SET4H2 is proud to announce our Scientific Advisory Board, who will advise on technical and policy matters in the hydrogen research and innovation (R&I sectors). The Scientific Advisory Board consists of:
- Dr. -Ing. Maria Ivanova
- Dr. Sofia Simões
- Dr. Ing. Alexander Trattner
- Dr. Antonino Aricò
Dr. -Ing. Maria Ivanova
Dr. Maria Ivanova is Head of Technology Development at the Center of Excellence for Hydrogen Technologies – H2Start, Trakia University, Bulgaria, where she leads the strategic planning and deployment of advanced research infrastructure, technology roadmaps, and innovation projects in hydrogen technologies. Her core expertise lies in protonic ceramics and electrochemical devices based on them, spanning their development, integration, and application in hydrogen production, separation, and energy conversion. Within H2Start, she is driving the creation of a comprehensive Research & Technology Infrastructure that integrates cutting-edge laboratories, pilot facilities, and testing platforms across the hydrogen value chain. This end-to-end capability – from materials research to full system validation – supports innovation in hydrogen production, purification, storage, and utilization, positioning H2Start as a regional and European hub for hydrogen innovation and sustainable energy deployment.
As a member of the Scientific Council of the Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell, and Energy Storage Association (BGH2A), Dr. Ivanova helps shape Bulgaria’s national hydrogen strategy and align it with European decarbonization targets. She advises on technological priorities, R&D roadmaps, and project concepts, leveraging her expertise in innovative hydrogen solutions and large-scale research infrastructure. Her work emphasizes knowledge transfer, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, strengthening the Association’s role in European initiatives and ensuring Bulgarian stakeholders are well positioned in the evolving clean hydrogen economy.
Dr. Ivanova is also an Expert for Hydrogen Programs at the European Commission and a Certified Business Manager from the German Academy for Management. Recognized by Women World Magazine for contributions to hydrogen science, she is an advocate for voice equality and a committed ally against mobbing, discrimination, misogyny, and power abuse in science. She holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and has an extensive track record in innovation projects, strategic partnerships, and the development of next-generation hydrogen energy systems.
Dr. Sofia Simões
Dr. Sofia Gago da Câmara Simões is a distinguished Portuguese researcher and expert in energy systems and environmental policy. Currently, Dr. Simões serves as the principal researcher and head of the Resource Economic Unit at LNEG – National Energy and Geology Laboratory in Amadora, Portugal, a position she has held since 2020.Her professional journey spans over two decades, including roles such as a principal researcher for the Energy & Climate Group at the Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research (CENSE FCT/NOVA), scientific project officer at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, and researcher at FCT/NOVA. She also gained industry experience early in her career at SEIA, S.A., and SHELL Portugal, S.A.
She holds a PhD from Leiden University, The Netherlands, where her thesis focused on integrating energy and environmental policy instruments by assessing their interactions within power systems. She also earned an MSc in Environment Management & Policy from Lund University, Sweden, and a BSc in Environment Engineering from NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal.
Dr. Simões has led and contributed to numerous high-impact research projects, including coordinating the TIMES energy systems modeling for the EU in the Horizon Europe CO2NSTRUCT project (2022-2026) and serving as Project Coordinator for CLIM2POWER (2017-2020). Her work has focused on energy systems optimisation, circular economy, carbon neutrality roadmaps, and climate mitigation strategies. She has also been appointed by the Portuguese government to lead the taskforce for defining Renewable Energy Acceleration Areas.
She has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Nature Climate Change, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, and Energy Strategy Reviews. Her research addresses critical topics like circular economy practices, demand-side strategies for energy transitions, and climate-proofing renewable electricity deployment in Europe.
Dr. Ing. Alexander Trattner
Dr. Alexander Trattner is a distinguished mechanical engineer and academic with extensive expertise in thermodynamics, sustainable propulsion systems, and hydrogen technology. He currently acts as an Assistant Professor in the Institute of Thermodynamics and Sustainable Propulsion Systems at the Graz University of Technology, as well as CEO and Research Director at HyCentA Research GmbH, a hydrogen research institute. Since joining HyCentA Research in 2015 and his appointment as CEO and Research Director in 2018, Dr. Trattner has contributed to the institute’s groundbreaking research and development in hydrogen-powered systems and sustainable energy solutions. His previous roles include calibration engineer at AVL List GmbH, design engineer at Tyrolon Schulnig GmbH, and various roles at the Graz University of Technology, including project manager and lecturer.
Dr. Trattner graduated with distinction from the Higher Technical College for Mechanical Engineering in Saalfelden in 2001, received a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Technical Physics at Graz University of Technology in 2009, and competed his doctoral studies in Mechanical Engineering with distinction from the Graz University of Technology in 2016.
Dr. Trattner has authored over 60 scientific publications, including influential works on hydrogen economy, PEM fuel cells, and energy systems. His research has earned him numerous accolades, such as the State Prize Mobility, VCÖ Mobility Price, and Energy Globe Awards. He has also been recognized for his contributions to engine technology with awards such as the Best Paper Award of SAE SETC and the Hans List Fonds laureate.
Dr. Antonio Aricò
Dr. Antonino Salvatore Aricò is an esteemed Italian scientist and researcher specializing in advanced energy technologies. He currently serves as the Director of the Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies (CNR-ITAE) under the Italian National Council of Research (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche). With a career spanning decades, Dr. Aricò has made significant contributions to the fields of fuel cells, electrolysis, electro-catalysis, catalysis, CO2 recycling, batteries, solar cells, electrochemistry, and materials science.
Dr. Aricò has published over 400 articles in international peer-reviewed journals, authored two books, contributed to ten book chapters, and holds eight international patents. Dr. Aricò’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of the 150 most-cited scholars in energy research by Elsevier Scopus Data in 2016. He has also been recognized in international rankings for his work in fuel cells and included in the list of Top Italian Scientists in Chemistry.
Throughout his career, Dr. Aricò has been actively involved in research funding and project management, leading projects totaling approximately €40 million. He has been the coordinator and scientific advisor for several projects including EU projects (11), international projects (3), national projects (8) and industry-funded contracts (16) on topics such as fuel cells, electrocatalysis, water electrolysis and power-to-fuel, investigating various approaches for coupling renewable power sources with hydrogen and organic fuel electrochemical generation. His leadership also extends to collaborations with industries such as Toyota Europe, Daimler, Italcementi, FIAMM, and Pirelli Labs, focusing on innovative solutions in energy storage, fuel cells, and renewable energy technologies.
Dr. Aricò has held several major institutional roles, including representing Italy at the European Commission for the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (JU) and the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU). He has also served as the CNR representative in the EERA Joint Programme on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen and contributed to foresight activities in energy storage.
In addition to his research, Dr. Aricò has been a dedicated educator, serving as a contract professor at the University of Messina and teaching courses for PhD students and industry professionals. He has supervised multiple PhD and graduate theses, fostering the next generation of scientists in his field.