Over 150 research and industry experts gathered in London for a Cryogenic Hydrogen Research Conference delivered by the ATI’s Hydrogen Capability Network (HCN) in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority this week. This inaugural HCN conference with a cryogenics focus brought together academics, students, and industry engineers working in the field of cryogenic hydrogen to share knowledge and foster a collaborative community.

Julia Sutcliffe, Chief Scientific Advisor for the Department for Business and Trade, opened the conference as a keynote speaker. She highlighted the potential for hydrogen-powered flight to support the UK government’s missions for growth and clean energy. Encouraging the audience to embrace hydrogen's role in aerospace innovation, Julia remarked: “The UK has a fantastic and unique opportunity to build on our existing capabilities to achieve climate goals. You are the innovators, engineers, and entrepreneurs who will drive this success.”

These innovators took center stage during the afternoon breakout sessions, where delegates attended presentations from 18 academics, aerospace organizations, and research institutions. The discussions centered around three key themes: thermofluids, health and safety, and materials. Jacob Leachman, Professor at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Washington State University and Director of the HYPER Center, delivered the second keynote address. He shared insights on how hydrogen has driven engineering breakthroughs since its discovery in 1766 and emphasized the value of challenging existing paradigms to unlock hydrogen’s full potential.

An afternoon panel session explored the challenges of balancing supply and distribution with demand, stressing the importance of understanding the physics of hydrogen alongside health and safety considerations. A recurring theme throughout the event was collaboration. Speakers and panelists underscored the importance of cohesively developing technology, skills, research, policy, and certification. They also called for a unified approach to testing standards, health and safety regulations, and infrastructure development.

In mid-2025, the HCN will publish reports on strategic interventions necessary for enabling liquid hydrogen-powered flight. These reports will cover three key areas identified in 2024 as critical to securing the UK’s leadership in hydrogen aircraft technologies: test infrastructure, research, and skills development.

Discover more from the HCN, including the Network Map—a database showcasing training courses, research projects, and facilities available in the UK—at: www.ati.org.uk/hydrogen.

Source: fuelcellworks.com

Image: Cryogenic Hydrogen Research Conference. Credit: FCW