My Journey with CIGRE – A Pathway to an Academic Career

By Gen Li, Associate Professor at Technical University of Denmark

My involvement with CIGRE began in 2015 as a member of CIGRE UK Next Generation Network (NGN). This initial engagement opened doors to participate in technical working groups, knowledge-sharing sessions, and competitions..

In 2018, I was honored to receive the First CIGRE Thesis Award for my contributions to high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, with my award-winning paper published in CIGRE CES. This milestone was a pivotal point in my career, reinforcing the value of my research and inspiring me to deepen my involvement with CIGRE.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving in various capacities within CIGRE, contributing to different Working Groups (WGs) and initiatives. As the Executive Secretary for WG C6/B4.37, I coordinated meetings, managed technical documentation, and facilitated the finalization of TB 875. Organizing WG meetings, including the C6/B4.37 meeting during the CIGRE International Symposium in Chengdu and the B4.72 meeting at Cardiff University, further expanded my professional network and project management skills.

My leadership roles within CIGRE continued to grow. I served as the Secretary of CIGRE Women in Energy (WiE) from 2018 to 2020, co-chairing Sessions at the CIGRE Paris Session and the CIGRE e-Session. These platforms allowed me to promote diversity and inclusion within the energy sector, fostering greater participation of women and young engineers in CIGRE events. Additionally, my contributions as the Technical Panel Secretary of CIGRE UK B5 Protection and Automation between 2021 and 2022 solidified my expertise in protection systems and automation.

Winning the CIGRE UK NGN Presentation Competition and representing NGN members at the CIGRE Centennial Session in 2021 were defining moments in my journey. These experiences not only enhanced my confidence but also showcased my work to a global audience. By engaging in multiple WGs, including B4.74, B4.96, and World Bank-CIGRE Africa, I have contributed to advancing cutting-edge technologies and bridging the gap between academia and industry.

In 2022, I transitioned to Denmark and joined DTU as an Associate Professor. One of the key factors that contributed to securing this position was my extensive experience and involvement with CIGRE. The skills, leadership, and global connections I developed through CIGRE activities were instrumental in demonstrating my expertise and readiness for this academic role. This new chapter led me to engage with CIGRE Denmark NGN as a Steering Committee Member, promoting NGN activities, organizing webinars, and fostering collaboration between Denmark and other CIGRE national committees. I co-organized the CIGRE Denmark NGN Showcase Competition and continue to mentor young engineers in their professional journeys.

In recognition of my contributions to CIGRE, I was honored to receive the CIGRE NGN Significant Contribution Award in 2024. This prestigious award highlights the impact of my efforts within CIGRE's working groups, NGN initiatives, and leadership roles, further motivating me to continue advancing the power systems sector.

As I look to the future, I remain committed to contributing to CIGRE's mission of advancing the power systems sector. I am grateful for the mentorship, friendships, and professional growth that CIGRE has facilitated, and I eagerly anticipate continuing this journey, fostering innovation, and inspiring the next generation of engineers.