Program
Tentative Program of the 8th RD20 Conference 2026 (As of October 9)
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Additional Events
Women in Green Hydrogen Networking Cocktail Event (Members only)
21 October | 17:30-21:00
Women in research and development, industry professionals, developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, funding partners and allies will exchange perspectives through a moderated panel and audience discussion, followed by a networking cocktail reception.
Campus Tour
22 October | 14:00-17:00

Leaders Session (LS), October 22, Venue: CSIR ICC (AMBER)

Arrival and Registration 08:00-08:55
Safety briefing 09:00-09:15

Morning Session 09:15-13:00 (Open to the public)

09:15
10:20
Opening ceremony
Welcome address: Dr. Thulani Dlamini (CSIR)
Opening remarks
  Director General or Deputy Director-General, South African Government (TBD)
  Ministry of Economics, Trade, and Industry (METI), Japan – video message
  Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan– video message
  Ministry of Environment (MOE), Japan – video message
  Mr. Takeshi YOSHIDA (NEDO), Japan
Voices of Leadership: Strenthening Global Cooperation through RD20
  Mr. Kazuhiko Ishimura (ASIT)
  Dr. Martin Keller (Helmholtz Association) – video message
10:20
10:50
Coffee break
10:50
11:20
RD20 status and activities (moderated by Action Committee members)
– Report of Summer School 2026: Prof. Abdessamad FAIK (UM6P, Morocco)
– Report of TF activities: Dr. Masahiro Yoshita (AIST), Dr. Thomas Roos (CSIR)
11:20
12:10
Open discussion
Leading presentations:
  Dr. Rebecca Maserumle (TBC) (Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa)
  The role of Green Hydrogen in Africa and Developments in South Africa
Discussion:
  Following the leading presentations, leaders of RD20 institutions will exchange views on opportunities for collaboration and future partnerships.
12:10
12:20
Announcement
Announcement of the RD20 Summer School 2027: Dr. Jamie Speirs (UKERC)
Announcement of the 9th RD20 2027: Dr. Koichi Matsuoka (AIST)
12:20
12:20
Adjournment of morning session
Closing Announcement: Dr. Mali
12:30
12:40
Group Photo (Entrance of the International Convention Center)
12:40
13:00
Visit to the Exhibition Booths
13:00
14:00
Lunch

Note: Campus Tour will be held on 22 October from 14:00 to 17:00.

Afternoon Session 14:00-17:30 (Closed, Members of RD20 Institution only)

14:00
14:05
Introductory remarks from chairs
Dr. Thulani Dlamini (CSIR, provisional), Mr. Kazuo Ishimura (AIST),
Dr. Christopher Hebling (Fh-ISE), as a presiding chair
14:05
14:20
Overview of the LS afternoon session in the 8th RD20
Reviewing Leaders Recommendation 2025
14:20
15:00
Moderated discussion Theme 1
Engagement – Exploring ways to support active participation in RD20 activities
15:00
15:30
Moderated discussion Theme 2
Resources for Collaboration Opportunity
15:30
15:50
Coffee break
15:50
16:30
Moderated discussion Theme 3
Membership – Considering future principles related to RD20 membership
16:30
17:00
Moderated discussion Theme 4
Visibility – Improving RD20’s visibility and outreach
17:00
17:15
Reviewing discussion for Leaders Recommendation 2026
17:15
17:25
Future conference approval of hosting institutes
The 10th RD20 Conference 2028
RD20 Summer School 2028
17:25
17:30
Closing remarks
17:30
17:30
Adjounment of afternoon session
18:00
21:00
Conference Closing Dinner