The i-STENTORE project is at the forefront of revolutionising energy storage, aiming to integrate diverse solutions for a more resilient and efficient grid. But behind this groundbreaking initiative are the brilliant minds driving its success – and a significant portion of those minds belong to women.
In a field historically dominated by men, the women of i-STENTORE are proving that innovation knows no gender. Their expertise, dedication, and unique perspectives are crucial to achieving the project’s ambitious goals: to optimise storage systems, enhance grid stability, and pave the way for a sustainable energy future.
The European Union recognises the vital role women play in research and innovation. As stated by the EU, “At the EU level, only 34% of researchers are women.” This highlights the need to actively promote gender equality in science and technology. i-STENTORE is a testament to the power of diversity, showcasing how women are not just participating, but leading the charge in developing cutting-edge energy solutions.
Let’s celebrate the achievements of women around the world, and specifically, the remarkable women powering the i-STENTORE project. Their dedication and expertise are driving us closer to a sustainable and efficient energy future.
The project’s focus on integrating diverse storage solutions, from stand-alone to hybrid systems, requires a multidisciplinary approach – and the women of i-STENTORE are bringing their diverse skills and knowledge to the table. They are involved in everything from technical development and data analysis to project management and communication, ensuring that i-STENTORE delivers tangible results.
Meet the Women in i-STENTORE
Ourania Markaki
Dr. Ourania Markaki is an Electrical and Computer Engineer and a Senior Research Associate at the Decision Support Systems Laboratory (DSSLab) of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). In the i-STENTORE project, she is responsible for the coordination of WP4 – i-STENTORE demonstration across technologies and scenarios, while also leading the NTUA team in the implementation of tasks T3.6 - Implementation of an investment planning tool and T5.1 - Demos’ and Living Lab’s scenarios monitoring and evaluation.
Eleni Papista
As Head of the Clean Technologies & Hydrogen Department and Project Manager, Dr. Eleni Papista provides strategic oversight and ensures the effective execution of CluBE’s activities within the i-STENTORE project. With extensive experience in EU and national clean energy and hydrogen projects, she guides project implementation, fosters collaboration, and oversees dissemination efforts. Beyond i-STENTORE, she plays a key role in advancing clean energy initiatives by aligning project outcomes with industry standards, facilitating knowledge exchange, and developing strategic roadmaps to drive scalability and widespread adoption.
Vagia Gaidatzi
Within the i-STENTORE project, Vagia Gaidatzi, as Project Manager, contributes to the evaluation of the innovation footprint of energy storage solutions and supports the development of the roadmap for scalability and replicability at the EU level. Her role involves assessing demonstration activities, identifying key insights, and applying them to strategies for broader implementation. In addition to her work in i-STENTORE, she is actively engaged in multiple clean energy projects, focusing on the deployment of innovative technologies and the promotion of sustainable energy solutions.
Ioanna Mikrouli
In the i-STENTORE project, Ioanna Mikrouli, as Project Manager, plays a central role in assessing the scalability potential of energy storage solutions and evaluating their long-term impact. She is actively involved in analyzing the innovation footprint and contributing to the roadmap for replication at the EU level. Beyond i-STENTORE, she participates in various projects, driving the development and promotion of clean energy and hydrogen technologies while supporting initiatives that accelerate their deployment and real-world application.
Zsuzsanna Pato
As a senior advisor at RAP, Zsuzsanna's contribution to i-STENTORE is to provide regulatory knowledge on how to integrate storage assets to the power system to improve system efficiency, hence enhancing social welfare.
Ana Luísa Alves
Ana Luísa is an Innovation Projects Manager at F6S Innovation, bringing over a decade of international experience in leading impactful development initiatives. She is also the project manager for the i-STENTORE Project, responsible for Work Package 6, which focuses on dissemination, exploitation, standardization, and impact outreach. With an MSc in Development & International Relations from AAU, Ana spearheads Horizon Europe initiatives, empowering startups and innovators across Europe through funding, talent acquisition, investment, and tailored support.
Maria Monteiro
Maria is Communication Manager at F6S Innovation, working closely with the i-STENTORE Project. Maria Monteiro completed her Marketing degree at the Viseu's School of Technology and Management in July 2019. She began her professional career that same year and later completed a postgraduate course in Digital Marketing at IPAM. As an Advertising and Marketing Specialist, she manages digital communications, creates content, monitors results, and develops communication materials, while maintaining close contact with partners and clients. Maria has also worked in communication and marketing within the Training and Tourism fields.
Joana Dias
Joana Dias is the financial manager of the i-STENTORE Project. At 40 years old, she has two kids and a pet. She takes great pride in being a woman, a mom, and a financial manager. Joana finds her job absolutely amazing. Her responsibilities include managing the budget of the i-STENTORE Project. Every expense that aligns with the project's proposals must be approved by her. Additionally, all expenses incurred within the project must be reported to the European Commission, and that responsibility falls to her.
Carolina M. Martín
Carolina M. Martín obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Energy Engineering from Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain, in 2020. During her studies, she conducted research at the Department of Automatic, Electrical, and Electronic Engineering and Industrial Computing at the same university. In 2022, she obtained her Master's Degree in Renewable Energies in Electrical Systems from Carlos III University of Madrid, where she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Automation Program. She is a researcher in the Power Systems Control Research Group, focusing on converter control and gid management strategies to facilitate the integration of renewable energy. Additionally, she is actively involved in the i-STENTORE project, which pioneers the integration of energy storage systems to enhance grid resilience and optimize energy management.
The Importance of Diversity
The i-STENTORE project underscores the importance of diversity in research and innovation. By fostering an inclusive environment, the project benefits from a wider range of ideas and approaches, leading to more robust and effective solutions.
The EU’s commitment to gender equality in research and innovation is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of necessity. To address the complex challenges facing our world, we need the contributions of all talented individuals, regardless of gender.
Looking to the Future
The women of i-STENTORE are not only shaping the future of energy storage but also inspiring the next generation of female scientists and engineers. Their work demonstrates that women are essential to driving innovation and building a sustainable future.
As i-STENTORE progresses, we look forward to seeing the continued contributions of these remarkable women and the project’s impact on the energy landscape.
