This interview is with Eszter Kantor from Proxima Fusion, a European fusion energy company. She shares her career journey, her experience as a woman working in the energy sector, and her perspective on why fusion matters for our future.

– QUESTION (Q): What is your current position, and how did you get there (education and academic/professional background)?
– ANSWER (A): My university education began at the ELTE University in Budapest, where I studied English Literature and Linguistics. In parallel, I studied agricultural engineering, which I felt was in complete harmony with my literary interests. Literature meets earth sciences. What happened, however, was that the balance started to shift, and I turned more and more towards earth and environmental studies, while my literary endeavours became a hobby. After completing my undergraduate degree, I went on to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Management, where I focused on renewable technologies. My first role after university was as scientific secretary at the Research Institute of Solid State Physics and Optics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. I later transitioned into working for political organisations, including the European Commission and the US Government, where I focused largely on issues at the intersection of energy, finance and economy. Today, I lead Proxima Fusion’s international engagement with governments and international organisations.

– Q: Have you faced any difficulties, injustices, or obstacles in your career due to being a woman?
– A: I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by supportive men through most of my career. That said, I have also encountered difficult situations and experienced gender bias. When I was younger, I made a conscious decision to move quickly away from environments that did not align with my values. I always prioritised my well-being over any job, because I believe you cannot perform well if you do not feel well. Now, that I have more experience, I set very clear boundaries. This can sometimes create tension with those who are not used to being challenged. Many industries remain male-dominated, and people respond differently to that reality. In some cases, women may feel rewarded for adapting to those environments and adopting similar behaviours. Personally, I believe it is essential to remain true to one’s character and maintain integrity, even if it comes at a cost.

– Q: What motivated you to pursue this field and to continue working in it?
– A: In my job I deal with politics and policymaking in the field of energy. I have always been drawn to politics because of the impact it can have on the world. At the same time, I have a strong interest in environmental sciences and energy, and in the role they play in shaping a more sustainable future. The transition away from a fossil fuel–centric world is something that has strongly motivated me and continues to do so today. We live in a highly compartmentalised society, where people often focus on very specialised areas. This makes the role of those who can connect sectors, disciplines, and borders increasingly important. I find great motivation in enabling these connections and bringing together the best contributions from different fields, particularly in breakthrough technologies that can create meaningful change.

– Q: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
– A: Of course. As Oscar Wilde said, “Experience is the name we give to our mistakes.” I believe it is important to learn from regrets without dwelling on them. The biggest regrets are often personal, as they are not always things you can correct. Professionally, the feeling I come back to most often is simply wishing I had known then what I know now. I would have liked to be more aware of the range of opportunities and career paths available, to have explored them more proactively, and perhaps to have started my international career earlier.

– Q: What is the goal of Proxima Fusion?
– A: Proxima Fusion’s goal is to build the world’s first commercial stellarator power plant. If all goes well, it will be connected to the grid within the next decade.

– Q: How is the IFMIF-DONES project related to your mission?
– A: Everything depends on the timelines. Based on current projections, we anticipate that IFMIF-DONES will become operational during the second half of the 2030s and in the 2040s. Once completed, it will provide important data on material behaviour, material qualification, safety cases, and lifetime assessments. This will likely align with the design and construction of second-generation commercial fusion power plants.

– Q: Interest in fusion seems to be growing in countries around the globe—what do you think is driving this, and how can different organisations get involved in fusion projects?
– A: Globalisation, once seen primarily as an asset, is now increasingly perceived as a risk. Countries are becoming more focused on reducing dependencies and strengthening their strategic autonomy. As we enter a new geopolitical era, it is crucial for Europe, particularly given its limited oil and gas resources, to invest in fusion as a long-term energy solution. Fusion offers the potential to reduce vulnerability to recurring energy crises. Organisations can get involved through international forums, research collaborations, industry associations, and public-private partnerships. Building strong ecosystems around fusion will be essential for accelerating its development and deployment.

– Q: What percentage of women work around you? What do you think the causes might be? Have you noticed any changes in recent years?
– A: Most of the women I work with in the fusion sector are in supporting roles (such as policy, finance, HR, communications, and commercial functions) rather than in core STEM positions like physics and engineering. This is largely due to the longstanding underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. This issue has long been recognised, yet progress has been slow. It is not only about sparking initial interest but also about ensuring that academic environments are welcoming. There are still unconscious biases and structural barriers that discourage women from entering or staying in these fields.

– Q: What message would you like to share with future women researchers?
– A: Remain true to yourself and your values. Do not feel pressured to conform to environments that do not respect you. Set boundaries early, trust your instincts, and do not be afraid to challenge the status quo. Integrity and authenticity are long-term strengths, even if they may feel costly in the short term. At the same time, seek out environments and people who support your growth. You deserve to work in spaces where you can thrive.