Background​

 

To better facilitate hydrogen and fuel cell education and increase the general public’s exposure to the hydrogen economy, the E&O WG is establishing an IPHE E&O WG Early Career Network, intended to promote international H2FC awareness, connect members with peers, mentors and potential employers and launch a collaborative platform for the next generation of H2FC scientific researchers, industry experts and government leaders.

 

The IPHE E&O WG Early Career Network is envisioned as a voluntary, non-binding extracurricular activity and does not represent the views of the international government members of the IPHE. 

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Membership

 

​Membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students, post-docs, and early-career professionals from all IPHE member countries. Member Benefits Include:

• Opportunities for leadership and career development for members 

• Connecting with other young professionals interested in hydrogen

• Becoming a part of a network of members and professionals in the field

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Objectives

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• Promoting awareness of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies

• Sharing information on current research and activities related to hydrogen

• Increasing international exposure and creating awareness of hydrogen research and opportunities  

• Sharing information on hydrogen and fuel cells curricula and educational resources through collaborations with other organizations

• Providing feedback to the Education & Outreach Working Group on outreach efforts conducted through the chapter

• Partnering with university centers on educational hydrogen and fuel cell initiatives and programs

• Establishing a social community of young professionals to meet regularly

 

Activities

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The E&O WG identifies the following areas of activity as potential focuses for the Early Career Network:

• Meeting regularly to discuss and share information about hydrogen and fuel activities

• Introducing chapter members to high-level officials and partners in the hydrogen and fuel cell economy through formal events, conferences and summits

• Connecting chapter members with IPHE member country officials, scientists, researchers, industry professionals and policymakers through ongoing mentorship programs

• Developing educational resources, materials and curricula for all levels of interest and audiences for institutional or public use

• Conducting public outreach around Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day (October 8th) through IPHE digital and social media, events, demonstrations, workshops and educational campaigns

• Electing chapter members to serve as a liaison, collaborate with E&O WG members on youth outreach campaign development and provide feedback on E&O activities

• Partnering with university centers, think tanks and research organizations to collaborate on educational hydrogen and fuel cell programs, seminars and resources 

• Holding regular events, such as poster sessions, infographic competitions and career panels, that are open to all students regardless of ongoing involvement with the chapter

Operational Structure

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The Chapter will be operated by a Chair and Co-Chair to be selected by the members by majority vote. The Chair will serve a 1-year term beginning on Hydrogen Day (October 8) with the intent that the Co-Chair will transition to Chair. More than one Co-Chair may be selected.

Other functions, roles and responsibilities include:

• Outreach Liaisons for specific stakeholder groups, including universities, industry/trade associations

• Communications Coordinator will handle the chapter email, social media, website and serve as the person of contact for the chapter

• Regional Coordinators will serve as the communications and recruitment point of contact for a specific region or country

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