Call for H2FUTURE New Research Initiatives (NRI) Programme 2025 – 2026 for University of Oulu researchers is open

H2FUTURE research programme is fostering hydrogen research with a funding for new research initiatives at the University of Oulu. We are offering funding of €50,000 for three selected new research initiatives (NRI) hydrogen related research projects for University of Oulu researchers. Deadline for project applications is November 17th, 2024, at 23:59

About the profilation

Hydrogen future as a climate solution (H2FUTURE) combines the University of Oulu’s research strengths in future H2 production, sustainable metals reduction processes, and hydrogen resistant steel development to a unique, holistic, multidisciplinary research community with ambition in enabling green and sustainable hydrogen transition. H2FUTURE is leveraging research excellence in future energy formation and its applications to mitigate the energy and environmental crisis.

The H2FUTURE programme aims to find new and creative solutions for clean hydrogen production using direct sunlight-driven photocatalytic water splitting and the scale-up of catalytic methane pyrolysis technology with tailored nanocarbon side stream production. Moreover, H2FUTURE will work to develop methods for the fossil-free hydrogen reduction of iron ores, with a focus on novel hydrogen embrittlement resistant tough steels with increased durability for lightweight applications. Altogether, H2FUTURE will establish a transdisciplinary research ecosystem focusing on high-level fundamental research and, together with its collaborators, cover the path from hydrogen production to transport, storage, and end-use in steel applications.

Solar hydrogen aims at disruptive improvements in the efficiency of photocatalytic water splitting through understanding the electronic-level physical phenomena. The topic combines cutting-edge synchrotron characterization, ab initio theory, and Al-based innovations to design high-performance photocatalysts, resolve challenges of recombination and redox potential tailoring and maximize the solar flux acceptance.

Carbon emission free H2 focuses on methane pyrolysis as the most promising CO2-free and energy-efficient intermediate method of hydrogen production, which also enables the use of solid carbon, e.g. in electrical applications. The aim is to develop catalysts and processes to optimize the efficiency of hydrogen production and to tailor the quality of side stream nanocarbon for use as a novel battery material.

Sustainable use of H2 for metal production will develop the production of steels and ferroalloys by replacing carbon with hydrogen as an energy source and reducing agent in metallurgical processes. The focus is on multi-scale reaction mechanisms suited for reduction techniques (shaft furnace, hydrogen plasma, fluidized bed) with iron-containing raw materials and on-line process diagnostics.

Optimizing ultra-high-strength steel solutions will require developing testing technique(s) for the detection and analysis of the detrimental influence of atomic hydrogen in iron lattices, developing novel microstructure(s) for enhanced local hydrogen trapping and crack propagation resistance, and improving the understanding and modeling of hydrogen-steel interaction from atomic to macro scale and vice versa under long-term service conditions.

Call for H2FUTURE Pilot Programme - who can apply?

This open call seeks out-of-the-box ideas that can contribute to significant advancements in hydrogen technology and interdisciplinary topics linking hydrogen research with other research fields. Funding is only available for University of Oulu researchers.

Project Requirements

• Principal Investigators (PIs): Must be at the professor, docent, or postdoc level with demonstrated research potential or accomplishments. This includes contributions to high-quality research and a potential for securing external funding. The PI must be affiliated with the University of Oulu.
• Impact: Projects should demonstrate the potential for high scientific and societal impact, with a clear plan for disseminating results and ensuring their accessibility.

The funding can be used to researchers’ salary costs and/or other research initiatives and actions (such as outsourced services) that extend H2FUTURE themes. The length of the funding period is 2 years at maximum from the decision date.

The number of submitted proposals is restricted to one application per one PI. The reports on the usage of funding will be asked for all the funded projects. Unused grant will be returned to H2FUTURE research consortium.

Selection Procedure

This is an open call for proposals, with an evaluation process designed to select projects that are innovative, scientifically excellent, and going beyond the thematic of H2FUTURE. The evaluation will be carried out by an expert group composed of members from both H2FUTURE and the Kvantum Institute and supported by the members of the H2FUTURE Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The selection criteria include:

• Scientific quality, innovativeness, and novelty of the research
• Feasibility and interdisciplinarity of the research plan
• Competence and scientific expertise of applicants
• Collaboration and contribution of national and/or international research collaborators and their environment to the success of the project
• Sustainability effects and impact of project
• Potential societal impact
  

Application Process - How to apply?

All documents should be submitted to the Webropol application form by November 17th, 2024 at 23:59. The application shall be written in English and include the following:

• Research plan (max. 3 pages) describes your research idea and how it extends H2FUTURE’s thematics. The research proposal should be written on the word template (internal link) and include the following:
  • Aim and objectives
    • Implementation, methods and timetable
    • Research team and interdisciplinary collaboration
    • Short summary of the budget
    • Sustainability, societal effects, impact and dissemination
• Detailed budget of the project. Provide details on intending of use fundings. Use the Excel template. (Internal link)
• Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity
• List of publications based on the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland
  

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

H2FUTURE coordinator
Dr. Filipp Temerov
Email: filipp.temerov@oulu.fi
Phone: +358 50 569 7739

Kvantum Institute research coordinator
Dr. Jouko Inkeröinen
Email: jouko.inkeroinen@oulu.fi
Phone: +358 40 577 6106