In honor of International Women's Day, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Annick Lachance Nyiringango, an engineer whose passion for innovation and sustainability is driving significant advancements in the COREu project. Annick's journey into sustainability began with a curiosity about how technology can drive meaningful environmental change. Today, she is a vital part of the innovation team at Stara Glass, where she designs advanced glass furnaces and actively contributes to the COREu project.
Annick's Testimonial: "My name is Annick Lachance Nyiringango, and I’m an engineer passionate about innovation and sustainability. My journey into sustainability began with a curiosity about how technology can drive meaningful environmental change. Today, I’m part of the innovation team at Stara Glass, where we design advanced glass furnaces. I’m also actively involved in the COREu project, a European collaboration with 43 companies focused on advancing carbon capture and storage solutions to curb CO2 emissions across various industries, including glassmaking.
The COREu project aims to identify the best carbon capture technologies and the most cost-effective transport and storage solutions for industries across Europe, creating a comprehensive map of CO2 transport routes. In my role, I oversee research initiatives, collaborate with experts across disciplines, and ensure that our innovations meet real-world industry needs.
My academic background in engineering technologies for strategy has equipped me to work at the intersection of research, innovation, and sustainability. Before COREu, I worked on projects exploring renewable energy and electrification to reduce carbon emissions. These experiences deepened my commitment to developing solutions that make industrial processes more sustainable—particularly in the glass industry, where decarbonization is a significant challenge.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing how research translates into tangible solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Whether optimizing energy use, integrating automation, or exploring hydrogen-based solutions, every step we take moves us closer to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The exchange of ideas between scientists, engineers, and communication experts is one of the key drivers of innovation. Gender diversity in STEM, especially in sustainability projects like COREu, goes beyond representation—it’s about bringing diverse perspectives to the table, fueling innovation. Empowering women in science and technology results in more holistic and impactful solutions.
To young women entering the field of sustainable technologies, my advice is simple: stay curious and persistent. The path may not always be linear, but every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Surround yourself with mentors who support your goals, and don’t be afraid to claim your space in decision-making rooms. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, I’ve faced challenges, but I’ve learned to embrace them as opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Looking ahead, I envision carbon capture and sustainable industrial processes at the forefront of global climate action. The work we’re doing at COREu is laying the groundwork for a future where heavy industries can operate with minimal environmental impact. I hope our contributions inspire future generations of engineers and scientists to continue pushing the boundaries of possibility.
On this International Women’s Day, I celebrate the women who are driving change in sustainability and innovation. Our voices, our expertise, and our dedication are essential in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for all."
