The promise of fuel cells to provide a clean, quiet and efficient electrochemical conversion of hydrogen to electricity has stimulated widespread research and development of the respective technologies.

The 2009 Gordon Research Conference on Fuel Cells will focus on the recent advances in fundamental science and research of polymer electrolyte fuel cells for automotive, stationary power, and portable applications. In all these areas of application, prototypes have been demonstrated, however the stage of commercialization still requires new scientific approaches and breakthroughs. The conference will focus on the development and understanding of membrane materials and electro-catalysis, the comprehension of the significant structure property relations for mass transport, and model based developments. The relevant issues on the system and hydrogen supply level will also be reviewed. Contributions will cover both, the academic and industrial views.

The feature of a session with rapid communications, introduced in 2008, will be continued. This session will be open to novel and controversial findings. Short presentations (5 slides max.) are solicitated, allowing for a broad participation from attendees and stimulating early discussions.