Liliana Analía Díaz is a Senior Researcher at CIIAE with more than 15 years of experience in electrochemical energy conversion and advanced membrane materials. Her work focuses on hydrogen production, fuel cells, and electrochemical systems, combining materials science, electrochemistry, and applied engineering to advance green hydrogen technologies. She holds a PhD in Science and Technology (Chemistry) from the National University of San Martín (Argentina) and has led numerous R&D projects in both Argentina and Spain. Her research has contributed to the development of polymer membranes, electrocatalysts, and sustainable strategies for hydrogen production, including circular approaches for electrochemical systems. She has authored multiple scientific publications and holds a patent related to proton-exchange membrane preparation. At CIIAE, she leads research activities on low-temperature electrolysis and fuel cells, with a particular focus on Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolysis. As a Supervisor within the Talent4Iberia programme, she supports the training and career development of Research Fellow Melisa Julieta Gómez. Why did you choose to become a Supervisor for the Talent4Iberia programme? Talent4Iberia is closely aligned with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which are widely recognised for their prestige and high standards. Being part of such a programme is both an honour and a responsibility. The selection process is highly competitive, ensuring that the researchers involved have strong profiles and significant potential. In this context, becoming a Supervisor is not only a recognition of experience, but also an opportunity to work with talented researchers who have successfully gone through this rigorous evaluation. For me, supervising within this programme is particularly meaningful because it is directly connected to my field of expertise—energy storage and hydrogen technologies—and allows me to contribute to the development of highly qualified researchers while strengthening my own research environment. What would you say is the greatest strength of CIIAE in the field of Energy Storage? And of your Research Fellow? One of CIIAE’s main strengths is its ability to bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial application. As a relatively new centre, it offers the opportunity to build research lines from the ground up while integrating all stages of technological development. From laboratory-scale research to prototyping and pilot plant validation, CIIAE provides a complete pathway that allows researchers to follow the evolution of a technology from initial concept to potential industrial implementation. This connection with industry is particularly important in fields such as hydrogen production, where scaling up is essential. In my area, low-temperature electrolysis is especially relevant, as it represents one of the most commercially viable technologies today. However, there are still many challenges to address, and CIIAE’s strategic positioning allows us to contribute directly to this industrial development. Regarding my Research Fellow, Melisa brings a strong and well-rounded scientific background. She has extensive experience working with materials, both at the level of fundamental research and in larger-scale prototypes. This ability to understand and navigate the entire development chain—from basic science to applied technology—is one of her greatest strengths. In addition, her resilience and determination stand out. She is capable of overcoming challenges and adapting to complex research environments, which is essential in ambitious and evolving fields such as hydrogen technologies. Why did you choose CIIAE and Extremadura as the next stage of your research career? Extremadura represents a strategic location within the emerging European hydrogen landscape, particularly in relation to the development of the hydrogen corridor across the Iberian Peninsula. The region has strong potential for growth in hydrogen production, distribution, and application, especially in mobility and industrial uses. At the same time, it is a place where there is still significant room for development, which creates opportunities to contribute meaningfully. For me, choosing CIIAE and Extremadura was about being part of that growth—contributing to both regional and European progress in hydrogen technologies. It is an opportunity to add value, to participate in the development of a key sector, and to help shape the future of sustainable energy systems.

