Materials for Hydrogen: Bridging Research and Industry
The Experimental Techniques Centre in partnership with Brunel Hydrogen are excited to announce our Materials for Hydrogen event, taking place over the course of three days from 2nd - 4th March 2026 and held here at Brunel University of London.
- Intended to address the shortage of skilled professionals and a lack of applied, industry-informed training in the UK hydrogen sector.
- Combines a technical conference, live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and an industry exhibition, all focused on materials characterisation in hydrogen systems.
- Our Materials in Hydrogen event is an opportunity for all, from those of you interested in attending and learning about the hydrogen sector to those already working in it to inform and promote what you are doing to a new curated audience. An exclusive event to learn, educate and network.
We would be delighted to hear from you, whether as a potential attendee, speaker or sponsor. To find our more please contact wayne.lam@brunel.ac.uk, or alternatively click on one of the boxes below for information about each opportunity.
Further information
Each day is set around a theme covering the challenges facing the industry, what is going on with hydrogen right now and where the sector is headed. You can find out more about each in the expandable boxes below.
Day 1: Fundamental Challenges
Ensuring viability of the hydrogen sector
There are challenges to every technology, old and new. Hydrogen is no different. The theme of this first day is explore those challenges that the hydrogen industry has faced, both technologically and societal. How we can and are overcoming them to successfully grow the sector.
The opening keynote will be given by Professor Paul Monks, Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science at the University of Leicester and current Chair of the Henry Royce Institute. He will discuss the key challenges facing hydrogen, highlighting the need to drive material innovations, policy and/or public perceptions. Additionally Professor Monks will talk about his advocacy for hydrogen in his time as previous Chief Scientific Advisor for the government in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and now as Chair of the Henry Royce Institute.
The talks that follow will then cover the application of hydrogen in transportation, where it fits within the sector and the potential it offer compared to other technologies. There will also be dissussion of one of the main difficulties in using hydrogen in such systems, it ability to encourage embittlement. The mechanisms that cause it and mitigation methods.
Day 2: Current Innovations
Hydrogen in the here and now
Hydrogen has already begun to play an important role in the energy industry. Today’s theme is about what is already going on in the sector. How are we using it right now and what are we doing currently to develop the sector.
The talks will cover the current state of the art, such as JCB's hydrogen endeavours to power their vehicles and heavy machinery. In addition the materials and manufacturing techniques for the most common conventional electrolyser types will be explored and the opportunities they present to today's worlds. Plus, discover how hydrogen permeation is tested in materials and latest barrier coatings used.
Day 3: Tomorrow's Technology
Where are we headed with hydrogen technologies?
What could the future of hydrogen be? On this third day we will explore the cutting edge of hydrogen technologies from electrochemical methods to new materials for hydrogen applications.
The future of various key technolgies will be explored, with talks focusing separately on engine and electrolysers systems. Where we could be going with each technology, the challenges and opportunities that they present. In addition methods of hydrogen production will be investigated, the shift to greener and innovative alternatives. Imagining where we will be going in the hydrogen sector and what perhaps will be leading the way as we head towards a net-zero world.
Speakers
We have several confirmed speakers for our event, experts within their respective fields who will give lectures on various topics related to materials for hydrogen applications. This list, given in alphabetical order, will be updated as more are confirmed.
Dr Richard Doyle
Dr Richard Doyle
Principle Engineer - Materials, JCB Power Systems
Topic: Current developments and optimisations in powertrain systems
Professor Nadimul Haque Faisal
Professor Nadimul Haque Faisal
Professor of Surface Engineering & Micromechanics, Robert Gordon University
Topic: Current state of the art in electrolyser technology
Dr Francesco Fanicchia
Dr Francesco Fanicchia
Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Surface Engineering Centre for Materials, Cranfield University
Topic: Fundamentals of hydrogen interactions and coating technologies
Prof Xavier Feaugas
Professor Xavier Feaugas
Director of Laboratoire des Sciences de l’Ingénieur pour l’Environnement, Université de La Rochelle
Topic:
The different aspects of hydrogen embrittlement
David Hodgson
Professor David Hodgson
Executive chairman, Oxford nanoSystems and Surrey Hydrogen
Topic: The future of electrolysers and hydrogen technologies
Prof Paul Monks
Professor Paul Monks
Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science, University of Leicester
Chair of the Henry Royce Institute and former Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
Topic: The challenges, material innovations, policy and public perception of the hydrogen sector
Professor Luca Montorsi
Professor Luca Montorsi
Professor of Energy Conversion Systems, University of Modena
Topic: The future of hydrogen and metallic fuels
Professor Xinyan Wang
Professor Xinyan Wang
Professor at the Centre of Advanced Powertrain and Fuels, Brunel University of London
Topic: The future of hydrogen and internal combustion engines
Professor Hua Zhao
Professor Hua Zhao
Pro Vice Chancellor Research, Brunel University of London
Topic: Hydrogen and its applications for transport
Mystery Speakers
More to come!
We are in ongoing discussions with experts from industry and academia as potential speakers.
Plus, as part of the sponsor package we are still offering speaker slots. If you are interested please get in touch via the link below.
In addition, we are also inviting a small number of event sponsors and strategic partners to support and shape this initiative. This includes giving talks, exhibition space or running a workshop. Taking place at Brunel University's West London campus this in-person event is easily accessible by road from the M25, rail from the Elizabeth Line and air from nearby Heathrow.