Interview with Dr. Domenico Mazzeo—Winner of the Energies 2024 Young Investigator Award

Name: Dr. Domenico Mazzeo
Affiliation: Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano, Via Giuseppe La Masa, 34, 20156 Milano, Italy
Research interests: heat transfer; thermal energy storage; phase change materials; energy efficiency; building thermal simulation; renewable energy; photovoltaic systems; wind systems; electrical storage; solar greenhouses; electric vehicles; ground-source heat pump system; artificial neural networks; multi-objective optimization

The Energies Young Investigator Award was established in 2017 to acknowledge the achievements of young investigators in the field of energy. The winner is chosen by the journal’s award committee.

Let us hear his opinions and find out about his experiences in scientific research and awards.

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your fields of interest?
Hello, and thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about myself. I am currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Energy at Politecnico di Milano, where I also contribute to the Thermal Storage Innovation Lab and the Solar Tech Lab. My teaching focuses on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and basic energy engineering. My academic journey began with a master’s and a Ph.D. in energy engineering from the University of Calabria. My doctoral research focused on the dynamic thermal characterization of systems containing phase change materials (PCMs)—a field that remains central to my work today. My research spans several interconnected areas. First, I explored thermal energy storage, particularly latent storage using PCMs for passive temperature regulation. Second, I investigate integrated renewable systems, combining photovoltaics, wind, batteries, heat pumps, electrolyzers, and electric mobility to develop flexible, efficient energy networks. Third, I work on energy efficiency across urban, agricultural, and healthcare settings, ranging from concentrated solar thermal collectors to bifacial photovoltaic modules. Recently, I have been studying the use of PCMs as passive cooling layers for photovoltaic panels, aiming to reduce temperature and enhance efficiency under strong solar radiation. Our preliminary tests—both numerical and experimental—are showing promising results.

2. How did you initially learn about the Energies journal? Furthermore, what inspired you to apply for the Energies Young Investigator Award 2024?
I first encountered Energies several years ago while reviewing literature related to thermal energy storage. What struck me was its broad interdisciplinary scope and commitment to open access. Over time, it became a go-to platform for my research. My first article in Energies explored PCM systems, and since then, I have published work on topics like energy optimization in multi-core facilities and climate-resilient photovoltaic systems. Applying for the Energies Young Investigator Award 2024 was not only about seeking recognition—it was about joining a community. I wanted to highlight the importance of collaborative, interdisciplinary research in addressing urgent global energy challenges. The award represented an opportunity to connect with other passionate young researchers, encourage fellow Europeans, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of clean, intelligent energy systems.

3. What is the secret to a happy life as a scientist? Have you ever encountered any difficulties conducting research and how did you overcome them?
To me, the secret lies in the balance between passion and patience, ambition and resilience, theory and real-world application. Science begins with curiosity, but it thrives on a sense of purpose. I believe research should aim beyond academic metrics—it should tackle real challenges like sustainable urban development and energy efficiency. Of course, the journey is not always smooth. I have faced failed experiments, rejected papers, limited funding, and tight deadlines. One particularly tough phase involved developing experimental setups where materials did not behave as predicted. This required months of redesign and collaboration. During my postdoc, working across multiple short-term grants meant juggling diverse teams and objectives—an experience that taught me flexibility and focus. What helped me persevere was collaboration—working with peers from countries like Spain, Canada, and India provided me with new perspectives. Mentorship also played a key role. Guiding students and seeing them grow has been incredibly fulfilling. Ultimately, joy in science comes from being part of a dynamic, purpose-driven community and learning continuously, even from setbacks.

4. What is your opinion on the open access model of publishing?
I strongly support the open access model, especially when it is implemented with integrity and inclusiveness. It democratizes knowledge, allowing anyone—from policymakers to students in low-resource settings—to access and benefit from research. Publishing in open access journals like Energies has allowed my work to reach not just academics, but also practitioners, community planners, and researchers globally. Open access fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by removing knowledge barriers. My research often bridges thermal science, renewable systems, and computational optimization—fields that thrive on open communication. While publishing fees can be a challenge, initiatives like fee waivers or national agreements are vital for promoting equity. For me, open access is not just about visibility—it is about creating a more inclusive, innovative, and globally connected scientific community.

5. Do you have any advice for aspiring young researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields?
Absolutely. First, stay curious and persistent. Research is rarely a straight line—some of the most meaningful discoveries arise from unexpected failures. Second, build your scientific identity while remaining open to interdisciplinary approaches. Many breakthroughs happen at the crossroads of different fields. Communication and collaboration are also crucial. Engage with the community, present your work, and embrace feedback—this sharpens your ideas and broadens your vision. Be strategic and patient with publishing and funding. Aim for problems that excite you but also hold societal relevance, such as sustainability and climate resilience. Celebrating small victories—they fuel the long journey. Finally, invest in mentorship and community. Some of my most fulfilling moments have come from helping students evolve into independent researchers. Science is not only about individual progress, it is about contributing to a larger collective of knowledge and people.

6. As the winner of this award, is there anything that you would like to express to our readers?
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Energies editorial team and award committee. Receiving the 2024 Young Investigator Award is both an honor and a motivation to continue pursuing impactful energy research. To readers at all stages—whether students or seasoned professionals, I want to emphasize that your work matters. Every simulation, experiment, or model contributes to the bigger picture of our energy transition. Collaboration, openness, and ambition are vital. Do not hesitate to challenge conventions or explore unconventional paths—that is where innovation begins. Remember, energy is not only a scientific challenge, but also a cornerstone of societal progress. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this vibrant and forward-looking community.