Dr Yu Jing on powering clean energy and why the future of geoscience needs more women

As we mark International Womens Day 2026, we are celebrating the women driving change across minerals, energy and geoscience. Dr Yu Jing is helping lead that change through research focused on clean energy solutions, carbon storage and underground energy systems. We spoke to her about the rapid transformation of the sector, the role of women in shaping its future, and why passion and purpose matter in building a long term career.

Can you briefly describe your research or area of work, and why it matters for the future of mining, energy or geoscience?

I work on energy and geoscience research that supports clean energy and helps reduce emissions from hard-to-debate industries. This includes studying how we can store millions of tons of carbon dioxide underground and how we can store energy, such as hydrogen and compressed air, using natural rocks deep below the surface. This work matters because our future needs a more sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy system. My research helps make that transition possible.

What excites you most about working in this field right now, particularly as these industries evolve and transform?

It’s exciting because the energy system is evolving fast. Governments and companies are looking for real solutions to climate change, and the research we work on is going to play a significant part. It feels meaningful to know that the work we do today can make a difference within our lifetime.

Women are playing an increasingly visible role across resources and energy. From your experience, what strengths or perspectives do women bring to this work?

Women often bring strong communication skills, resilience, and diverse perspectives. Many of us are good at implementing the “ideas” and thinking about how technologies make real impacts on people, communities and the environment.

How does greater gender equity strengthen research outcomes, industry practice and the communities these industries serve?

Gender equity helps teams make smarter decisions and avoid blind spots. When people with different backgrounds work together, they come up with better ideas and better solutions.

What message would you like to share with female students or early-career researchers who may be considering, or questioning, a career in minerals, energy or geoscience

Think about yourself in 10 years, 20 years or more, what kind of person do you want to be? Do what truly drives your passion.  This field needs more women, and your ideas and perspectives matter. Don’t let doubt stop you, you might be surprised by how far you can go.