Melisa Julieta Gómez is a Research Fellow at CIIAE specialising in electrochemistry applied to green hydrogen production. With a PhD in Chemical Sciences and a background in Chemical Engineering, her research focuses on improving the performance and durability of electrolysis systems. Her work centres on the development of advanced membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for anion exchange membrane water electrolysers (AEMWE), with a particular emphasis on enhancing ionic conductivity, catalyst interactions, and system stability. By combining advanced electrochemical characterisation techniques with applied engineering, she contributes to the development of more efficient and economically viable hydrogen technologies. Within the Talent4Iberia programme, she works at the intersection of fundamental science and technological innovation to support the transition towards sustainable energy systems. Why did you choose to apply to the Talent4Iberia programme? I chose to apply to the Talent4Iberia programme because its research lines are strongly aligned with my background and expertise in electrochemistry and hydrogen technologies. For researchers in chemistry and chemical engineering, these topics are complex and require time and dedicated research to fully understand and develop. A programme like Talent4Iberia provides the opportunity to deepen that knowledge while working in an environment that supports innovation and scientific development. It also opens the door to contributing to technological advancements that can have a real and positive impact on the future of energy. What is innovative about your research? The innovative aspect of my research lies in improving the performance of electrolysis systems by optimising the interaction between their key components, such as catalysts, membranes, and ionomers. In particular, I focus on enhancing ionic conductivity and understanding the electrochemical mechanisms that affect system efficiency and degradation. This includes studying phenomena such as bubble dynamics and their impact on resistance within the system. By combining advanced characterisation techniques with applied research, my work aims to provide a deeper understanding of how these systems operate and how they can be improved for next-generation hydrogen production technologies. What are you most passionate about your job? What I am most passionate about is the possibility of working on something that has a meaningful impact on society. Earlier in my career, I worked in areas related to the oil industry, and I felt a conflict between my work and my personal values. Transitioning to hydrogen research allowed me to focus on technologies that contribute to a more sustainable future. Now, I feel that my work is aligned with my values and that I am contributing to something positive—not only for society as a whole, but also for future generations. At the same time, research offers a constant intellectual challenge, where every day brings new questions, new problems, and new opportunities to innovate. Why did you choose CIIAE and Extremadura as the next stage of your research career? One of the main reasons I chose CIIAE was the opportunity to work with my Supervisor, Liliana Díaz. I was already familiar with her work and knew that her expertise in electrolysis technologies aligned perfectly with my research interests. In addition, CIIAE offers the infrastructure and equipment necessary to carry out advanced research in this field, which is not always easy to find. Extremadura was also an important factor in my decision. It is a region with strong potential in renewable energy, particularly for green hydrogen production, thanks to its natural resources and growing technological ecosystem. On a personal level, it is also a place that offers a high quality of life, with an environment that is well suited for balancing professional and family life. Altogether, it represents an ideal setting to grow both as a researcher and as a person.

Claudia Gómez Aguirre, Senior Researcher at CIIAE, plays a key role in advancing cutting-edge solutions in thermal energy storage and management. As a Supervisor within the Talent4Iberia programme, she contributes not only her scientific expertise but also her strong commitment to fostering international research talent. Her work focuses on the development of advanced materials for thermal energy storage, particularly solid–solid phase change materials (S2S-PCMs). Through her research, she supports the design of innovative thermal management strategies aimed at improving the efficiency, reliability, and lifespan of electronic devices and renewable energy systems. She is also the Principal Investigator and coordinator of the European project SPARK-e, which explores novel ways to dissipate and convert heat in electronic systems. As a Supervisor within the Talent4Iberia programme, she supports the training and career development of Research Fellow Ariel Nonato. Why did you choose to become a Supervisor for the Talent4Iberia programme? For me, it was a very natural decision. I previously held a Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral fellowship, so I have experienced first-hand how valuable international mobility and collaboration can be for a researcher’s career. Programmes like Talent4Iberia bring together highly talented individuals with strong academic backgrounds and innovative ideas. Being part of this initiative is a unique opportunity to contribute to that environment, support emerging researchers, and foster the kind of internationalisation that is essential in today’s scientific landscape. What would you say is the greatest strength of CIIAE in the field of Energy Storage? And of your Research Fellow? One of CIIAE’s main strengths is that it is a relatively new research centre equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. We have access to advanced, highly specialised equipment for the characterisation and study of energy storage systems, which provides an excellent foundation for cutting-edge research. Equally important is the human capital. The centre brings together researchers from diverse backgrounds—experimental scientists, simulation experts, and even specialists in regulatory aspects. This multidisciplinary environment allows us to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives and collaborate effectively, which is a major advantage. Regarding my Research Fellow, Ariel brings an outstanding and highly complementary profile. He is an experimental physicist, while my background is in chemistry, and we both work in solid-state science. This combination significantly strengthens our research line. He also has extensive expertise in advanced characterisation techniques, particularly Raman spectroscopy, which is essential for studying solid–solid phase transitions in our materials. His experience, including his academic work in Brazil, adds considerable value to our team and enhances our research capabilities. Why did you choose CIIAE and Extremadura as the next stage of your research career? For me, this was a unique opportunity to establish and lead my own research line. After my Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral experience, I was ready to take that next step, and CIIAE provided the ideal environment to do so. Here, I have been able to build and coordinate my own team, supervise researchers at different career stages, and contribute to multiple projects, including European initiatives. This level of responsibility and independence is essential for career development, and CIIAE offered exactly the right conditions to make it possible.

