Women Who Pioneer: A Sit-Down With Pinelopi Kyvelou
Women Who Pioneer:
A Sit-Down With Pinelopi Kyvelou
Seek mentors, ask questions and stay open to learning from different disciplines and cultures. Most importantly, trust your own competence.
Pinelopi Kyvelou, Imperial College London
What is your current role in PIONEER?
I contribute to the coordination and scientific supervision of the Imperial team responsible for the mechanical characterisation of hybrid WAAM structural components, playing an active role in guiding our contributions to the wider consortium. Our work combines large-scale physical testing with advanced numerical simulations to assess the performance of WAAM-based solutions in construction. I am also involved in overseeing the design and verification approach for the MX3D demonstrator, ensuring that our experimental and numerical activities support the project’s technical objectives.
What motivated you to pursue a career in structural engineering, and what continues to inspire you in this field?
I was drawn to structural engineering because it offers a unique combination of creativity, logic and tangible impact. The idea that rigorous analysis can shape the built environment and ultimately improve how people live and interact with the world, was very appealing to me. Over time, I became increasingly fascinated by emerging materials and technologies, particularly metal additive manufacturing, and how they can transform traditional construction practices. What keeps inspiring me today is the constant evolution of our field: there is always something new to learn, a better method to develop, or a more efficient solution to discover. Working at the intersection of research and practical engineering continues to be both challenging and deeply rewarding.
What challenges have you encountered throughout your career as a woman in science, and how have you worked to overcome them?
Throughout my career, I have come to realise that the biggest barriers are not always external. In many situations, women, including myself, can feel an internal pressure to prove that we deserve our place in technical environments. This is not because we are less capable, but because we sometimes believe that others expect more from us simply because we are women, even when that expectation is not actually there. Recognising this has been important for me. With experience, I have learned to trust my expertise, rely on evidence rather than self-doubt, and appreciate that competence ultimately speaks for itself. Just as importantly, having supportive colleagues and being part of a genuinely collaborative research culture have made a significant difference. Working in an environment where contributions are valued has enabled me to focus on the science and the work itself, which is, in my view, the foundation on which confidence naturally grows.
Based on your experience in PIONEER, what message or advice would you share with young women who are interested in pursuing careers in science and engineering within European research and innovation projects?
My main advice is to be curious and to take opportunities when they come. European research projects like PIONEER are highly collaborative, international and fast-moving; exactly the kind of environment where young scientists can thrive. Do not underestimate the value of your ideas or your ability to contribute meaningfully from an early stage. Seek mentors, ask questions and stay open to learning from different disciplines and cultures. Most importantly, trust your own competence. If you bring dedication and a genuine interest in the work, you will find that you belong in these spaces as much as anyone else.
