Hi Agnieszka, could you introduce yourself and briefly describe your professional journey?

Hi, my name is Dr. Agnieszka Paszuk, and I am a physicist and Junior Research Group Leader at Technische Universität Ilmenau in Germany.

I completed my master’s degree in microsystems, electronics, and optoelectronics at a technical university in Poland, and then moved to Germany for a doctoral research position. During my PhD, I was fortunate to join a group focused on understanding how materials relevant for photovoltaic applications can be prepared and controlled at the atomic level, especially at surfaces and interfaces.

Today, I lead my own research group, and my work has shifted more toward sustainable photoelectrochemical systems for renewable energy conversion, including clean hydrogen production.

Could you tell us a little bit about any challenges you can face in this career path?

One challenge in this field is working at the intersection of multiple disciplines. You need to combine physics, chemistry, and engineering, which requires constant learning and adaptation. At the same time, this is also exciting, as it gives me opportunities to learn new techniques and methods.

One of the biggest challenges is building an independent research profile. Establishing your own group, securing funding, and turning ideas into successful projects is highly competitive and takes time. Research itself is also very challenging, especially in such a competitive field, where many experienced experts lead large, well-established groups.

Experiments often do not work as expected, and progress can be slow. This requires persistence and resilience.

For me personally, balancing scientific work, leadership responsibilities (including administrative tasks), and personal life can be demanding. I have two small children, so I cannot work late evenings or weekends anymore. They also get sick sometimes, which can be stressful, especially when there are deadlines that simply have to be met.

That sounds challenging, what actions, strategies, or skills helped you overcome obstacles? Were there mentors, tools, or networks that helped?

I see collaboration as a key strategy. Instead of viewing science as competition, working together helps tackle interdisciplinary challenges more effectively.

Another important skill is setting priorities and delegating tasks, something I am still learning and continuously improving.

Learning from experienced scientists can help to navigate both scientific and career-related challenges. I feel very lucky to have strong support from my supervising professor and other senior colleagues. Their support, including access to their laboratories, has made a big difference and enabled me to run my own group.

Finally, persistence is crucial. Accepting that failure is part of the process, and learning from it, is what drives progress. At the same time, I have learned that it is okay not to perform at 110% every single day.

Which projects or initiatives are you most proud of?

I am particularly proud to be part of the projects I am currently working on, which focus on semiconductor materials for photoelectrochemical water splitting. There is still a lot of room for improvement in this field, and it is exciting to contribute to that. We have many promising ideas, and I am looking forward to seeing how far we can take them.

Another important aspect of my work is training young scientists. Supporting the next generation of researchers who will contribute to solving global sustainability challenges is something I value deeply. I know they can learn from me, but I also learn from them, it goes both ways.

What advice would you give to someone entering the green tech industry?

Build a strong foundation in science, whether in physics, chemistry, or materials science, but do not stay within one discipline. The most exciting innovations happen at the boundaries between fields.

Be curious, even obsessive, and stay adaptable. Green tech is evolving rapidly, and continuous learning is essential.

Most importantly, do not be discouraged by challenges. Progress in science takes time, and persistence is key.

Also, build networks and collaborate, science is not something you do alone.

Finally, remember that fundamental research can have real-world impact. If you are motivated by sustainability and want to contribute to solutions for climate change, this field offers incredible opportunities.