Innovation in Energy!

The energy sector is progressing promptly to meet the growing global demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions. As one of the most critical areas for addressing climate change and ensuring economic stability, this sector is central to innovation and collaboration. From integrating renewable energy sources to developing hydrogen technologies, the energy sector’s advancements aim to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and promote clean alternatives. These efforts align with environmental goals and address the broader challenges of energy security and affordability, reinforcing the sector’s importance in shaping a sustainable future.

Dr. Mariya E. Ivanova, the Lead Hydrogen Advisor at the Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell, and Energy Storage Association, stands out as a visionary leader driving advancements in this vibrant field. Her leadership approach blends technical expertise with a solution-oriented mindset. Dr. Ivanova’s ability to inspire innovation and nurture collaboration among multidisciplinary teams reflects her dedication to transforming the energy sector. Her leadership encourages creative problem-solving and effective collaboration, which are essential for advancing energy technologies and solutions. Through her commitment to research and innovation, Dr. Ivanova demonstrates the qualities of a forward-thinking leader who prioritizes practical solutions for complicated challenges.

The Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell, and Energy Storage Association is a hub for advancing clean energy technologies. The organization focuses on hydrogen solutions, energy storage systems, and innovative projects bridging the research and industry gap. The association strengthens Bulgaria’s position in the global energy transition by developing collaborations with policymakers and stakeholders. Its efforts contribute to a more sustainable energy framework while supporting the broader adoption of hydrogen technologies across Europe.

Let’s explore Dr. Ivanova’s transformative leadership in the energy sector:

Bridging Academia and Industry

Dr. Ivanova’s responsibilities as a Lead Hydrogen Advisor align closely with the mission and objectives of the Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell, and Energy Storage Association. The association promotes the hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in Bulgaria and the region and supports the research, development, and deployment of sustainable and innovative clean hydrogen technologies by bringing together science, business, and the public sector. Unlocking the opportunities and potential of clean hydrogen technologies and ensuring the integration of clean hydrogen into the economy and society are primary goals for the Association.

One of the leading innovative niches in Bulgaria and worldwide is the development of technologies based on proton-conducting ceramics, which has seen a boom in recent years. Since 2008, this subject has shaped the core of Dr. Ivanova´s scientific and technical expertise. She is actively involved in advisory activities related to innovations and market penetration of protonic ceramic technologies, providing expert support for current projects and participating in various funding programs.

Additionally, as a member of the Advisory Board in the field of “Energy” at Trakia University, located in the heart of the first Hydrogen Valley in Bulgaria, her expertise strengthens Bulgarian academia’s research role in energy. She also identifies and boosts possible collaborations between academic and industrial sites, creating synergies between basic and applied aspects of targeted technologies.

Furthermore, as a supporter of the new infrastructure project “H2Start” under the teaming program of Horizon Europe, she promotes national and pan-European ambitions towards higher technological readiness levels of various technologies. Her expertise is valued and respected nationally and internationally, and she works in a strong network with the best experts across Europe and internationally in this challenging and innovative field.

Expanding Horizons in Energy Innovation

Dr. Ivanova has always admired the brightest inventors, techno-pioneers, and brilliant minds in science and technology for their open perception of the surroundings, brave solutions, hard-working attitude, and out-of-the-box thinking. These aspects have underpinned her personality and professional path with discipline, endurance to challenges, genuine curiosity, inspiration, and a strong drive to act as a solution-oriented professional. She is always looking for an unconventional feature to be brought to a concept, drawing inspiration from the greatest.

She refers to the words of the distinguished German engineer and inventor Leo Brandt (1908-1971), who said, “We must never make the mistake of doubting technology. Because if you don’t believe in the possibility of realizing utopia through technology, you won’t work on it, and you won’t make any progress.” These words continue to inspire her.

As a discipline, material science encompasses a multitude of fundamental-to-application aspects, from the atomistic scale to intricate electrochemical devices. It discloses a strong multi-disciplinary character and bridges the challenging specifics of various basic disciplines, such as chemistry, physics, and electrochemistry, with more application-oriented ones, such as materials engineering and processing technologies.

This multi-level intricacy and her orientation towards the definition and practical realization of technological concepts have attracted her the most when choosing her scientific background and R&I focus. Since obtaining her Ph.D. in 2008, she has been active in the field of proton-conducting ceramic materials and devices for various applications, such as hydrogen separation, extraction and purification, electrochemical membrane reactors, and conceptualization of next-generation hydrogen generation and utilization scenarios.

In the recent years of her career, her focus has been more related to hydrogen generation using planar proton-conducting ceramic electrolysis technology. As a chemical engineer and material scientist in the field of proton ceramics and hydrogen technologies, she had the chance to learn from the best in her field thanks to her participation in multidisciplinary projects and networks. All the knowledge and experience accumulated over the years have broadened her vision of materials and devices for energy transition.

