Gradually fuel cell performance improves and a market introduction lies round the corner - if not already here. Today, an increasing part of the R&D activities in the area is focused on production and direct application issues. A continued R&D over the last years has meant a decrease in systems costs and increased performance. Groups of advocators grow stronger around the world, both in academia and in the industry. The desire to decrease the oil-dependence in our society is more and more pronounced in politics.

However, introducing new technologies is resource demanding and so far the investments in fuel cell products is low compared to what is invested in new products in mature markets. Networking, developing partnerships and supply chains is needed to attract risk capital and government funding for R&D to overcome some of the investment hurdles.

The Nordic PEMFC Fuel Cell Conference 2006 in Stockholm aims at strengthening these processes through presentations of scientific and engineering results in the Nordic countries and elsewhere. It is an international conference focusing on PEMFC and Nordic conditions from science to industry. In close connection with the conference there will be a Nordic-Canadian workshop with a broader fuel cell theme and more focusing on what is going on than what has been done.

You are invited to participate in the conference and submit a paper or poster. The deadline for submission of abstracts is April 28 2006. Abstracts will be peer reviewed. Acceptance will be notified before the end of May.

Registration and submission of papers and posters may be made via the conference homepage: www.nordicpemfc06.org

Travel support for Nordic PhD students may be given. If needed application can be made on the registration form on “message for the Organising Committee”

Stockholm in September is a beautiful place with several attractions and surroundings. You are very welcome.