My Journey in Hydrogen Research: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Power of Collaboration
Dr Mi Tian is an associate professor in Low Carbon Engineering at the University of Exeter and an esteemed member of the Global Sustainability Initiative (GSI) community. Dr Tian was recently recognized as an EPSRC-WES Ambassador for Women IN Engineering in 2023 and named one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering in 2020. Dr Tian reflects on her career journey to date which has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, collaboration and the support of inspiring mentors; her passion for sustainable energy; and how the challenges she has faced have strengthened her commitment to contributing to the hydrogen energy revolution.
When I reflect on my journey in hydrogen research, it has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, and the ability to seize opportunities at the right time. From my early studies in Chemical Engineering to leading a hydrogen storage research group at the University of Exeter, my career has taken unexpected turns—filled with both challenges and opportunities. Throughout this journey, persistence and timing have been essential in building my career in hydrogen research.
My interest in hydrogen started during my MSc and PhD, where I focused on materials for hydrogen storage and carbon capture. I developed a deep understanding of metal hydrides, an exciting class of materials that can store hydrogen at lower pressures and temperatures than conventional methods. But my research journey was far from smooth.
During my PhD, my supervisor unexpectedly stepped down, leaving me in an uncertain position. At the same time, the UK’s hydrogen research community was struggling, with limited funding and opportunities. Much of the attention had shifted toward batteries, making it difficult to secure resources for hydrogen storage research. However, I was fortunate to find a volunteer supervisor, Professor Zhengxiao Guo from UCL, through the H2FC SUPERGEN Hub. His generous guidance helped me complete my thesis, even though it took longer than expected. And during this period, I also became a mother, making the achievement even more meaningful.
Looking back, I realize this was the first big lesson in persistence. There were moments when continuing felt impossible, but I pushed through. And when the right opportunity came—at just the right time—it changed everything.
After completing my PhD, I joined the University of Bath as a postdoctoral researcher, first working with Professor Valeska Ting and later with Professor Tim Mays. This was where I established my research direction in neutron scattering and porous materials—areas that still shape much of my work today. But at that time, hydrogen research in the UK was still in decline. Funding was scarce, and long-term career opportunities were limited. Many researchers had already shifted their focus to other areas. It was another moment of uncertainty—should I continue in hydrogen, or move on?
