1. What would you say are the main challenges in attracting young talent to the energy storage and conversion sector, particularly in the Basque Country?
Although interest in the sector is increasing, there is still room for improvement in positioning it as a professional career option. This is especially relevant in the Basque Country. Its still-emerging status, limited visibility of certain career paths, and competition from more established technological industries make it harder to attract young talent. Fostering vocations from an early stage and offering attractive professional development environments are key factors. To achieve this, it´s essential to strengthen collaboration with universities, participate in forums, clusters, and regional, national, and international associations, and more effectively communicate the social and technological impact of the energy storage and conversion sector.

2. What types of professional profiles and skills are most in demand today in the energy storage and conversion sector?
Broadly speaking, there is a demand for talent that contributes to the development of sustainable, safe, and competitive technologies.
The most sought-after profiles range from chemists and physicists with energy-related training or experience, electrochemistry and materials science specialists, and multiscale modeling and simulation experts, to engineers specializing in system integration, power electronics, and industrial processing and scaling.
In laboratory environments, experience in synthesis, advanced characterization, and testing of materials and systems is prioritized. In the industrial context, engineering profiles with technology transfer and process optimization capabilities stand out.
Specifically, CIC energiGUNE seeks to incorporate research profiles with experience in the development of new battery materials, thermal storage and management technologies, and advanced energy conversion solutions.

3. Beyond technical skills, what other abilities do you consider essential for professional development in the energy sector, and how should they be addressed in training?
The combination of technical knowledge with transversal skills is increasingly important. Special value is placed on the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor researchers, manage collaborative projects, work effectively in teams, communicate well, and show awareness of the economic and environmental impact of developed technologies. In this context, training and professional development programs must explicitly include these competencies. International experience and participation in collaborative projects also provide a distinct added value.

4. What role do PhD and postdoctoral programs play in incorporating talent into the energy storage and conversion sector?
PhD and postdoctoral programs are among the most important pathways for integrating highly qualified talent into the sector. They not only enable the development of advanced scientific and technical skills, but also foster a pool of professionals with innovation capacity and critical thinking—key to tackling complex scientific challenges.

5. Why is attracting international talent strategic for centers like CIC energiGUNE, and what kind of profiles are sought in these researchers?
Attracting international talent with prior experience in leading institutions is a key lever for reinforcing scientific excellence and accelerating knowledge transfer. CIC energiGUNE is committed to incorporating researchers with a proven track record, scientific leadership skills, and a global perspective—essential elements for positioning the Basque innovation ecosystem at the forefront of the energy storage and conversion sector.

6. What strategies does CIC energiGUNE implement to retain and motivate talent, especially international talent, once they join the center?
Attracting top scientific and technological talent is not enough if they fail to adapt or lose motivation. Retention and motivation require a comprehensive approach that combines professional development, personal well-being, and a sense of purpose.
For international profiles, CIC energiGUNE has structured onboarding and support processes that help ease their integration both in the workplace and in the local community. A healthy work environment is promoted, with work-life balance measures, attention to psychosocial well-being, and an organizational culture that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
In addition, continuous training programs aligned with the center´s strategic goals are offered, along with career plans that enable progressive advancement into roles with greater scientific, technical, or leadership responsibility. All these elements contribute to creating an attractive and stable environment for long-term talent development.