Dr Graham Cooley – an expert in the power, energy storage and hydrogen sectors – has joined Brunel University London as an honorary professor.
As Prof Cooley, he is supporting the development of Brunel’s online hydrogen master’s programme, developing industrial contacts to facilitate lectures and case studies, and exploring new areas of collaboration within the hydrogen industry.
He brings to the position more than 35 years of experience, including developing energy storage and new-generation technologies, forging industrial partnerships and entering new markets.
Prof Cooley has been instrumental in shaping the UK’s hydrogen sector. He was, for 14 years, the CEO of ITM Power plc, which manufactures integrated hydrogen energy solutions for grid balancing, energy storage and the production of renewable hydrogen for transport, renewable heat and chemicals – and which was the first hydrogen-related company listed on the London Stock Exchange. In addition, he has successfully raised more than £600 million for British Cleantech small and medium-sized enterprises.
Prof Cooley was a founding member of the UK Government’s Hydrogen Advisory Council, a Board Member of RenewableUK, and currently serves as Non-Executive Chairman of Light Science Technologies, Non-Executive Director of Cadent Gas and Non-Executive Director of Cap-XX. He is a Fellow of The Energy Institute (FEI), The Institute of Metals, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM) and The Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET), and received the Lifetime Fellowship Award from The Bessemer Society.
The appointment marks a return to Brunel for Prof Cooley, who graduated with a PhD in Material Physics in 1989. His honorary professorship is in the Department of Chemical Engineering.
Prof Cooley is spearheading the development of the world’s first digital Hydrogen MSc programme. This innovative offering, which will be able to be completed as a comprehensive degree or in modular CPD units (for continuing professional development), will provide a flexible and accessible pathway for professionals from adjacent sectors to transition seamlessly into the hydrogen industry.
Commenting on his appointment, Prof Cooley said: “I am honoured to be appointed as honorary professor at Brunel University London, working with the Brunel Hydrogen Group. I look forward to engaging with staff and students, bridging the gap between academia and industry by sharing practical insights into the latest industry trends. Returning to Brunel 35 years after graduating with a PhD is a personal milestone for me.”
Prof Yinghe He, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dr Graham Cooley as an honorary professor. His expertise in renewable power, hydrogen, fuel cells, and energy storage technologies will significantly enhance our department. His experience guiding technology start-ups through formation, scale-up, and securing funding will add substantial value to our work.”
Find out more about Brunel Hydrogen
Reported by:
Joe Buchanunn,
Media Relations
+44 (0)1895 268821
joe.buchanunn@brunel.ac.uk