Women+ of oPEN Lab continues highlighting and celebrating the contributions of women and individuals of diverse genders within the oPEN Lab project. The fourth feature in the series is Alba Juncal Arias Royo working at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). Alba is actively contributing to the oPEN Lab project in Living Lab Pamplona. Below she answers the questions we asked her to know more about her professional journey.
My role in the project
I work as a researcher and project manager for the UPV/EHU team, and I lead the social innovation dimension of the Pamplona Living Lab. My role is multidisciplinary, encompassing both technical and social responsibilities. Beyond project management, one of my core contributions is supporting the development of the Living Lab and, by extension, the Positive Energy District (PED) through a bottom-up approach. This involves activities such as community engagement, awareness-raising, and facilitating co-creation processes with local stakeholders.
Professional Growth Through the oPEN Lab Project
This project has been a significant opportunity for professional and personal growth. It has allowed me to deepen my knowledge in areas such as Living Lab methodologies, energy generation and management, life cycle assessment (LCA), project management at both local and European levels, performance monitoring, and PED development, etc. However, the most impactful learning has come from the human side—collaborating with diverse teams, managing complex interpersonal dynamics, dealing with frustration, and striving to ensure that all voices are heard and respected within the project ecosystem.
Unique perspectives and strengths
My multidisciplinary background enables me to act as a bridge between the technical and social dimensions of the project. I’m able to grasp technical concepts and contribute meaningfully to those discussions, while also translating complex ideas into accessible language that facilitates community understanding and engagement. I bring a holistic view of the project and strong problem-solving skills, both of which help ensure that technological innovation is grounded in social reality.
Advice for others
Don’t hesitate—if it interests you, pursue it with determination. Stay focused, don’t give up, and believe in your potential. One quote I find inspiring is: “Life doesn’t depend on what happens to us, but on how we react to it.”
