The second edition of the European PhD Hydrogen Conference (EPHyC), organised by the University of Trieste (UniTS) in collaboration with Hydrogen Europe Research (HER) and with the support of the partners of the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley, took place in Trieste from April 8 to 11, 2025.
The event welcomed around 160 PhD students from 85 universities and research centers across 22 Eropean countries. The conference promotes scientific and technological innovation in the hydrogen sector and in the broader context of the energy transition by fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange among early-stage researchers.
With a strong focus on education and training, the conference aims to support the development of the next generation of researchers and professionals in the field of sustainable energy. EPHyC also contributes to strengthening the role of the North Adriatic macro-region as an international hub for research and innovation, enhancing the value of local academic and scientific excellence.
On April 8 a conference ice-breaker event has been organised, including a boat excursion in the Bay of Piran. The tour aimed to emphasise the transnational initiative of the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley also showcasing the unique geographical and cultural territories involved.
The conference officially opened on April 9 with a plenary session that welcomed distinguished guests, including Mirela Atanasiu, Head of Unit for Operations and Communication at the Clean Hydrogen Partnership; Luigi Crema, President of Hydrogen Europe Research; and other representatives from leading institutions and companies active in the clean energy transition.
On the same day, participants also had the opportunity to join a guided visit to Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, a center of scientific excellence whose technological and infrastructural contributions are key to advancing hydrogen-related innovations.
Scientific sessions were held across the following three days — April 9, 10, and 11 — and organised into seven main thematic tracks: Hydrogen Production, Hydrogen Storage, Hydrogen Utilisation, Hydrogen Derivatives, Regulations and Safety, Policy and Economics, and Social Impact – Education and Training.
The high quality of the presentations reflected the excellence of the participating researchers and European institutions. EPHyC 2025 significantly contributed to raising awareness of the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley initiative.
