Sadik Al-Hassan MP learns about pioneering green hydrogen research at Bath

The visit was a chance to highlight the University’s hydrogen, aviation, and pharmacy research and education.

Bath graduate and North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan returned to the University on Friday 12 September to explore cutting-edge research in hydrogen and aviation, and to reconnect with the pharmacy education that shaped his career before Parliament.

During his visit, Sadik took part in a roundtable discussion hosted by Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) Professor Sarah Hainsworth, focused on the growing importance of hydrogen innovation.

He heard from researchers leading major programmes including UK-HyRES, GW-SHIFT, ZENITH and HyFIVE - all contributing to the UK’s transition to sustainable energy and the University’s hydrogen work both on-campus and at IAAPS.

For more than two decades, the University has been at the forefront of hydrogen research, led by Emeritus Professor Tim Mays. Bath’s expertise spans renewable hydrogen production, solid-state storage, safety protocols, and hydrogen applications in transport, including in aviation.

Building on his previous visit to IAAPS in June, Sadik’s continued interest in hydrogen’s role in decarbonising aviation reflects his advocacy in Parliament for sustainable technologies that can help sectors decarbonise whilst also boosting economic growth.

Following the roundtable - which included contributions from Chris Bowen, Chris Brace, Karen Brooks, Mi Tian, Rajan Jagpal, George Neville, Sam Akehurst, Xiaoze Pei and Andy Rhead - Sadik toured the University’s new hydrogen lab in 9 West.

Commenting on the visit, Sadik said: “My recent visit to the University of Bath provided fascinating insights into their cutting-edge hydrogen fuel research and the significant progress being made toward making hydrogen a commercial reality.

“The roundtable discussion with Professor Sarah Hainsworth and team highlighted how this research is addressing the critical technical challenges in scaling hydrogen fuel systems. It's exciting to see such innovative work that could accelerate the transition to sustainable energy solutions. The laboratory tour showcased impressive developments in hydrogen production and storage technologies that are genuinely pushing the boundaries of what's possible in clean energy.

The visit was a chance to connect Sadik with Bath researchers leading key hydrogen and pharmacy projects, as well as the Students' Union.

“As hydrogen technologies rapidly evolve, it's essential that we align our educational programs to prepare professionals with the specialised skills needed for this emerging sector - from safety protocols to processes in hydrogen fuel production.

“The visit reinforced the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in making hydrogen fuels and hydrogen in aviation a practical reality. The University of Bath is clearly at the forefront of this transformation, and I look forward to continued partnership opportunities."

As a former pharmacy student and subsequently having worked as a pharmacist, Sadik also met Professor Lyn Hanning to learn about recent developments in pharmacy education and innovations at Bath.

Since September 2025, Bath’s MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy course has been delivered at Plymouth, expanding access to pharmacy training in the region and helping to address the national shortage of pharmacists.

Sadik added: “My conversation with Lyn Hanning and the pharmacy team was particularly valuable in discussing workforce development and curriculum planning.”

Professor Sarah Hainsworth said: “It was great to welcome to welcome Sadik back to campus to introduce him to our hydrogen, aviation and pharmacy experts and to brief him on a range of current projects which are helping to deliver real impacts in response to pressing environmental and healthcare challenges.

“Across our sustainability, health and digital portfolios, the University of Bath has real strengths in both research and skills delivery. We’re committed to championing this nationally and look forward to working with Sadik and other regional MPs to amplify the important contributions being made here at Bath.”

During his time on campus, Sadik also visited the Students’ Union, where he was welcomed by newly elected SU President Benji Thompson.