Hydrogen and fuel cell technology training
HFC technology is one of the most promising fields of sustainable energy research today. In order to prepare for the increasing market impact of such technologies, young researchers and industry professionals should have access to education and training in HFC. The 'Building training programmes for young professionals in the hydrogen and fuel cell field' (TRAINHY-PROF) project was tasked with developing an appropriate curriculum. The resulting HFC short courses for young professionals were then run as part of the Joint European Summer School (JESS) programme. To develop the courses, TRAINHY-PROF first reviewed current postgraduate training in the field at a range of European universities. From this, the project devised the concept of offering a broad curriculum as a series of modules. The curriculum was compiled as a single HFC unit, but was split into four modules that covered several different topics under the HFC banner. This was first taught in Viterbo, Italy at the 'JESS for HFC Technologies'. Researchers further developed the modular approach for the second JESS in Iraklion, Greece where students could choose from eight different modules. The courses were well-received, with students attending from a large number of institutions as well as a high percentage of women participants. TRAINHY-PROF has successfully established a curriculum in HFC technology for student researchers and professionals. The next step is to adapt the curriculum for more formal education programmes such as degrees and vocational industry training.
Keywords
Hydrogen, fuel cell, HFC technology, curriculum development, young professionals, Joint European Summer School