HER Young Scientist Award 2025

The Young Scientist Award, hosted annually by Hydrogen Europe Research, is designed to honor promising young researchers (of 35 years old or younger) affiliated with our member organisations. These individuals have made significant personal contributions to hydrogen-related projects. Through this competition, Hydrogen Europe Research seeks to spotlight the efforts of students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and young researchers while fostering their participation in Clean Hydrogen Partnership projects. Additionally, the aim is to attract emerging talent to the hydrogen and fuel cell sector.

 Like previous years, the 2025 competition will focus on four key pillars aligned with the framework of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. One young scientist will be recognised within each pillar, and an additional one will be elected the "Best Researcher of the Year", resulting in a total of five awards.

 Research endeavors may include fundamental studies, practical applications, and analytical investigations across various categories, including:

1. Hydrogen production
2. Hydrogen storage and distribution
3. Hydrogen usages
4. Cross-Cutting activities (such as safety, Regulations Codes and Standards or education)

 The award ceremony will take place in person in Brussels, during the Research Days 2025 in November.

 Eligibility criteria

1.      Candidates must carry out their research within a Hydrogen Europe Research member organisation.

2.      Eligible applicants must be researchers 35 years old or younger at the time of application submission (applicants can apply up until the day before their 36^th birthday).

3.      They must showcase their individual involvement in at least one hydrogen-related project.

4.      Additionally, participation in Clean Hydrogen Partnership projects is a plus, with measurable evidence such as presentations at Programme Review Days/ Research Days, international conferences, or national conferences focusing on Clean Hydrogen Partnership’s project topics, listed in order of decreasing priority.

2. Statement of Research 

Young scientists must submit a Statement of Research that reflects their own thoughts and ideas. This Statement should be written in clear, straightforward language, avoiding technical jargon to ensure comprehension by individuals who have a hydrogen and fuel cell background but are not familiar with the specific research area.

The Statement of Research should be concise, not exceeding 1 page in length, including any figures. The minimum font size allowed is 11 points, and margins should be at least 25 mm (top, bottom, left, right).

The Statement should contain a brief abstract of the research, details on the method of approach, and an explanation of the potential significance of the results.

Up to three relevant documents (such as papers, reports, deliverables, or patents) may be attached. 

3. Application package

A complete application package should include the following:

✓ A signed application form (see the Word Document attached),

✓ A 1 page Statement of Research,

✓ A Microsoft Form filled with additional information about your research,

✓ Two letters of recommendation. 

4. Prize

The four winners will receive 1000 Eur each and a trophy.

The Best Researcher of the Year will receive 1000 Eur and a trophy. 

5. Submission deadline

A complete application package must be submitted no later than September 26, 2025 to the following email address: secretariat@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu.