Great praise for holistic research approach
Cambridge top researcher and future member of the Scientific Advisory Board in the Federal Cluster of Excellence MERGE visits Chemnitz University of Technology
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University President Prof. Gerd Strohmeier (r.) and MERGE speaker Prof. Lothar Kroll (l.) illustrate the research performance of the Chemnitz Federal Cluster of Excellence to Cambridge Prof. David Cardwell in the MERGE research hall on the example of a locally produced lightweight engine mount. Photo: Kristin Schmidt
Prof. David Cardwell is Head of the Engineering Department at the globally renowned University of Cambridge. He is among the most renowned researchers and exceptionally well-connected internationally. Going forward, he will reinforce the ranks of the Scientific Advisory Board of the MERGE Federal Cluster of Excellence at Chemnitz University of Technology. For a personal exchange and further deepening of the cooperation he visited Chemnitz University of Technology for a couple of days. Included in his visit was an extensive program, presenting MERGE as well as the campus and the numerous offerings of university with regard to research and teaching.
University President Prof. Gerd Strohmeier, University Chancellor Eberhard Alles, as well as MERGE coordinator Prof. Lothar Kroll welcomed the top researcher from Cambridge. “I am very delighted that Prof. Cardwell accepted our invitation and thereby supports Chemnitz Excellence in the lightweight construction research with his expertise”, emphasized Prof. Strohmeier, who had established the contact. Now, in the course of numerous conversations, the performance of the Chemnitz Federal Cluster of Excellence and key points for the strategical positioning in the international research environment, with which Prof. Cardwell is quite familiar, could be discussed.
“Together with the internationally proven expert Prof. Cardwell, we discussed future research projects on resource efficiency in complex systems, especially with regard to photonics and superconductor technology. Thereby we hope to increase the research focus on smart materials and intelligent components in MERGE”, stated Prof. Kroll after the visit. Prof. Strohmeier and Prof. Kroll were both confident to increase the international visibility of MERGE and to further raise the visibility of Chemnitz University of Technology with its proven research excellence in the field of lightweight construction in an international environment.
Cambridge Professor Cardwell was visibly impressed after his visit of the MERGE research hall: “The technology that is being used is impressive. Together with the simultaneously performed material research it merges into a holistic project.” He gladly accepted the invitation of Prof. Strohmeier: ”The University President approached me with the question of supporting the board in March. Afterwards I did some research on courses of study, curricula, and the history of the university and quickly accepted.” Furthermore he emphasized: “I gladly offer my support. I will primarily try to establish relationships between individual researchers of the University of Cambridge and Chemnitz University of Technology to deepen collaboration and create bilateral cooperation.”
Prof. David Cardwell will join the Scientific Advisory Board of the MERGE Federal Cluster of Excellence as a member in the following weeks.
Matthias Fejes
29.06.2017
