This lecture discusses the importance of benchmarking in water splitting technologies, emphasizing the need for standardized testing protocols to enable accurate comparison of materials. It covers the challenges of real-world conditions, the pitfalls of standard testing, and the HydroGEN benchmarking project's goals and approach. The lecture also highlights the community engagement, international collaboration, and annual workshops aimed at developing a cohesive R&D community. Various topics such as test protocols, technology roadmaps, and the benefits of multiple reviews are explored, showcasing the efforts to drive research forward in the field of water splitting technologies.