience, do you think women have the same chances to succeed in the field as men have? Why yes, or why not?

I would say: it depends. There are many factors at play, not all are directly linked to the workplace itself. In public institutions like our Joint Undertaking, we have clear equal opportunity policies, and throughout my career I have witnessed the remarkable talent and intelligence of both my female and male colleagues.

In leadership roles, I have also seen how teams truly benefit from diversity. Women often bring unique perspectives and excel at managing complex, multitasking environments, skills that are invaluable in our field.

However, statistics still show that women remain underrepresented, particularly in senior positions. The reasons are varied: a lack of visible role models, work–life balance challenges, especially around childcare or care for the elderly, and, in some cases, cultural expectations. This is why it is so important to foster flexible and supportive work environments that enable everyone to thrive, both professionally and personally.

I am very encouraged to see how much progress has been made. Compared to twenty years ago, there are significantly more women at the table today and it will only get better if we continue to support and empower the next generations concretely.

On a personal level, I make it my mission to encourage passionate and knowledgeable women I work with every day, and to give them – as well as my male colleagues – the flexibility they may need to balance their professional and family lives.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in hydrogen research or STEM fields in general?

My advice is simple but sincere: Go for it! Don’t be discouraged by the fact that some technical fields are still male-dominated. Your expertise, your ideas, and your perspectives are needed more than ever.

Diverse teams are proven to be more innovative and effective, and women’s contributions are essential to solving the complex challenges we face in energy and technology today.

Moreover, careers in hydrogen often offer strong opportunities for growth, impact, and financial independence. So, believe in yourself, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to speak up and claim your seat at the table. It’s up to all of us to make the field more balanced and inclusive – and your voice can help shape that future.

You are an industrial engineer and often work on commissioning facilities, but you also participate in R&D projects – this seems like an interesting mix of theory and “hands-on” work! Could you describe your role and what you do in more detail?

Commissioning facilities is often one of the tasks involved in the R&D projects I take part in, but it’s just one aspect of my broader responsibilities.

As of today, due to the position I hold, I am primarily focused on opening up new collaborations, and coordinating all tasks related to engineering development, commissioning, and start up, supported by years of hands-on experience in these areas. Throughout my professional career, I have worked on a wide variety of installations, and in recent years, they have all been linked to hydrogen technologies, which have allowed me to acquire the necessary knowledge and the expertise to effectively lead and coordinate the work of the team around me.

I am fortunate to lead an exceptional group of people who make day-to-day operations remarkably smooth and enjoyable. However, fieldwork remains incredibly appealing and interesting to me and I continue to participate whenever possible.

What inspired you to switch from renewables to a career in the hydrogen sector, and what excites you most about this field?

Since the early days of my professional career, I have been closely connected to the renewable energy sector. Before entering the hydrogen sector, I worked in the photovoltaic sector for two years. I started my “hydrogen journey” in 2009 because a friend of mine also started working there and sparked my interest for a new adventure, both challenging and exciting. At the time, I was unaware of all the applications that hydrogen could have and how important it would be in the coming years in the global energy context. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work with many fascinating professionals, learning invaluable insights from them. During this time, I also have also attended numerous congresses and workshops focusing on hydrogen advances, further enriching my skills and knowledge.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to drive meaningful change and contribute to shape a sustainable future. Being at the forefront of innovation allows you to witness first-hand the development of revolutionary technologies that can significantly impact energy systems and reduce carbon emissions. As an example, at CNH2 we have been part of projects for hydrogen-powered trains, green ammonia production and utilization, and maritime ports decarbonization.

Working in an environment that bridges academia and industry creates an incredibly dynamic space where meaningful breakthroughs occur. Knowing that our work contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape not only motivates me but also inspires the talented team I lead. Recognitions like the Innovation Award recently received by CNH2 from the European Clean Hydrogen Partnership make turning ideas into pioneering projects even more rewarding.

Could you share a significant challenge you faced in your career and how you overcame it?

Throughout this time, I have faced many challenging moments, and the fact that we have been able to successfully complete all our work as a team is something I am truly proud of. For example, with the recent boom in the hydrogen technologies the increase on highly qualified personnel increased and most of my colleagues moved to the private sector. At that time the Engineering Unit I lead had three big projects plus some smaller ones, and I had to train a new team on very short notice. Thanks to their dedication and adaptability, we successfully completed all our projects. As the saying goes, ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’.

What are your observations regarding gender diversity in the field?

In my view, gender equality in the hydrogen sector is still far from being achieved, reflecting the reality of most STEM fields. Although the presence of women in technical roles is increasing, there is still considerable progress to be made. A clear example is the composition of discussion panels at international conferences, which are often predominantly male or have very limited female representation.

This is why it is crucial for women to make their work visible and actively support one another. Invisible barriers still exist, unrelated to professional competence, yet they continue to hinder women’s career progression.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in hydrogen research or STEM fields in general?

STEM careers are the driving force behind innovation and progress. Young women with curiosity, creativity, and determination have the power to change the world. They must not let stereotypes limit their potential, as more and more women are making a significant impact in these fields. The talent and vision of young women can open new doors, break down barriers and lead to revolutionary solutions. Science and technology need diversity of ideas.

That is why I strongly encourage young women to explore hydrogen research, a fascinating field where they can contribute to the development of technologies that will shape a better future. Brilliant minds among young women must believe in themselves and get involved in hydrogen. By doing so, they will not only contribute to progress but also inspire the next generation of leaders.

