The 1st International Conference on EMPOWER Women in MOFs and Beyond highlighted excellence in research on MOFs, porous solids, and advanced functional materials, with a strong emphasis on visibility and leadership of women scientists.

The scientific program covered topics from fundamental synthesis and characterization of MOFs and framework materials to their applications in energy conversion, gas storage, catalysis, and environmental remediation, creating a dynamic forum for exchanging ideas and building new projects. Our poster “Design strategies for water-stable perovskite-inspired materials in photoelectrocatalytic systems” showcased approaches to improving the stability and performance of perovskite-inspired semiconductors under aqueous operation, a key requirement for efficient photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen production and related reactions. Participation in this conference strengthens our international ties and supports the development of a more inclusive research community, where early-career scientists have the opportunity to present their work, gain feedback, and establish long-term collaborations.

You can find further details about the conference and its mission at https://www.ewmb.com.mx/.

The VI edition of “Brain Wars: The Future Is in Your Hands” invited young researchers to communicate their projects creatively, fostering debate, critical thinking, and public engagement with science.

During this competition, participants presented short, accessible talks about their work, showing how fundamental and applied research in areas such as materials, energy, and chemistry can address societal challenges and inspire future scientific careers. As part of the “Semana de la Ciencia y la Innovación 2025”, IMDEA Energía researchers visited secondary schools and vocational training centers, explaining how solar energy, green hydrogen, and other sustainable technologies contribute to a cleaner and more efficient energy system. Through interactive demonstrations, discussions, and classroom activities, these outreach actions aimed to spark curiosity about scientific research, encourage STEM vocations among young people, and raise awareness of the importance of innovation for a sustainable future.

You can learn more about these outreach events at https://stmad.rseq.org/brain_wars/ and https://energia.imdea.org/events/semana-de-la-ciencia-y-la-innovacion-2/.

“Science is not only my job, it is my passion and a way to contribute to a cleaner future,” says Dr. Pavla Eliášová in the interview for Svět ženy.

In the feature, she talks about her research on new functional materials that use sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, a process known as water splitting. This green hydrogen can then serve as a clean fuel that produces only water when used, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the transition to more sustainable energy systems. The interview also briefly presents the HYDRAGON (“From Light to Energy: Synergetic Multifunctional Materials Driving Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation”) project, where international partners work together to design low-cost, efficient photoelectrochemical devices for hydrogen production from water, including non-traditional sources.

You can learn more about the magazine at https://www.svetzeny.cz/ and follow our ongoing research on hydrogen technologies and sustainable energy on o ur website and social media channels.