A group of government research experts from Austria visited the University of Birmingham today to learn more about its hi-tech engineering expertise.
Delegates from the Upper Austrian Regional Government learned more about the University’s expertise in materials research, visiting its Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Materials Processing.
The group, led by Deputy Governor and State Minister for Research Thomas Stelzer, viewed the University’s Advanced Materials and Processing Laboratory (AMPLab) and the Critical Materials Laboratory.
At AMPLab, the visitors discovered more about Birmingham’s research into understanding how hi-tech 3D-printing techniques can be used to manufacture components for the aerospace and other industries.
In the Critical Materials Laboratory, they learned about the University’s leading role in developing more energy efficient ways of recycling critical and rare earth materials, which are commonly used in smartphones and computing devices.
Professor Andy Schofield, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham welcomed the group. He said: “The University of Birmingham has a wealth of experience in working with industry partners to translate our cutting-edge materials research into manufacturing solutions. I am delighted to welcome our Austrian guests to Birmingham and look forward to the University supporting their efforts in driving advanced manufacturing in Austria.”
The group also learned more about the High Temperature Research Centre (HTRC) – a £60 million joint collaboration between the University of Birmingham and Rolls-Royce. The unique casting, design, simulation and advanced manufacturing research facility is co-located at Ansty Park near Coventry and the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus.
Professor Alison Davenport, Head of School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham, said: “It’s great to be able to demonstrate our materials processing and modelling facilities - highlighting how we can translate excellent science and engineering research into practical industrial applications.”
The group visited the University of Birmingham as part of a fact-finding programme across the Midlands region – visiting leading regional companies such as John Lewis and JCB, non-university and company research institutes and universities as well as our partners at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).
The delegation comprised of 32 representatives from the state of Upper Austria with an interest in research that could be applied to business and manufacturing processes. It was , business and the media landscape.
For more information, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0) 121 414 8254 or +44 (0)782 783 2312. Out-of-hours enquiries: +44 (0) 7789 921 165.
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