Senegalese delegation: Cooperation intensified in Dresden

From June 2^nd to 8^th, 2024, the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) at TU Dresden welcomed a high-ranking Senegal delegation from the École Polytechnique de Thiès (EPT). The delegation, consisting of Prof. Alassane Diene, Director of the EPT, Prof. Mamadou Lamine LO, Head of International Relations and Daouda Gueye from the administration, took the opportunity to discuss future research projects. The focus was on carbon fiber technology, regenerative energy and vehicle technology. The visit was a central step towards strengthening international cooperation within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA-171 project of the ILK and EPT and planning exchange activities, especially for students and doctoral students.

A varied program

On Monday, June 3^rd, the official program began with a meeting at the Leonardo office, where administrative aspects of the Erasmus+ program were clarified. This was followed by a welcome at the ILK and a tour of the Dresden-Johannstadt lightweight engineering campus, as well as visits to the Research Center Carbon Fibers Saxony (RCCF) and the National Lightweight Engineering Validation Center (LEIV - Nationales Leichtbau-Validierungszentrum) - the ILK lab for the development and manufacture of resource-saving high-tech products. In particular, the presentation of our research in the field of tailor-made carbon fibers showed exciting potential for joint research projects.

Further discussions with the International Office of TU Dresden, the university's Erasmus representatives and representatives of UNU-FLORES opened up further perspectives for the ongoing project. In addition, the guests were given a detailed presentation of the "Renewable Energy Systems" degree program at the Institute of Power Engineering. The Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences "Friedrich List" also presented its research and teaching priorities in a separate session. With regard to the delegations' interest in expanding student exchange between the two universities in particular, an appointment was made at the Graduate Academy of TU Dresden and the SLUB Makerspace was visited to find out about the promotion of international PhD students and interdisciplinary research. A sightseeing tour through Dresden rounded off the week and offered not only the guests the opportunity to get to know the city better, but also for the entire group to deepen their intercultural exchange.

Looking ahead: Unleashing future potential

The partnership with EPT holds great potential for joint research projects with TU Dresden and the exchange of students and doctoral candidates, which can unfold under the ILK's ongoing Erasmus project. June was all about mutual exchange and laid the foundations for the next steps in our Erasmus project. While the Senegalese delegation was in Dresden, Dipl.-Ing. Christian Hild from the ILK was sent to the EPT for three months to explore new opportunities for cooperation on site. The mobility project with Senegal is picking up speed. We are looking forward to the dynamic and successful cooperation with our partner from Senegal!

Impressions

Contact

Senegal partnership. Scientific coordination

Dipl.-Ing. Daniel Wohlfahrt, ILK Research Associate, Expert Group Lightweight Structures
Phone +49 (0)351 463-38078,