NOVELTY - Fluid distribution element comprises an electrically conductive porous media layer having carbon and metallized region(s) on a surface of the layer confronting a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell. The metallized regions comprise an electrically conductive metal. They contact a major surface of MEA and form respective electrically conductive paths between the MEA and the porous media.    USE - For use in fuel cell assembly having MEA (claimed) useful as power source for, e.g. electric vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - The metallized regions are arranged to contact the MEA in a fuel cell assembly, to improve electrical conductance at contact regions between the MEA and the fluid distribution media. The fluid distribution element maintains electrical conductivity, resists the fuel cell hostile environment, and improves overall operational efficiency of the fuel cell.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for:    (1) fuel cell assembly comprising MEA comprising an electrically conductive electrode (103), a layer of electrically conductive non-metallic porous media having a surface facing the electrode, and the metallized regions on the surface of the media layer;    (2) method of operating a fuel cell comprising positioning an electrically conductive porous media layer between MEA and an electrically conductive substrate, contacting the metallized regions of a media layer first surface with the MEA and a media layer second surface with the substrate to form an electrically conductive path from the substrate through the porous media to the MEA, and conducting electrons to or from the MEA via the path while operating the fuel cell; and    (3) method for manufacturing an assembly for a fuel cell comprising depositing an electrically conductive metal on a surface of an electrically conductive porous media to form the metallized regions having an ultra-thin thickness, positioning the surface having the metallized regions adjacent to an electrode of MEA, and contacting the electrode with the surface having the metallized regions to form an electrically conductive path between the substrate and the porous media.    Each metallized region comprises an electrically conductive metal. The conductive electrode is arranged in contact with the metallized regions to provide electrical contact between the layer and the conductive electrode. An electrical contact resistance between the electrode and the metallized regions of the layer is less compared to a comparative non-metallized layer of porous media. The first surface of the media layer has ultra-thin metallized regions facing the MEA. The second surface of the media layer faces the conductive substrate.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure is a magnified view of a section of a fuel cell assembly.    Electrode (103)    Separator plate (132)    Contact regions (144)    Pores (176, 180, 182)