The Young Scientist Award is an annual competition organised by Hydrogen Europe Research, aiming at rewarding young researchers (under 35 years old of age) belonging to our member organisations, who have personally contributed to one or more hydrogen-related projects.

By organising this competition, Hydrogen Europe Research wishes to give visibility to the work of students, PhDs, postdocs and young researchers, and encourage their involvement in Clean Hydrogen Partnership projects. Another goal is also to attract young talents to work in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells.

Same as last year, the 2023 competition will revolve around four pillars, reflecting the structure of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. One young scientist will be awarded in each pillar, and one will be elected “Best Researcher of the Year”, for a total of 5 awards.

The research undertaken may cover fundamentals, applications and analysis within these different categories:

• Hydrogen production;
• Hydrogen storage and distribution;
• Hydrogen usages;
• Cross-Cutting activities (such as safety, Regulations Codes and Standards or education).

The award ceremony will take place in person in Brussels, at Brussels Expo, during the Hydrogen Week 2023 (20-24 November).

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must conduct their research at a member organisation of Hydrogen Europe Research. They should be young researchers not older than 35 years when submitting the application. Applicants must demonstrate their personal contribution to at least one project related to hydrogen and fuel cells.

Participation in FCH JUs projects is a plus. This must be measurable e.g. by presentations in order of decreasing priority at the FCH JUs Programme Review Days, international conferences, or national conferences on FCH JU project related topics.

Statement of Research

A Statement of Research has to be submitted by the young scientist applying and must represent the applicant’s own thinking. It has to be written using non-specialised terms, which are clear and unambiguous, to allow everyone not intimately familiar with the specific field of research -but with a hydrogen and fuel cell background- to understand the research.

The Statement of Research should not be longer than three pages (including figures). The minimum font size allowed is 12 points, and margins should be at least 25 mm (top, bottom, left, right).

The Statement should also include a brief abstract of the research, method of approach, and explanation of potential significance of the results. A maximum of three relevant documents (papers, reports, deliverables and patents) can be attached.

Application package

A complete application package should include the following:

✓  The application form (see below)

✓  A Statement of Research;

✓  Two letters of recommendations.

Prize value

The four winners will receive €1000 Eur each, a trophy and a recognition certificate.

The Best Researcher of the Year will receive €1000 Eur, a trophy and a recognition certificate.

Submission deadline

A complete application package must be submitted no later than 29 September 2023 to the following email address: secretariat@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu.