The 27th International Dresden Lightweight Engineering Symposium 2024

On June 13 and 14, the International Dresden Lightweight Engineering Symposium opened its doors for the 27th time at the MESSE DRESDEN. With around 250 experts from all over the world, the event was once again a great success. Under this year's motto "Neutral Lightweight Engineering - Resilience through Technology Sovereignty", the symposium was all about technological sovereignty and international cooperation. During the event, the partnership with India was highlighted in particular.

Focus on technological independence and international cooperation

The symposium in Dresden has been an important meeting place for the lightweight engineering industry for many years. Germany is the ideal location for inviting guests from all over the world, as it has long established itself as a strong economic nation in research, development and production. However, the symposium also addressed the challenges posed by new players in established markets. This year's event focused in particular on overcoming technological dependencies and finding and strengthening reliable partners. India, as an emerging economic power and one of the most populous countries in the world, proved to be an ideal cooperation partner. India's growing presence in the global sustainability debate underlines its willingness to promote innovative initiatives and contribute to global sustainability developments.

The discussions also focused on neutral lightweight engineering, a key technology that combines numerous specialist disciplines along the entire value chain and makes a significant contribution to the circular economy of the future. Innovative approaches and successful projects were presented in seven thematically wide-ranging sessions, illustrating how closed material and technology cycles can be realized. ILK board member Prof. Maik Gude emphasized the relevance of the individual sessions: "All sessions address different problems and challenges. You should not miss any of these sessions, because the solutions presented go hand in hand to solve our problems for the society of tomorrow." The importance of lightweight engineering plays a central role in tackling global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity. By promoting technological sovereignty and international cooperation, the symposium contributes to presenting long-term solutions that are not only economically, but also ecologically and socially sustainable.

An accompanying trade fair provided additional information and an opportunity for dialogue. As an expert in the development of innovative lightweight engineering solutions, especially for rail vehicles, CG Rail presented, among other things, a lightweight side flap made of thermoplastic carbon fibre-reinforced plastics for high-speed trains, which consists of more than 70% recycled material. The Leichtbau Zentrum Sachsen (LZS), a leading development partner in the field of "function-integrative lightweight system engineering in multi-material design" in Germany, exhibited, among other things, the award-winning coupling shaft of its partner KWD Kupplungswerk Dresden GmbH and a GREENGUARD-bicyclebox co-developed by the LSZ.

At the evening event, participants also had the opportunity to network at the Indian cultural program. A special highlight was the cultural supporting program of the Indian Association Dresden e.V. (IAD) at the opening of the event, which was also attended by the Science Councellor Dr. Ramanuj Banerjee of the Indian Embassy in Berlin, as well as at the evening event. It provided the participants with unique insights into the rich culture and traditions of India and promoted intercultural exchange. The cultural component complemented the technical discussions and brought all participants together in a relaxed atmosphere.

Traditionally, the ACL Young Talent Award is also presented by the Akademischer Club Leichtbau an der TU Dresden e. V. (ACL) as part of the International Dresden Lightweight Engineering Symposium. This prize recognizes outstanding work by young scientists. The five applicants presented their projects in a poster show, which were then evaluated by the symposium participants.

Paul Seurich (ILK) took first place with 63 votes. The ACL Young Talent Award is endowed with €1,500.

Outlook for next year

The response to the symposium was overwhelming. Representatives from science, industry, politics and society took the opportunity to engage in intensive discussions. The atmosphere was characterized by openness, innovative spirit and the common goal of actively shaping the future of lightweight engineering. We would like to thank all guests, advisors and partners for their dedicated participation and are already looking forward to next year, when Dresden will once again become the center of the international lightweight engineering community on 26th and 27th June 2025.