International Alumni Week for Textile Engineers 2013

In cooperation with the LEONARDO OFFICE SAXONY, the alumni deparment invites foreign graduates on a regular bases to participate in the international alumni weeks at TU Dresden. Since 2008, this event under the motto "Reunion and Scientific Training" has been organized including a scientific as well as cultural/entertaining programme. Whereas the first alumni weeks had been interdisciplinary, the event has focussed on individula faculties and institutes, respectively, since 2012.

25 graduates were invited to join the International Alumni Weeks for Textile Engineers from May 21st to 26th 2013; the agenda was diverse - it promoted scientific training in the field of textile technology and also enabled international networking between participants and other involved individuals.

On the first day, after Prof. Cherif and individuals of the LEONARDO OFFICE as well as the alumni department held opening speeches and gave an overview of the weekly schedule, several representatives of industrie and ITM  held lectures regarding current textile technological issues. The following two days were spent at AUTEX, a simultaneously occurring exhibition, where some alumni held lectures themselves, others were interested visitors and auditors. The nightly programme included a steamboat trip and a dinner at Pulverturm close to  the famous Frauenkirche.

On day four, the group went on an excursion to the machine hall of ITM in Dresden-Dobritz. Afterwards, they took the bus to the town of Naila, where the renowned textile machine engineering company LIBA is located. In particular, the alumni were impressed by the newly developed multiaxial warp knitting machine with moveable guide bars.

Some alumni, who did not participate in the excursion, were offered a historical tour through the campus (called Absol(e)vent) with a quite remarkable tour guide: Prof. Hans-Müller Steinhagen, rector of the university. On the second last day, all alumni got the chance to give an insight into current textile technological developments in their home countries. After these short presentations, the LEONARDO OFFICE and the alumni department of TU Dresden introduced available funding opportunities for international mobility and research projects. That same night, a cultural city tour called "In the Footsteps of TU Alumni" took place. All alumni and the organizational team met again for a brunch at cafe "Rosengarten" close to the river Elbe on the last day to discuss potential future cooperations and further activities.

Due to the positive feedback, the entire group ended up looking forward to the upcoming Alumni Weeks for Textile Engineers.

Special thanks are directed to the industrial representatives for providing such interesting presentations free of charge. Also, we would like to thank LIBA for facilitating an fascinating excursion. Ms Maria Babekoff of LEONARDO OFFICE and Ms Susann Mayer of the alumni department have greatly supported the event in terms of organizational issues! Lastly, all participants would like to express gratitude towards Ms Annett Dörfel and Dr. Joachim Arnold, without whom this alumi event would not have been possible.

(Autor: Dipl.-Ing. Johannes Wendler)