Advancing Proton-Conducting Ceramics

Dr. Ivanova’s research revolves around developing high-performance proton-conducting ceramics and electrochemical devices for various hydrogen technologies. As these ceramics conduct protons at intermediate temperatures of 350 to 600°C, the devices based on them have enormous potential to bridge the gap between low- and high-temperature water electrolysis technologies in an efficient and economically viable way.

This operational window also allows for coupling these electrochemical devices to chemical synthesis processes that conventionally need either high pressures (ammonia synthesis) and or have traditionally low yield and excessive energy consumption (such as olefins production). As the devices serve as chemical reactors, they have the potential to function as co-electrolyzers for water and carbon dioxide (CO₂), an innovative approach to simultaneously utilizing harmful CO₂ emissions and decarbonizing the production of valuable chemicals.

Apart from energy storage in hydrogen or chemicals, ceramic proton-conducting devices offer potential solutions for hydrogen separation, extraction and purification from gas mixtures. One innovative exploitation path is the extraction and purification of hydrogen from natural gas blends. This application scenario would have profound implications in hydrogen transport, decentralized hydrogen supply and use, such as Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS), mobility, industrial uses, etc.

All these applications areas offer innovative out-of-the-box solutions in the energy and environmental sector, the development of which must be driven forward, as some of them are still relatively immature and are at the concept definition and proof stage.

Ceramic Innovations for a Cleaner Energy Future

Dr. Ivanova believes research on functional oxides for proton-conducting ceramic devices can substantially contribute to energy and environmental sustainability. The primary goal is to advance energy conversion and storage through improved efficiency and broad applications. As materials are central to each technology or application, research in functional oxides can lead to the development of more efficient and durable materials and electrochemical devices based on them, which are essential for clean energy technologies.

Improved materials can facilitate more efficient hydrogen storage, production, and utilization, promoting the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Thus, they can drive advancements in hydrogen infrastructure and support the broader integration of hydrogen into the energy system.

Additionally, advances in proton-conducting ceramics can influence other research areas, including advances in materials science and catalysis, process and reactor engineering, system design, automation and real time control, and many others, leading to high-impact innovative solutions on the market and broader applications. Another aspect of the research provides educational and collaborative opportunities, further amplifying its influence on future technologies.

Exploring Zeolites and Oxide Ceramics

Over the years, Dr. Ivanova has been driven to work on various challenging classes of materials, such as zeolites and oxide ceramics, to learn about their features and discover the brilliant world of solid-state matter with great fascination. Both classes differ significantly in their microstructural and physical-chemical characteristics, functional principles, and respective fields of application.

Zeolites are fascinating solids, naturally abundant, with highly defined and well-organized 2D and 3D channel structures on a sub-micro level. Their engineered synthetic counterparts function as molecular sieves on the size exclusion principle, resulting in excellent selectivity and permeability. In oxide proton-conducting ceramics, there is also a high level of crystallographic order and well-defined symmetries. Still, the transport mechanisms refer to electrical charges (protons) migrating in the crystal lattice, ensuring even greater selectivity than zeolites and many other materials.

Both classes can serve in hydrogen separation tasks, but their genuine differences drastically affect their application windows. This is one example of how versatile material solutions can be employed for the same purpose and still provide sufficient room for creativity and innovation that goes beyond the borders of well-established structures and compositions. Dr. Ivanova has worked with both classes throughout her scientific career and remains quite spellbound by zeolites despite her topic has shifted from them years ago.

Staying Informed in Materials Science

Dr. Ivanova stays informed about the latest advancements and trends in materials science and energy research through a multifaceted approach. She regularly reads leading scientific journals and accesses databases to find recent research articles and reviews. The EU policy for Open Science is a powerful tool that ensures conditions for working beyond the state of the art and identifying aspects of innovations.

She participates in professional conferences and workshops to network with other experts and gain insights into cutting-edge research. She also regularly checks industry reports and white papers from leading organizations, focusing on emerging technologies and market trends.

Additionally, she establishes and expands collaborations and networking by engaging with individual academic and industry peers and joining professional organizations to access resources while staying connected within the field. Combining these approaches ensures a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments in materials science and energy research.

Building Confidence and Creativity

Dr. Ivanova’s approach to leadership and collaboration within research teams focuses on open communication, empowering individuals, and creating a culture of mutual respect and innovation. Dr. Ivanova believes that guaranteeing each person the freedom to take ownership of their work helps build confidence and creativity. “Allowing people to have control over their tasks and decisions empowers them, making them more engaged, innovative, and self-assured in their professional environment.” she says.

As leadership means responsibility, goal orientation, and support, the foundational elements of successful teamwork are open communication, collaboration over competition, adaptability, learning from each other, mentorship, growth, and a clear vision. Such a team culture encourages all members to behave proactively, feeling confident that all voices are heard and that mistakes are learning opportunities, not failures.

This ensures the team reaches its full operational and creative potential and aligns efforts towards a common purpose. This balanced approach to leadership cultivates innovation, productivity, and a strong sense of team cohesion.