Previously in the sustainable packaging industry, Marie transitioned to hydrogen research to focus on groundbreaking technologies with tangible societal impact. 

Over her six years at HyCentA, she has overseen the implementation of cutting-edge infrastructure, expanded her team from five to 30 members, and achieved significant advancements in hydrogen production efficiency, cost reduction, and longevity. Supporting students through their academic journeys is another accomplishment she cherishes, celebrating each completed bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral thesis.

Despite the challenges of coming from a humanities-focused education to technical chemistry and chemical engineering, Marie credits hard work and a supportive community for her success. 

You’re involved in so many different activities – could you share what part of your work brings you the most joy? What makes you say “yes” to a new project, task, or responsibility?

What brings me the most joy is knowing that my work contributes directly to the decarbonization of energy systems and the reduction of environmental impacts in sectors such as transport, industry, and power generation. I’m driven by the opportunity to lead multidisciplinary projects where research translates into applied solutions — not just concepts, but tangible technologies that improve our collective future.

I choose to engage in new projects when they align with a clear scientific vision, offer real-world impact, and involve strong, multidisciplinary collaboration. One example is ALRIGH2T, a European project that I coordinate. It aims to develop and test innovative technologies and processes for refuelling liquid hydrogen aircraft in real airport conditions, paving the way for the decarbonization of the aviation sector. Working at the intersection of advanced research, system integration, and operational testing is where I find the most energy and purpose.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in hydrogen research, and what currently excites you most about this field?

From the very beginning, I was inspired by hydrogen’s unique characteristics, as a clean, flexible, and storable energy carrier, capable of transforming how we think about energy production, storage, and consumption. Over the years, this early curiosity evolved into a deep commitment to advancing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for real-world use.

Today, what excites me most is the momentum we’re seeing globally, across policy, industry, and research, to implement hydrogen as a pillar of the energy transition. I’m also proud to serve as Chair of the IEA’s Technical Collaboration Programme (TCP) on Advanced Fuel Cells, where we coordinate global efforts in research, development, benchmarking, and modelling of electrochemical energy conversion systems.

The TCP serves as a platform to align science, policy, and market development and I am honoured to guide this effort at such a critical time for energy innovation.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? Why?

I’m particularly proud of my role in representing Italy within key international organizations such as Hydrogen Europe Research and the IEA. Being entrusted to coordinate complex international initiatives such as the IEA TCP on Advanced Fuel Cells, which brings together scientists, engineers, and policymakers from over 20 countries, is a major milestone.

These roles are not only about scientific leadership; they’re about building vision, fostering dialogue between disciplines and sectors, and translating shared goals into action. Being part of this global ecosystem of knowledge and innovation is a privilege, and I see it as a responsibility to represent both the scientific community and the broader public interest.

Can you share a significant challenge you faced in your career and how you overcame it?

One significant challenge has been balancing technical depth with the ability to lead large, diverse teams, especially in projects where engineering, policy, economics, and regulation intersect. Early in my career, I realized that scientific excellence alone was not enough; leadership requires clarity, empathy, and the ability to communicate across different cultures and expertise.

I overcame this by actively developing my communication skills and by listening to different perspectives. Creating trust among project partners, understanding institutional dynamics, and promoting common purpose have helped me turn challenges into opportunities for impact.

In your experience, do you think women have the same chances to succeed in the field as men have? Why yes, or why not?

Yes, I firmly believe that women have all the skills, knowledge, and vision needed to thrive in scientific and technological fields. In hydrogen research — as in many areas of STEM — talent, curiosity, and perseverance are what make the difference. We are increasingly seeing environments that recognize the value of diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership.
What’s important now is to continue building these inclusive cultures, to support role models, and to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to contribute fully. Women can and should be part of the change, and we all have a role in making this the norm, not the exception.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in hydrogen research or STEM fields in general? What would you say to your own young self just starting out?

To young women I say: believe in your abilities. Be curious, ambitious, and surround yourself with people who value your voice. A career in science can take you far when driven by passion and resilience. To my younger self, I would say: don’t be afraid to take the lead. Keep learning, stay grounded in your values, and embrace every opportunity to grow, even when it feels uncertain. The path you’re on has meaning, and the impact you’ll create will be both lasting and worthwhile.

One of the aspects she enjoys most is the opportunity to work as a researcher while collaborating closely with industry. She finds satisfaction in her ability to collaborate closely with industrial partners while contributing to the scientific community. The Aragon Hydrogen Foundation facilitates this synergy, serving as a bridge between academia, research centres, and industry, addressing gaps in technology development and implementation.

Hydrogen, for Vanesa, “was like love at first sight”. This enthusiasm has driven her career, inspiring her to explore and apply innovative solutions across various fields. One of her biggest accomplishments is the ability to pursue her professional goals while balancing her responsibilities as a mother – an accomplishment that highlights her belief that personal and professional goals can successfully coexist.

Throughout her career, she faced challenges, such as the common belief that research only takes place in universities. The Aragon Hydrogen Foundation is recognised by the Aragon government as an important research institution, and she has helped change the view of where important research can happen.

Diversity, in all forms, an important part of how Vanesa drives innovation. She emphasizes the importance of bringing together varied perspectives to tackle complex challenges, advocating for inclusion not only in terms of gender but across all dimensions of diversity.