In the following interview, Pilar Queralt y Gemma Mitjanas, scientists from the University of Barcelona who carry out projects about the exploitation of geothermal energy, talk about their professional careers, the challenge of reconciling work and family life, and their role and expectations within the PIXIL project.
- What is your profession and how many years have you been involved in the world of research?
Pilar Queralt: I got my doctorate in Physical Sciences in December 1989. In other words, I have been in the world of university research for many years, particularly in the field of Geophysics. Currently, I am Professor of Earth Physics
Gemma Mitjanas: I am a geologist from the University of Barcelona, where I also did a master's degree in reservoir geology and geophysics. I am currently working on my doctoral thesis. My research is focused mainly on the application of geophysical methods in the study of geothermal systems. I have just started my third year of the thesis; therefore, my vision is that of a researcher with little experience in the sector.
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What motivated you to follow the path of investigation?
Pilar Queralt: When I was young I loved the study of nature and mathematics. The research was exciting because it encourages you to ask yourself questions and problems and seek their answer.
Gemma Mitjanas: The truth is that I always had clear that I wanted to end up in the world of research, feeling attracted to research projects, such as a final degree or master's degree projects. I suppose that this affinity and determination, added to the luck of having met researchers who have accompanied me in the different projects, have resulted in pure motivation to continue on this path.
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What challenges/obstacles did you encounter to continue this career?
Pilar Queralt: The world of research has less attractive, but necessary components. There are hard times when you don't see results. And as a professional career, it is very competitive. The key point is being thoughtfu and critical with some dynamics. It is essential to create spaces where knowledge can be shared.
Gemma Mitjanas: As I mentioned before, I have been in the research world for a short time, so, for now, my biggest challenge has been to enter this “world”. Unlike our mothers' and grandmothers' generation, in our generation it is sometimes taken for granted that you have to go to university. In my opinion, this "boom" of university students and the few job offers make youngsters to choose the research field. In addition, it is very difficult to get grants because of the high degree of competition.
- ¿Did you have any problems trying to reconcile your career and personal life?
Pilar Queralt: Yes, at first, because there is a moment that you are kind of "disenchanted". You don't see any way out and sometimes working conditions are precarious. Also because you don't know how to channel your passion for science with other personal interests or more humanistic and social concerns. Today research is closer to social problems, but it has not always been this way.
Gemma Mitjanas:
Looking at examples of PhD students who have recently finished, I am struck by an aspect that is repeated a lot and that I think could end up confronting my research career with my personal life. I am referring to the few opportunities given to researchers to continue their research in this country. Many, if not all of my colleagues who have finished their thesis, have had to continue their careers as researchers abroad, which clearly affects personal life. Having to leave my family, my partner, or my friends for work, I imagine that it would generate a hard dilemma for me, basically because I would have to change completely my current life.
- What do you like the most about the PIXIL project? What is your contribution?
Pilar Queralt: I like that it seeks the synergy between Earth Sciences and Computer Sciences and that its application to Geothermal energy, the clean energy that the Earth gives us. In the PIXIL project, our group contributes with its Geophysical experience: both contribution of data and realistic models that allow validating the new mathematical algorithms developed by other project partners.
Gemma Mitjanas: In reference to the PIXIL project, the part I like the most is the fact that it is a multidisciplinary project. We must join forces for the growth of geothermal energy. Our territory has a great future in the geothermal sector, and PIXIL is a powerful opportunity to collaborate with experienced people from ours and other countries and sectors. Until now, my contribution at PIXIL has been to teach how we have used geophysics to study a geothermal system in Conca del Vallès, a territory about 40 km from Barcelona. All of it to collaborate and share ideas and visions to improve the exploration and application of this resource.
- What messages would you give to young women who want to pursue a research career?
Pilar Queralt: My message would be that they seek to be able to work on what they are passionate about, and if it is not easy to find where to move forward, they must be patient and persevere. In the end, they will find their place. And a very important advice: always seek to create a workgroup where you can grow professionally and humanly.
Gemma Mitjanas: I would say to future researchers, go ahead. Sooner or later opportunities arise if you put effort. I would say also that it is important to be open-minded to different possibilities and be willing to make some personal sacrifices. Even so, I do not doubt that this sector does not disappoint. I have been able to appreciate how it allows you to continuously learn, meet a variety of people, from different disciplines, and travel around the world.
More about Pilar Queralt
https://webgrec.ub.edu/webpages/000009/cat/pilar.queralt.ub.edu.html
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pilar-Queralt
More about Gemma Mitjanas
www.linkedin.com/in/gemmamitjanas/