This interdisciplinary training programme for young scientists started as a co-operative project of Graz University of Technology and the Yokohama National University in the year 2008. The training programme grew quickly, both in the number of participant as well as in the number of participating international experts in the field of fuel cell research. This proceeding includes short abstracts along with key slides from the presentation of the lectures of the 4th International Summer School.

The training programme covers research topics in the fields of basic electrochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics and catalysis as well as the design and development of the complete fuel cell systems. The goals of the training are to provide the necessary theoretical background to the young scientists and to make the young scientists more aware of the need to work closely with colleagues from different fields such as natural sciences and engineering departments in order to successfully develop and implement this technology.

The lectures cover following topics:
•   Basic principle of fuel cells
•   Basic electrochemistry
•   Measurement and Characterisation Techniques
•   PFEC Lifetime and Degradation
•   PFEC Applications
•   Hydrogen as Fuel
•   Hydrogen Production and Heterogeneous Catalysis
•   Bioethanol Processing for Fuel Cells
•   Advanced Material Studies