of materials science and renewable energy technologies. With a PhD in Physics from the Federal University of Maranhão and international research experience in Spain and large-scale facilities, his work focuses on the development and characterisation of advanced functional materials. His research explores solid-to-solid phase change materials (SS-PCMs), with a particular emphasis on hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs), aiming to improve thermal regulation in photovoltaic (PV) systems. By addressing temperature-related efficiency losses in solar panels, his work contributes to more robust and sustainable energy solutions. Within the Talent4Iberia programme, he develops innovative strategies that connect material properties with real-world energy applications and is supervised by Senior Researcher Claudia Gómez Aguirre Why did you choose to apply to the Talent4Iberia programme? I chose to apply to the Talent4Iberia programme because it represents an exceptional opportunity to develop high-level research within an international and collaborative environment. The programme is closely aligned with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which are widely recognised for their prestige and excellence. Its mission to attract global talent and foster impactful research strongly matches my own professional goals. For me, it is an opportunity not only to advance my career, but also to contribute to innovative and meaningful scientific projects within a dynamic research ecosystem. What is innovative about your research? The most innovative aspect of my research lies in the development and application of solid-to-solid phase change materials for integration into photovoltaic systems. These materials enable passive thermal regulation by reducing the operating temperature of solar panels, which helps to improve their efficiency and extend their lifespan. In particular, I focus on hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites as a new and largely unexplored class of materials for this purpose. This approach opens new possibilities for combining energy generation and thermal management within a single system. In addition, my work includes the validation of these materials through collaborations with international partners, aiming to bring these solutions closer to real-world applications. What are you most passionate about in your job? What I find most rewarding about my work is the intellectual challenge and the opportunity to discover new knowledge. Research allows me to explore complex problems, develop new ideas, and contribute to advancing science. At the same time, I am particularly motivated by the possibility of translating this knowledge into solutions that can have a real impact. Improving energy technologies and contributing to a more sustainable society is a strong driving force for me. Knowing that my work can help make energy systems more efficient and environmentally friendly gives a deeper meaning to what I do. Why did you choose CIIAE and Extremadura as the next stage of your research career? CIIAE is a highly strategic centre for the development of energy storage and renewable energy technologies. It offers a strong research environment with a clear focus on innovation and applied science. Extremadura, in particular, provides very favourable conditions for the development of photovoltaic energy, making it an ideal location for my research. The region’s potential in renewable energy, combined with its growing technological ecosystem, creates a unique opportunity for impactful work. Another key factor is the interdisciplinary nature of CIIAE, where researchers from different fields collaborate closely. This environment allows me to expand my expertise and approach problems from multiple perspectives. In addition, the strong connection between the centre and industry is essential for developing practical solutions and building a solid professional career. For me, this combination of scientific excellence, collaboration, and real-world application made CIIAE and Extremadura the ideal next step in my career.

On 2 March 2026, the European Projects Office of the Extremadura System of Science, Technology and Innovation (OPE-SECTI), managed by FUNDECYT-PCTEX, organised the informative session “Open Science in Research Projects”, held at the Assembly Hall of the School of Engineering in Cáceres at the Universidad de Extremadura. The session was aimed at researchers, project coordinators, research staff and research support personnel, with the objective of providing a clear, up-to-date and practical overview of Open Science principles, as well as the current regulatory requirements at national and European level regarding open access and research data management. During the event, the key requirements for complying with Open Access policies in scientific publications were presented, together with best practices for the responsible and efficient management of research data. These aspects are increasingly relevant not only during the proposal preparation phase but also throughout the entire lifecycle of research projects. The session was delivered entirely in English by Laura Bonora, Open Science expert at FECYT, who shared her experience and practical guidance on implementing open science principles in research projects. The event brought together 50 participants (25 women and 25 men) and received very positive feedback from attendees, who highlighted the relevance and practical usefulness of the topics discussed. This activity, organised by FUNDECYT-PCTEX through OPE-SECTI in collaboration with the University of Extremadura, forms part of the training programme of the Talent4Iberia project, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND action under Horizon Europe, co-funded by the European Union and the Regional Government of Extremadura. The session contributes to strengthening the capacities of the research community in key areas for participation in European projects and for advancing more open, transparent and internationally aligned research practices.

The Official Administrative Resolution of the Talent4Iberia Programme has now been published. This Administrative Resolution, published in the Official Gazette of Extremadura #172, officially announces the list of 10 selected candidates and 10 selected substitutes, as well as the final score of all the applications presented to the Programme. The selected researchers will receive all the necessary documentation to formally accept the fellowship in the following days. These 10 fellowships amount to a total funding of €2,180,600 over a three-year employment period. They are co-funded 50% by the Horizon Europe Programme – MSCA-2022-COFUND-01 and the Regional Government of Extremadura, and are awarded through the signing of an employment contract for postdoctoral researchers. The resolution of the call, managed by the General Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation of the Regional Ministry of Education, Science and Vocational Training, has been published today in the Official Gazette of Extremadura (DOE). These fellowships were offered under Decree 43/2024, of 21 May 2024, which sets out the regulatory bases for the Talent4Iberia project (101128265). The programme is aimed at recruiting postdoctoral researchers to carry out R&I activities in the field of energy storage, within the framework of the Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).

