In a significant advancement for Western Australia, Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS) are joining forces to establish the region’s first research and innovation laboratory. This pioneering initiative will focus on sustainable ceramic technologies aimed at industrial water treatment and hydrogen generation, alongside non-destructive testing methods.
The lab is designed to foster collaboration between students and industry, ultimately promoting growth and delivering practical solutions within the area. Professor Paulo de Souza, ECU’s Executive Dean, commented, “Fraunhofer IKTS collaborates closely with industry, government, and higher education around the globe to develop practical, market-driven solutions that enhance competitiveness and drive technological progress. ECU is incredibly proud to be the first research and innovation partner of Fraunhofer IKTS in Western Australia.”
Situated within ECU Joondalup’s School of Engineering, this lab will be operational for a span of five years. Fraunhofer IKTS, Europe’s largest research institution for advanced ceramic technologies, will contribute technical data, components, and pilot plants, along with on-site training for Australian researchers. The goal is to bridge the gap between research and industry while transferring ceramic technologies that address critical areas such as circular water management and energy transition.
ECU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clare Pollock, emphasized the benefits for students, stating, “This partnership provides our students with world-class infrastructure and unparalleled industry insights, elevating their employability and career prospects to new heights.”
Professor Alexander Michaelis, Director of Fraunhofer IKTS, highlighted the importance of ceramic technologies for the energy transition and expressed confidence that this collaboration would act as a gateway for significant innovation in the Australian industry, promoting the development of green and sustainable products and processes.
The initial projects set to be undertaken include:
- Water Management: Utilizing ceramic technologies to enhance the treatment of industrial process waters.
- Non-Destructive Testing: Implementing efficient testing methods for industry-standard metals and next-generation composite vessels and pipes, applicable to various sectors including nuclear submarine inspection, oil and gas, mining, and utilities.
- Hydrogen Generation: Designing and supplying an SOEC-co-electrolysis unit to investigate the integration of geothermal heat, leveraging renewable energy sources for effective hydrogen production.
Edith Cowan University, located in Perth, serves over 30,000 students and offers an extensive range of programs from healthcare and engineering to law and business, alongside various PhD opportunities. The university is committed to providing relevant education and research aligned with industry needs.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Katrin Schwarz
Press and Public Relations
Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems
Winterbergstr. 28, 01277 Dresden, Germany
Phone: +49 351 2553-7720
Fax: +49 351 2554-114
Email: Press Contact
Website: Fraunhofer IKTS
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