Kyushu University welcomes Dr. Sunita Satyapal as a Special Advisor to the President

Kyushu University appointed Dr. Sunita Satyapal, an international leader in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells, as Special Advisor to the President, effective January 1, 2026. While based in the United States and continuing her overseas activities, Dr. Satyapal will provide strategic advice to Kyushu University through part‑time remote engagement. Her guidance will strengthen the university’s international research capacity and advance initiatives toward a hydrogen-based society.

Dr. Sunita Satyapal is an internationally recognized expert in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells with more than 30 years of experience in government, industry, and academia. She has served in various leadership roles, including Chief Engineer and Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO). In these roles, she contributed to the strategic planning and advancement of research and development programs in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells. In addition, she has played a significant role at the interface of policy and research and development, leading international hydrogen partnerships involving more than 25 countries.

From January to March 2026, Dr. Satyapal will work mainly with the current HYDROGENIUS, the core hub for hydrogen materials research at Kyushu University. Beginning in April 2026, she will support the management of the newly established Hydrogen Institute for Sustainability (HYDROGENIUS*) and provide strategic guidance to strengthen the institute’s international research development.

<Profile of Dr. Sunita Satyapal>
Dr. Sunita Satyapal is an internationally recognized expert in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells with more than 30 years of experience in government, industry, and academia.
She has had diverse roles, including as a researcher, a visiting assistant professor, as Chief Engineer and Director for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO), and as a manager in industry at United Technologies for research and development (R&D) as well as business development and stakeholder collaboration.

She received her Ph.D. from Columbia University and did postdoctoral work in Applied and Engineering Physics at Cornell University. She has numerous publications, including in Scientific American, holds 10 patents, and has received several recognitions, including both the Meritorious and Distinguished U.S. Presidential Rank Awards.

*About the Hydrogen Institute for Sustainability (HYDROGENIUS)
Kyushu University will establish the Hydrogen Institute for Sustainability (HYDROGENIUS) to advance comprehensive initiatives from basic research to societal implementation in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells, strengthen international collaborations, and develop future talent through partnerships within and beyond the university. The institute aims to advance safe and reliable hydrogen technologies and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.