Lara Lubián

interview
Universidad de Burgos
Lara Lubián

Universidad de Burgos
What made you go into science? Why did you choose the topic of batteries? Since I was a kid, I have liked to help my community. During my studies, I realised that science would allow me to go one step forward and contribute to society. In particular, during the studies towards my Master's in Electrochemistry I decided that I wanted to work on energy storage to address the major challenge in the field of energy. Is it your first experience working on an EU-funded project? What is your opinion about this programme? I worked in other EU-funded projects, but MeBattery is my first EIC-funded project. In my opinion, the development of disruptive redox flow batteries is of key importance so that this programme is very useful to develop the next generation of technologies, which are not eligible for funding in other EU programmes. What are you currently working on within the scope of MeBattery? I contribute to making progress in MeBattery in two aspects. First, I develop a new methodology that enables fast electrochemical characterization. And second, I study degradation mechanisms with the aim of designing advanced materials for achieving high performances. What motivates you personally? Energy has been key in technology evolution for humanity. My research on redox flow batteries allows me to become a part of the next evolution, which will consist of abandoning fossil fuel. In the future, I wish I could say that I helped in this necessary transition by doing my bit.
Carla Santana Santos

interview
Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Carla Santana Santos

Ruhr-Universität Bochum
What is your role in the MeBattery team at RUB? What is the expertise you are bringing in? My expertise are micro- and nanoelectrochemistry, which are powerful tools to investigate interfaces. Exploring that expertise will contribute to accessing the kinetics of the electron/charge transfer processes on the mediated biphasic battery interfaces. What made you go into science? I have been fascinated by the role of science in changing the human-nature relationship. Making science is the way to expand the knowledge of a society to overcome a current challenge. Searching for clean energy conversion and storage is the main challenge of our time, and that motivated me to work with electrochemistry, and to, particularly engage in research novel battery technology. In your opinion, what impact does MeBattery have? What is special about the project? It is known that our society faces the challenge of developing sustainable energy alternatives. MeBattery proposes a sustainable battery technology focused on overcoming some limitations in state-of-art technologies. Moreover, a large diversity of expertise is combined in MeBattery, which will allow to drive forward the research for a very ambitious alternative battery technology.