My first monthly recap of 2026 focuses on the joy of being involved in another EU project. I believe that European collaboration is more important than ever and personally, it feels good to be back in it.
HiWhyV is a six-year Horizon project with 40+ partners, mostly from Sweden but with some replicators from other countries. It is the largest EU project I’ve been involved in so far, and potentially the one with the greatest societal impact. HiWhyV, short for High Coast to West Coast Hydrogen Valley, aims to create Sweden’s first large-scale hydrogen valley. It is a regional ecosystem covering all aspects of the hydrogen value chain.
The pictures are all from the kick-off at World of Volvo in Gothenburg. I picked a few from the group photo, one of the venue, and one of me (this is LinkedIn after all). I enjoyed walking around with my camera, talking to experts.
The fun started the day before when I welcomed my new colleagues from the European Science Communication Institute to my hometown. We kick-started our work as soon as they got off the night train from Germany. In this project, my role is within communication.
Two things struck me during the meeting. First, how many applications hydrogen has – far more than transport or green steel. And second, how interdependent all parts of the project are. This is when public funding (€19.8 million in this case) can act as a catalyst – bringing together partners working towards making Europe safer, greener, and creating jobs.
The kick-off delivered. Credit to the team from the coordinating partner RISE for putting together a varied programme mixing discussions, information and social activities.
One example I found interesting was the plans for a fertiliser factory in Torpshammar, a tiny place I visited last summer. It is crucial because today all fertilisers used in European farming are more or less dependent on imported natural gas from Russia. Anything that strengthens Europe’s resilience and the green transition is worthwhile to work on.
Speaking of insights into Europe gained through EU projects: in January I also wrapped up reflections from a trip to Serbia, that was part of another EU project (in Swedish on my travel blog).
As you can see I have left life science for a while and moved on to hydrogen. Or rather, returned. A younger version of me would probably be surprised. Three decades ago I left an unfinished PhD because I didn’t want to become a specialist in growing hydrogen-producing bacteria. Yet here I am, genuinely excited about hydrogen.
P.S. My non-resolution about more champagne? Four occasions in January. 🥂
I presented and reviewed my strategy for these monthly recaps in my December 2025 recap.
I use AI tools for proofreading and grammar.
Science communicator and project manager based in Sweden, working internationally. Montly recaps in English.
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