My name is Lorelei Commin.

I study the properties of materials

under different situations,

which is especially important

in the case of nuclear energy

and safety of nuclear reactors.

I am part of a team that works

on nuclear research for health and energy,

and I am working on several projects

related to nuclear fuel safety

and non-energy nuclear applications

such as batteries, nuclear medicine

and critical raw materials.

My time is divided in two streams:

I spend some time in the laboratories doing experiments,

and as well doing management of projects.

Something unique I have been working lately

is the transfer of the Surface Science Lab (SLL)

from Karlsruhe to Prague.

The SSL is a unique instrument that requires

incredible expertise and human skills to be operated.

It’s the very first JRC labelled facility

operated outside JRC sites, and it will be part

of the European Commission Open access programme.

So, together with the rest of JRC unique facilities,

any European researcher will be able to use this instrument.

Another important part of my job

is finding new ways to transfer

very specific knowledge and skills

to the next generation of nuclear scientists.

I sometimes have the possibility to have

direct contact with people outside my field,

For example, last September we hosted a study visit

open to other EU institutions,

when policymakers could see our site,

what we do and what is the impact of our work.

I am proud that my work

helps European people and policy makers

understand better what nuclear energy is.

Working at the JRC is great,

as it’s the place where I feel  valued as a woman in science.

There is a real effort

to increase women presence in nuclear science!