Women in Engineering: Valentina on magnetic materials and long-term research in science

Engineering careers can take many different paths—some evolve over time, shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and years of hands-on experience in research.

As part of our Women in Engineering series, we spoke with Valentina Zhukova, a researcher at UPV/EHU with nearly three decades of experience in materials science. In the HARMONY project, she focuses on measuring and analysing the magnetic properties of materials, contributing to the development of recycled permanent magnets.

Valentina shares how her interest in science began, how her research focus evolved over time, and why collaboration and persistence are essential in engineering.

Profile

Name: Valentina Zhukova

Role: Senior Researcher

Organisation: UPV/EHU

Country: Italy

Field: Materials science, magnetic materials

Experience: Researcher since 1998

ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2926-9826

Portrait of Valentina Zhukova smiling, wearing glasses and a green jacket, standing in front of a wooden wall.
Women in Science and Engineering: Valentina Zhukova, researcher in magnetic materials and recycling technologies.

Finding a path into engineering

What first sparked your interest in science?

“I really liked math and chemistry in school. I thought it would be very interesting to be an engineer or scientist, to discover new materials or something new and revolutionary.”

Her career developed over time as her interests became more specialised.

“At first I was working with superconducting materials, but later I focused on soft and hard magnetic materials and applications.”

A key moment came through hands-on research experience.

“When we started working with new magnetic materials in the form of microwires, I realised this was a very interesting topic with a lot of potential in new technologies.”

From studies to long-term research

Valentina’s background is rooted in materials science and engineering.

“I studied physical-chemical processes of metallic alloys at a technological university.”

From early on, she found her work engaging and meaningful.

“I always enjoyed what I studied; it was interesting and exciting.”

Valentina Zhukova with colleagues in a laboratory setting, standing next to equipment used for materials research and microwire fabrication.
Early research work in magnetic materials: Valentina Zhukova with her team in the lab working on advanced material fabrication.
Valentina Zhukova sitting at her desk in an office, surrounded by documents, folders, and research materials.
From experiments to analysis: Valentina Zhukova working in her research environment.

What shaped her career most was practical experience.

“Laboratory work with real materials was the most valuable for my development as a materials engineer.”

Today, her work continues to follow that same hands-on approach.

“One day I might prepare samples, then measure their properties, discuss results, and adapt the next steps. Other days are dedicated to writing scientific articles with colleagues.”

Contributing to magnet recycling and circular technologies

Valentina’s role in HARMONY is highly specialised and essential for material validation.

“We specialize in magnetic measurements of samples, and magnetic properties are one of the key points for developing recycled permanent magnet materials.”

“Our group collaborates with other partners by measuring and discussing the magnetic properties of the samples they produce.”

What motivates her work is the broader purpose behind it.

“Recycling is very important in our lives and for the protection of our planet Earth.”

She also values the collaborative nature of the project.

“HARMONY involves many top-level companies and technology centers, and it is very interesting to work together to develop new materials and obtain meaningful results.”

Women in engineering

Valentina highlights the importance of collaboration and team dynamics.

“I think that being a woman helps create a warmer atmosphere in the group.”

She also emphasises the importance of teamwork in STEM more broadly.

“The important thing in STEM is collaboration, creativity, and communication to achieve results.”

What message would she give to young women considering engineering?

“Engineering requires rigorous study and a significant time commitment, but it is a path that allows you to achieve meaningful results.”

Valentina Zhukova with international research partners during a visit in Nagoya, standing in a meeting room with a city skyline in the background.
International collaboration in materials science: Valentina Zhukova with research partners during a visit to Japan.

Advice for future engineers

Looking ahead, Valentina points to both persistence and future technological shifts.

“There will still be challenging days for women in STEM, even as the industry improves.”

“In the future, AI and quantum computing will play an important role in engineering, especially for simulations and predicting results.”

One achievement she is particularly proud of is her continued involvement in impactful research.

“I am very proud to be involved in this project and to learn more about permanent magnets and recycling.”

Valentina Zhukova receiving a certificate at a conference, standing next to a presenter in front of a screen and event banner.
Recognising scientific contribution: Valentina Zhukova receiving an award at an international conference.

About the series

This interview is part of the HARMONY Women in Engineering series, highlighting the diverse women working across Europe to advance magnet recycling and circular technologies.

Read more interviews: