Dr. Theresa Schredelseker
Head of Science Management and Communications
ZBT - Zentrum für Brennstoffzellentechnik GmbH
topic:
With the expansion of renewables, hydrogen is essential for a stable and flexible energy system. It enables grid balancing, decentralized power supply, long-term storage, energy transport, and deep decarbonization—especially in industry, where direct electrification is often not viable, and in sectors like shipping, where hydrogen-based fuels offer a sustainable alternative. As demand grows, the focus must shift toward low-carbon hydrogen production and infrastructure.
Applied research institutes play a key role in developing and qualifying hydrogen technologies, working with industry partners—often SMEs. With dedicated testing facilities, certification expertise, and system integration capabilities, they help bridge the gap between research and application. Many of these institutes cooperate in research platforms, combining complementary expertise to address industry-specific challenges. The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center ZBT, as an applied research institute, cooperates in such platforms and contributes by advancing materials, components, and stack technology, as well as storage and refueling solutions, ammonia cracking, and high-pressure technologies, ensuring that innovations are technically validated and ready for real-world deployment.
This talk provides an overview of ongoing R&D efforts, highlights challenges in scaling hydrogen technologies, and invites discussion on future collaborations.
About the speaker
Theresa developed an early interest in the interplay between science and society during her undergraduate studies in philosophy and biology. She gained organizational experience as a student representative before completing a Master’s degree in Dublin and Stockholm and a PhD in Molecular Medicine in Freiburg.
She then transitioned into professional science management, first as a Postdoc Coordinator in Hamburg, then moving to Duisburg for a science communication role. At ZBT, she quickly advanced into a team lead position, focusing on research strategy, science policy, research career development, outreach and public relations, advancing hydrogen and fuel cell research.
With a background in molecular biology and genetics, Theresa has transitioned into science management and policy. Her expertise spans research governance, strategy, communication, and funding, particularly in STEM fields. She now focuses on hydrogen technologies while navigating the broader dynamics of research systems and institutional management.
