#WomeninHystore: a woman's path through thermal energy research -
an interview with Fabrizia Giordano
As part of our #WomenInHYSTORE campaign, we sit down with scientists and engineers working across the HYSTORE project to talk about what drew them to STEM, what it’s really like to work in the field as a woman, and what they want the next generation to know. This week, we spoke with Fabrizia Giordano, a Research Engineer at the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Vienna, whose work on thermal energy storage and heat pumps sits at the heart of the HYSTORE mission.
When did you know you wanted a career in STEM?
I’ve always been a curious and creative person, with a wide range of interests since childhood, many of which I developed through volunteering in social and environmental initiatives. Over time, those experiences helped me understand that I wanted a career where I could make a meaningful, positive contribution to society. By the end of high school, I realized that science and technology were the right path for me: a place where intellectual curiosity and practical impact could coexist.
That led me to study Energy Engineering at the Polytechnic of Turin, motivated by the urgency of accelerating the transition towards low-carbon technologies. During my master’s at the Technical University of Denmark, I discovered thermal energy storage and phase change materials. That became a thread I’ve followed ever since, from Germany all the way to Austria.
“I wanted a career where intellectual curiosity and practical impact could coexist. Science gave me exactly that.”
What does your day-to-day work look like at AIT and in the HYSTORE project?
At AIT, I lead applied research projects in the area of Efficient Buildings and HVAC Technologies, both at EU and national level. My work spans building energy systems modeling, experimental thermophysical characterization of materials, and CFD thermal simulations. It’s genuinely interdisciplinary, and I love that — no two days are exactly the same.
Within HYSTORE, I’m contributing to the development of the “ALL-IN-ONE Solution”: a modular, low-capacity propane heat pump water heater designed for multifamily buildings, enhanced with compact PCM thermal storage. My role focuses specifically on the numerical modeling and optimization of the PCM storage unit — using CFD simulations to study how heat moves through the system during charging and discharging. It’s the kind of problem where simulation and experiment go hand in hand, and finding that balance is what I find most rewarding.
Have you ever experienced prejudice or barriers as a woman in STEM?
Personally, I’ve felt largely supported and encouraged throughout my career. In the environments where I’ve worked, I’ve consistently felt valued as a professional for my skills and contributions, not my gender. And that has meant a lot to me.
That said, I’m aware that my experience may reflect the specific contexts I’ve been in (large research institutes), which can sometimes be more inclusive than other sectors. When I listen to other women, especially those working in the private sector, the picture isn’t always as positive. So while my own path has been encouraging, I don’t think we can stop here. Women remain underrepresented in STEM overall. What gives me hope is that I see more women in leadership roles around me than I did even a few years ago. That’s real progress, even if there’s still work to do.
“I see more women in leadership roles around me than ever before. That’s real progress even if there’s still work to do.”
What would help change the perception of women in STEM? And what’s your advice to the next generation?
One of the most powerful things we can do is share more stories of women who have built fulfilling careers in science and engineering — women who are genuinely passionate about their work. Visibility matters. Seeing someone who looks like you thriving in a role makes it easier to imagine yourself there too. Throughout my own journey, I’ve been inspired by the women I’ve met in my field, and I continue to be.
My advice to young women considering STEM? Stay curious. Take the time to explore what truly excites you — not what others expect of you. And have confidence in your own path. Working in science is creative, exciting, and deeply rewarding. It was never meant to be “for men only.”