Women Who Pioneer: A Sit-Down With Pilar Rey
Women Who Pioneer:
A Sit-Down With Pilar Rey
Instead of working in isolated steps, we can now share data, model materials behaviour, and optimize processes together in real time.
Pilar Rey, AIMEN
What is your current role in PIONEER?
My current role in PIONEER focuses on coordinating the work done in relation with Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing-WAAM- Process in the High Power and Application Systems group.
Can you share your journey into STEM? What initially inspired you to pursue a career in this field, and how has your path taken shape?
My journey in STEM started with getting my degree in Chemistry and my PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, as these topics have always seemed very fascinating to me. Since then, I have remained closely involved in research on new materials and manufacturing processes, exploring the relationship between them to develop functional and practical products for various industries.
How does your field of expertise complement other disciplines in PIONEER?
The main aim of PIONEER is to develop an open and interoperable digital platform capable of connecting materials modelling and characterisation, simulation-based digital twins, and data-driven models to ensure process optimisation and product quality. Therefore, PIONEER should be deployed through an interdisciplinary group of experts covering multiple fields, including materials science and manufacturing expertise.
What makes you most hopeful for the future?
What makes me most hopeful for the future is the way collaboration in our field is being transformed by digital tools. Advances in simulation, AI-driven design, digital twins, and data-centric manufacturing are breaking down old barriers between researchers, engineers, and production teams. Instead of working in isolated steps, we can now share data, model materials behaviour, and optimise processes together in real time.
