Fostering international research collaboration in Hydrogen innovation, from Nantes to Victoria
What initially attracted you to Nantes Université for your research visit, and what aspects of the hydrogen research here stood out to you compared to other institutions?
J. Lee: France has established itself as one of the global leaders in hydrogen research, and my primary goal was to connect with French researchers for potential future collaborations. Among the various institutions I considered, Nantes Université stood out through its outstanding research facilities, particularly in materials characterisation and analysis. The expertise in high-temperature fuel cells at IMN was especially impressive and directly relevant to my research interests.
Can you describe the research you worked on during your visit and what made this collaboration valuable for your work?
J. Lee: While my research visit was limited to one day and didn't involve conducting physical experiments, it proved enormously valuable in other ways. We had the opportunity to exchange insights on our respective clean hydrogen research programmes and identified several promising avenues for collaboration. The discussions revealed complementary expertise between our institutions that could form the basis of future joint projects.
What surprised you most about working with the research team in Nantes—whether it was their approach, facilities, or the collaborative environment?
J. Lee: I was particularly struck by the team's approach of pursuing fundamental understanding while maintaining a clear focus on practical applications. The comprehensive facilities at IMN are genuinely impressive and provide the infrastructure necessary to achieve ambitious research goals. Additionally, the collaborative environment between scientists and students appeared highly effective, creating a dynamic research atmosphere that benefits everyone involved.
How do you envision the collaboration between the University of Victoria and Nantes Université evolving in the hydrogen field, and what opportunities do you see for other researchers to engage with Nantes Université?
J. Lee: I see considerable potential for collaboration, as our research expertise aligns well and our capabilities complement each other effectively. The logical first step would be to pursue funding through established programmes such as Mitacs, which would facilitate student exchanges and help us identify initial collaborative projects. These early initiatives could then pave the way for more substantial long-term partnerships in hydrogen research.
What advice would you give to researchers considering a visit to Nantes Université?
J. Lee: Come prepared to meet with high-quality researchers and to engage in substantive discussions about collaborative opportunities. The expertise and facilities at Nantes Université create an environment where meaningful research partnerships can truly flourish.