Zwevegem, Belgium – 10 July 2026 – The PEMPIRE consortium gathered at its industrial partner Bekaert in Zwevegem, Belgium, from 9 to 10 July 2026 for its second project meeting. The seven project partners reviewed the latest research developments, shared updates from their activities, and discussed the overall progress of the project.
The meeting was hosted by our industrial partner Bekaert, which contributes to PEMPIRE through the development of porous transport layers (PTLs) for water electrolysers, with a particular focus on advanced PTL coatings. Besides presentations and working group sessions, the consortium had the opportunity to visit Bekaert’s headquarters and impressive showroom, gaining valuable insights into the company’s diverse activities and areas of expertise.
Day 1: Work Package Updates and Visit to Bekaert’s Showroom
On the first day of the project meeting, the coordinator and project partners provided a strategic overview of the project and reviewed the progress made across the different work packages, including milestones and initial deliverables. This was followed by parallel working group sessions, where participants discussed the content and direction of each work package, explored potential synergies, and addressed open scientific questions, as well as project risks and opportunities. The day concluded with a guided tour of Bekaert’s showroom and a consortium dinner in Kortrijk, providing valuable opportunities for networking and informal exchange.
Day 2: Next Project Steps and Guided Lab Tour at Bekaert’s Technology Centre
On the second day, the consortium revisited key project management and implementation aspects, including lump-sum funding rules, budget structures, and reporting requirements, ensuring a shared understanding of the project’s administrative framework. Partners also discussed strategic priorities, upcoming milestones, and planned deliverables for the next project period. In addition, the project’s Communication and Dissemination Strategy was presented, and the consortium had the opportunity to gain practical insights during a guided lab tour hosted by Bekaert.
Face-to-face meetings like this are essential for strengthening collaboration, fostering new ideas, and giving the project a valuable boost for the next phase.