With over two decades of experience in hydrogen technologies, Vanesa Gil, the Head of Research and Development at the Aragon Hydrogen Foundation, brings extensive expertise and a unique perspective to the field of hydrogen research. At the Aragon Hydrogen Foundation, she leads efforts to identify promising technologies, define research priorities, and define a clear direction connecting basic science and applied research. Building on a broad career across various institutions and countries, she integrates the best practices and lessons learned into her leadership, fostering a collaborative environment for her team. As a senior researcher with ARAID – a local organisation dedicated to attracting international talent to the Aragon region – she engages in defining research trajectories and guiding projects.

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.