GW-SHIFT Early Career Researchers showcase hydrogen innovation at Exeter–Pretoria joint workshop
Three Early Career Researchers (ECRs) working on GW-SHIFT-funded projects took part in the Pitch Your Research Competition during a Joint Research Workshop between the University of Exeter and the University of Pretoria, held at the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus on 18 May 2026.
The workshop brought together PhD researchers, ECRs, and senior academics from both institutions to explore the theme “Energy, Mining, and Food Systems at the Centre: Collaborative Opportunities and Sustainability Challenges.” The event provided a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, with a particular focus on how research can support more sustainable and resilient energy and resource systems.
The Pitch Your Research Competition invited PhD students and ECRs to present their work in a short, accessible format designed for a non-specialist audience. The aim was to highlight research excellence across both universities while strengthening communication skills and encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration, particularly around mining impacts, food system insecurity, and renewable energy transitions, including energy inequality.
Early Career Researchers presenting GW-SHIFT research
Three GW-SHIFT ECRs presented their research at the competition:
Jake Hollins presented “Hydrogen production control systems with renewable energy”, developed through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Exeter and HydroStar Europe Ltd. His work focuses on improving the integration and control of hydrogen production systems powered by renewable energy sources.
Jack Corbin presented the GW-SHIFT Sprint Project SHEILD: Scalable Hydrogen through Iridium-Efficient Low-cost Design, which explores pathways to making green hydrogen more affordable and scalable. The project involves collaboration with Oxford Nano Systems Ltd, Oort Energy, Four Zeros Energy Ltd, and the Henry Royce Institute.
Zhichuan Ma presented the GW-SHIFT Sprint Project GW-HyGrid: Techno-Economic-Environmental Evaluation of Hydrogen for Grid Flexibility in the Great Western Region, developed in partnership with Wales & West Utilities and ChargeRevive Ltd. The project assesses the potential role of hydrogen in supporting flexible, low-carbon energy grids.
Recognition for outstanding presentation
The competition recognised excellence in research communication, with Jack Corbin awarded the best presentation prize for his clear and engaging delivery of the SHEILD project and its potential contribution to scalable green hydrogen production.
Strengthening collaboration and research impact
The workshop underscored the importance of cross-institutional collaboration between the University of Exeter and the University of Pretoria in addressing complex global challenges. By bringing together researchers across career stages and disciplines, the event created opportunities to connect emerging research in energy systems, resource use, and sustainability.
Through initiatives such as the Pitch Your Research Competition, GW-SHIFT continues to support Early Career Researchers in developing both their technical expertise and their ability to communicate research impact to broader audiences – an increasingly important skill in advancing real-world sustainable energy transitions.