The International Call for the Talent4Iberia - Career development of international talents of the energy research fields in the Iberian Peninsula programme has officially closed with remarkable international participation. A total of 62 candidates from 23 different countries have submitted their applications, demonstrating the programme's global appeal and the attractiveness of Extremadura's energy storage research ecosystem. The evaluation process will now be conducted by an Expert Panel from the National Research Agency (Agencia Estatal de Investigación, AEI), who will assess the Research Proposals of all candidates. Following the evaluation and selection process, the successful fellows are expected to begin their contracts during the second quarter of 2025. This MSCA-COFUND programme, co-funded by the European Commission and the Regional Government of Extremadura, will contribute significantly to advancing research in Electrical Energy Storage, Thermal Energy Storage, and Hydrogen and Power-to-X, while strengthening Extremadura's position as a reference in energy storage research. The 'Talent4Iberia' programme is managed by the General Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Ministry of Education, Science and Vocational Training of the Regional Government of Extremadura, and the recruitment of the postdoctoral research fellows will be carried out by entities belonging to the SECTI, such as the Iberian Centre for Research in Energy Storage (CIIAE), managed by FUNDECYT-PCTEX, the University of Extremadura (UEX) and the Centre for Scientific and Technological Research of Extremadura (CICYTEX). Talent4Iberia is made up of 22 partners, including universities, research centres and companies in the energy sector from 15 countries inside and outside the European Union, which will allow a greater internationalisation of the Extremadura Science, Technology and Innovation System.

The deadline for submitting applications to the Talent4Iberia - Career development of international talents of the energy research fields in the Iberian Peninsula programme has been extended to August 8th, 2024, at 14:00 CEST due to unforeseen technical incidents in the submission platform. Candidates interested in applying for one of the 10 MSCA-COFUND postdoctoral fellowships in Energy Storage can continue submitting their applications through SECTI's platform until the new deadline. The programme management team has implemented this extension to ensure all candidates can complete their submission process without technical difficulties. For any queries, candidates can contact info@talent4iberia.eu. All programme information remains available in the Guide for Applicants on the Talent4Iberia website.

The International Call for the Talent4Iberia - Career development of international talents of the energy research fields in the Iberian Peninsula programme has been officially published in the Official Journal of Extremadura (Diario Oficial de Extremadura, DOE). This MSCA-COFUND programme, co-funded by the European Commission and the Regional Government of Extremadura, offers 10 postdoctoral research fellowships focused on Energy Storage research. Candidates interested in applying for these 36-month fellowships will have one month, until August 6th, 2024, at 14:00 CEST to submit their applications through SECTI's platform. The research opportunities are distributed across three strategic lines: Electrical Energy Storage, Thermal Energy Storage, and Hydrogen and Power-to-X. SUBMISSION PROCESS All applications must be submitted through SECTI's platform, where candidates will need to provide their research proposals and required documentation. To ensure a successful application, candidates are strongly encouraged to carefully review the Guide for Applicants, available on the Talent4Iberia website. This comprehensive document contains all relevant information, including detailed procedures and estimated deadlines for the entire selection process. The programme includes a complete training scheme focused on developing both research-oriented and transversal skills. Additionally, selected researchers will have the opportunity to participate in cross-sectoral secondments with 21 prestigious partner organizations in the Energy Sector. For any questions or queries regarding the application process or the programme itself, candidates can contact the programme management team at info@talent4iberia.eu.

The Talent4Iberia programme, co-funded by the European Commission through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA-COFUND) and the Regional Government of Extremadura, will soon open its international call for attracting research talent in the field of energy storage. This pioneering initiative offers 10 postdoctoral fellowships with a duration of 36 months, designed to boost research in three strategic lines: Electrical Energy Storage, Thermal Energy Storage, and Hydrogen and Power-to-X. Selected researchers will develop their projects in one of the three high-profile research centers in Extremadura, thus consolidating the region's position as a reference in the energy sector. The programme stands out for its comprehensive training plan, which will not only enhance the research competencies of participants but will also develop essential transversal skills for their professional career. As an added value, researchers will have the opportunity to carry out cross-sectoral secondments in 21 prestigious collaborating entities in the energy sector. Interested candidates will have one month from the official publication of the call to submit their applications. THE PROGRAMME Talent4Iberia is part of the European Union's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which seek to promote excellence in training, mobility, and professional development of researchers. The programme is co-funded by the European Commission and the Regional Government of Extremadura, demonstrating the institutional commitment to the scientific and technological development of the region in the field of energy storage. The call will be published soon in the Official Journal of Extremadura (Diario Oficial de Extremadura, DOE), where candidates can find all necessary information about requirements, application process, and required documentation.