Strategic Evaluation 2026
Helmholtz Energy Presented its Strategic Vision for 2028 and Beyond to International Review Panel
Last week, the Helmholtz Energy Research Program underwent a three-day evaluation by an international review panel. The evaluation provided an opportunity to present the program's achievements during the current funding period (2021–2027) and outline its strategic vision for the years beyond 2028.
More than 100 leading scientists and directors from the five Helmholtz centers participating in the research field Energy came together to showcase ongoing work, discuss future priorities, answer critical questions, and present the strategic initiatives that will shape the next phase of the program.
Addressing Complex Energy Challenges
The evaluation took place against the backdrop of a historic heatwave across Europe. As record temperatures and their far-reaching impacts dominated headlines throughout the week, they served as a stark reminder of the interconnected crises our societies are navigating today. Climate change, geopolitical instability, and economic pressures are increasingly impacting energy systems worldwide and highlighting the need for integrated and resilient solutions.
Helmholtz Energy addresses these challenges through a comprehensive research approach that covers the entire energy system—from energy generation, conversion, and storage to distribution and end use. By combining expertise from different disciplines and research domains, the program develops solutions that consider both technological innovation and system-level impacts.
A Unique Systemic Approach
A distinguishing feature of Helmholtz Energy is its systemic perspective. Rather than addressing individual research questions in isolation, the participating centers work together to investigate the energy system as a whole.
The program's mission is clear: Five centers, one mission: Building the scientific foundation for a resilient, secure, sustainable, and cost-competitive energy supply. By connecting materials research, technology development, and system integration, while harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics, Helmholtz Energy accelerates the path from scientific discovery to real-world deployment at scale.
From Research to Societal Impact
The future program places a strong emphasis on technology transfer to ensure that scientific advances are translated into practical solutions for industry, society, and policymakers. Strengthening Europe's technological leadership and competitiveness remains a central objective.
At the same time, we recognize that the energy transition will ultimately be driven by people. Investing in talent therefore remains a key priority. Through education, training, and leadership development, we are committed to empowering the next generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders who will shape the future of sustainable energy systems and drive the energy transition forward.
Shaping the Next Research Program
The evaluation marked an important milestone in shaping the future direction of Helmholtz Energy. The constructive discussions, critical questions, and valuable recommendations provided by the review panel will help us further strengthen our program and ensure that our research continues to address the evolving needs of society.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the members of the international review panel for their time, expertise, and thoughtful feedback. Their external perspectives and critical insights are invaluable in helping us sharpen our ambitions and identify new opportunities for impact.
Our thanks also go to all scientists, directors, coordinators, and support staff across the participating Helmholtz centers whose dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit made this evaluation possible. The successful presentation of our program was the result of a truly collective effort and reflects the strength of our shared commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Together, we are laying the scientific foundations for a resilient, secure, sustainable, and affordable energy future. We look forward to building on this momentum as we prepare the next chapter of Helmholtz Energy for 2028 and beyond.