Guiding Young Scientists

Dr. Ivanova advises young scientists and researchers aiming to make an impact in materials science and environmental applications, as well as in their fields generally, to build a strong foundation through education and specializations, stay inquisitive, collaborate and network, and learn to communicate effectively.

Focusing on impact through real-world applications and innovation, being brave enough to try even the most challenging ideas, maintaining resilience and adaptability, and keeping the highest standards in ethics and sound scientific praxis are also crucial. Additionally, being responsible and keeping their word and engagements are other essentials.

By considering this advice and implementing it, young scientists and researchers can position themselves as integer strong persons to make meaningful contributions to their fields, drive innovation and address critical challenges.

Strategies for Well-Being and Productivity

According to Dr. Ivanova, maintaining a healthy work-life balance while managing research demands can be challenging but crucial for long-term well-being and productivity. Some strategies that would help ideally achieve this balance include prioritizing and planning, which involves task and time management with achievable deadlines; staying organized by developing efficient workflows and minimizing unnecessary work, including delegating tasks and collaborating with others to share responsibilities; reflecting and adjusting as needed to address any imbalances or stressors; setting clear boundaries in terms of work hours and workspace separation from personal life; taking regular breaks; and pursuing hobbies and interests.

Unfortunately, in real life, many people often neglect their self-care, being constantly under pressure from deadlines, tasks, lack of leadership, unhealthy corporate culture, and other stressors. However, physical and mental health is essential for job success and a joyful and meaningful life on both an individual and social level. Fortunately, Dr. Ivanova’s life revolves around her family and closest friends. The precious time with her wonderful children, family and loyal friends gives her the strength to be her true, strong self and recharges her with new energy to face and overcome life’s challenges.

Shaping the Future of Hydrogen: Innovation, Collaboration, and Advocacy

Dr. Ivanova’s future aspirations involve further innovative contributions by developing new materials and innovative concepts in hydrogen technologies aligned with sustainability, environmental impact, and leadership.

She will continue collaborating with researchers, institutions, and industry partners to enhance capabilities, access diverse perspectives, and secure funding and resources through various grant applications. She remains open to embracing emerging technologies, driving innovation, and demonstrating adaptability through adjusted strategies and business seeds.

Furthermore, she remains committed to openly advocating for the empowerment of marginalized individuals, particularly women in science. Actively engaging in strong networks such as  Women in Green Hydrogen, Women in Science, and the MaWi network against the abuse of power in science provides a vital platform for mutual support in daily struggles. These networks empower individuals to stand up for their values, express themselves without fear, and challenge the power-structure-dominated status quo and their oppressive or exclusionary systems or hierarchies. Dr. Ivanova firmly believes that everyone has something valuable to contribute to their field—provided they are not suppressed, excluded, or subjected to abuse by those in positions of power. In the highly competitive field of hydrogen technologies, intense rivalry can sometimes lead to non-transparent and unethical practices, making integrity and fair opportunities even more crucial.

Promoting Gender Equity and Inclusion

A famous female musician expressed it perfectly: “I’m so sick of running as fast as I can, wondering if I’d get there quicker if I were a man.” Despite the persistence of stereotypes and power dynamics, women do not need to be defined by their association with a male figure—whether a prominent mentor or a powerful husband. They are enough on their own, worthy for who they are, for what they can achieve, and for the contributions they make.

Dr. Ivanova emphasizes that, despite the progress made so far, women in science continue to face numerous persistent challenges. Among the most significant challenges are gender bias and stereotypes, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and various forms of harassment and microaggressions. Academic gangs and workplace bullying further contribute to toxic and hostile environments, eroding professional values and integrity. Additionally, the lack of mentorship and supportive networks, cultural expectations leading to career breaks, funding disparities, and the misattribution of intellectual labor create further obstacles for individuals striving to advance in their fields. However, many of these challenges are non-gender-specific and comprise larger groups of individuals.

In many cases, there is a severe discrepancy between the public statements of companies and actual behaviour, i.e., a significant gap between policy and practice. Surprisingly, such a tendency of inconsistency and double standard is observed on different levels, from public institutions to companies in the private sector.

Addressing the challenges mentioned earlier requires structural changes, cultural shifts within the scientific community, and broader societal changes to promote gender equity and diversity inclusion. Therefore, everyone must uphold the highest ethical and moral standards as part of the scientific community. This is how individuals can change even the most rigid structures because every change starts with the individual.

Dr. Ivanova draws life-long inspiration on both her personal and professional level from the wise words of the renowned Bulgarian architect Kolyu Ficheto, famous for building the strongest and most beautiful bridges across the country in the 1800s: “Don’t build so many walls that divide you—build more bridges that bring you together.”

By taking responsibility for our actions and fostering a culture of integrity and respect, we can lay the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive scientific community. In such an environment, innovation thrives, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute, realize their full potential, and succeed both personally and professionally.