Capacity Building for a New Generation of Scientists in Energy Security and Climate Neutrality

The event, held at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) from October 8–16, 2024, was a resounding success, achieving its objectives of fostering dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and capacity building among the new generation of scientists in energy security and climate neutrality.

Key Strengths:

1. Diverse Participation:
   • Nearly 70 attendees, including 49 speakers and listeners, brought a rich mix of perspectives from academia, industry, public organizations, and the European Commission.
   • Representation from 8 NATO countries and 2 partner countries ensured a strong international and collaborative spirit, fostering cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange.
2. High-Quality Speakers:
   • Esteemed experts from 13 universities and institutes across 7 countries delivered insights on cutting-edge topics such as energy efficiency, UAV applications, hydrogen energy, and transportation safety.
   • Contributions from industry and public sector representatives enriched the discussions with practical applications and policy perspectives, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
3. Engagement of Young Scientists:
   • 10-12 doctoral students and young scientists actively participated, demonstrating enthusiasm through their thoughtful questions and contributions during the young scientists’ session.
   • The event successfully provided them with a platform to present their research, enhance their visibility, and engage with leading experts.
4. Comprehensive Program:
   • The sessions covered diverse, relevant topics, from environmental and cyber security to human factors, energy sustainability, and innovative technologies like UAVs and hydrogen energy.
   • The program’s structure allowed ample time for discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking, making it a well-rounded and impactful experience.
5. Networking Opportunities:
   • The gala dinner and informal interactions created a conducive environment for building professional relationships, fostering collaborations, and encouraging interdisciplinary discussions among participants.

Notable Highlights:

• The session on hydrogen energy and sustainability stood out, addressing the critical pathways toward decarbonization and climate neutrality.
• Discussions on cyber security and human dimensions emphasized the growing importance of integrating advanced technology with human-centered design.
• The young scientists’ session added significant value by showcasing emerging talent, fostering mentorship, and inspiring the next generation of researchers.

Success and Future Prospects:

• High Success: The event was highly successful, receiving excellent feedback from participants. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the quality of the sessions, the relevance of the topics, and the opportunities for meaningful interactions.
• Positive Feedback: Both speakers and listeners highlighted the event as an invaluable experience for knowledge exchange, professional growth, and international networking.

Why We Want to Continue and Expand the Event:

1. Building a Strong Community: The event successfully brought together experts, young scientists, and industry representatives from various fields and countries. Continuing this initiative annually will strengthen and expand this community, creating a dynamic platform for ongoing collaboration.
2. Advancing Scientific Excellence: By providing a venue for leading scientists and emerging researchers to present their work and exchange ideas, the event promotes scientific excellence and innovation in fields critical to global challenges.
3. Fostering Interdisciplinary Approaches: The event’s diverse topics and participant backgrounds encourage interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex problems, from energy security to climate neutrality.
4. Mentoring the Next Generation: The inclusion of young scientists and doctoral students ensures that the event plays a key role in mentoring and empowering the next generation of researchers and professionals.
5. Enhancing International Collaboration: The international nature of the event strengthens ties between NATO and partner countries, fostering trust and cooperation in addressing shared challenges.
6. Responding to Evolving Challenges: Energy security, sustainability, and climate neutrality are evolving challenges. Holding this event annually allows for the incorporation of the latest advancements, policy changes, and emerging technologies into the discussions.
7. Institutional Benefits: For organizers like BME and GTE, continuing this event enhances their reputation as hubs of excellence in research and education, attracting top talent and fostering partnerships.

Proposed Expansion:

• Broader international representation by inviting participants from additional countries.
• Inclusion of workshops and hands-on sessions to deepen practical knowledge.
• Expanded young scientist sessions to provide more opportunities for emerging researchers.
• A focus on new and trending topics in energy and climate neutrality to ensure continued relevance.

Conclusion:

The event exceeded expectations in terms of knowledge dissemination, capacity building, and international collaboration. The dedication of the GTE, BME and Ukrainain organizers, led by NATO directors, ensured smooth execution and impactful outcomes. This initiative successfully laid the foundation for nurturing the next generation of scientists committed to addressing global challenges in energy security and climate neutrality. With its high success and excellent feedback, we strongly believe this event should continue year after year, becoming a flagship initiative for advancing research, fostering innovation, and building global partnerships in these critical fields.