UK-HyRES Early Career Researchers

UK-HyRES ECR Network Context

Hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels (H&ALFs), such as ammonia, are essential for the UK to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Hydrogen is a highly versatile energy vector suitable for use in many hard-to-decarbonise sectors where other energy options, such as electricity, are not suitable.

UK-HyRES aims to identify, prioritise, and seek impactful solutions to research challenges across the entire hydrogen value chain from production via storage and distribution to end use.

The EPSRC has awarded £10.7M to UK-HyRES (https://ukhyres.ac.uk/) for a five-year research grant which began 1 June 2023, following an extensive coordination phase from May 2022 to June 2023. In addition to this strong support, UK-HyRES has to date secured £7.0M in leveraged co-funding from industry, civic and other research partners and £8.1M from the Hub’s core universities for PhD students and other targeted investments. A separate EPSRC hydrogen hub, HI-ACT, Hydrogen Integration for Accelerated Energy Transitions, was also established at the same time. Hi-ACT focuses on the systems integration of today’s technologies, while UK-HyRES focuses on developing the technologies of tomorrow. While UK-HyRES will have a distinct ECR Network, the two groups will also come together to share ideas and collaborate.

Key Ambitions of the UK-HyRES ECR Network

UK-HyRES is driven by several key ambitions:

- Delivering world-leading research on hydrogen and alternative liquid fuel technology.

- Fostering a community of researchers dedicated to advancing hydrogen and alternative liquid fuel technology.

- Enabling stakeholders to make informed investments in hydrogen and alternative liquid fuel.

- Supporting milestone decisions on the scale-up of hydrogen and alternative liquid fuel technology for the UK’s economy.

UK-HyRES ECR definition

- Early Career Academic Staff (less than 3 years from first academic appointment)

- Post-Doctoral Research Assistants / Associates

- PhD Students

Currently, UK-HyRES funded ECR’S are eligible to join the network free of charge, with funding available to cover travel and subsistence costs for any related events.

ECR’s that are associated to UK-HyRES through a supervisor (not funded by), are also welcome to join the UK-HyRES network to receive the same benefits and opportunities, however funding for travel and subsistence must come from host institutions or Centres of Doctoral Training (CDTs) as applicable.

To begin with, and to best align with UK-HyRES’s objectives, ECR’s not associated to UK-HyRES are not permitted to join the network. This will likely change as the UK-HyRES Network establishes itself

The role of Early Career Researchers (ECRs)

Early career researchers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of low-carbon hydrogen and alternative liquid fuel research. The UK-HyRES ECR Network serves as a catalyst for collaboration, skill enhancement, and career development among its members. With an initial cohort of postdoctoral research assistants, associates, and affiliated PhD students, the network aims to expand rapidly, fostering a dynamic research ecosystem.

The ECR Network aims to empower members through a programme of tailored activities – chosen by the ECR’s. Our ambition is to provide a framework that will enable networking, up-skilling and career-development, all while connecting with senior Hub academics to develop future research leaders.

ECR Governance

To begin, the UK-HyRES Hub has eight PDRA’s each associated to a core theme and thirteen affiliated PhD studentships. With a substantial flexible fund of £5.1M FEC, the network will quickly grow, both through the four Calls for Research and also additional affiliated members.

The UK-HyRES ECR Committee, comprising postdoctoral research lead(s) from each thematic area, provides strategic guidance aligned with UK-HyRES objectives. Led by Dr Rajan Jagpal, the committee ensures ECR representation in the hub’s management board meetings, as well as other co-opted members as required. Additionally, the committee oversees the establishment and management of the ECR Network, with designated roles such as Affiliate Champion, Engagement Champion, and Training Champion envisaged. The ECR Committee Members will be empowered to establish a grow a successful ECR Network that adds value to the UK hydrogen and alternative liquid fuel value chain.

The UK-HyRES ECR Network will also work in conjunction with the HI-ACT ECR Network to deliver a joint package of training and development opportunities tailored to the needs of the membership.