Strategic partnership with University of Strathclyde deepened TU delegation explores research, transfer and urban development in Glasgow

Building on the strategic partnership established in 2023, Prof. Peter Hecker, TU Braunschweig’s Vice President of Research, travelled to Glasgow with Andreas Hebbelmann and Dr Dominik Baumgarten from the Research Service, aiming to expand cooperation with the University of Strathclyde. The hosts had organised a varied three-day programme providing insights into the current projects and infrastructure at both universities, and facilitating exchanges between researchers, transfer experts, and science managers.

A key focus of the trip was visits to two renowned institutions: at the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), the TU Braunschweig delegates gained an insight into cutting-edge production and materials research facilities. Both institutes have state-of-the-art laboratories and pilot plants whose equipment and areas of research correspond perfectly with TU Braunschweig’s areas of expertise, particularly in lightweight construction and manufacturing technology.

“In addition to the existing cooperation between our researchers, I see many opportunities for new projects. For example, we could further expand our joint cooperation with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the UK, thereby strengthening our scientific ecosystem. Thanks to our shared interests, we have the opportunity to collaborate across almost the entire scientific spectrum of our two universities,” said Vice President Prof. Peter Hecker, summarising his impressions.

TU Braunschweig delegates with their hosts in front of the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) at the University of Strathclyde (from left to right): Dr Dominik Baumgarten (TU Braunschweig, Recruitment and Strategic Partnerships Officer), Andreas Hebbelmann (TU Braunschweig, Head of Research Services), Thomas Foot (University of Strathclyde, Strategic Partnership Coordinator), Brad Wynne (University of Strathclyde, Director of AFRC), Prof. Dr. Peter Hecker (TU Braunschweig, Vice President for Research). Photo credit: Dominik Baumgarten/TU Braunschweig

The focus was also on sharing experiences regarding the integration of the universities into the city and region. While TU Braunschweig is linking the sustainable development of its campus and the city with its “Ecoversity” project and millions in funding from the state of Lower Saxony, the University of Strathclyde has decades of expertise in “City Innovation Districts”. It is an integral part of the Glasgow City Innovation District, where universities, industry and government work closely together to address urban issues.

Andreas Hebbelmann, Head of Research Services, sees potential synergies in research, knowledge transfer and location development: “Here, we can build on the exciting ideas, experience and best practices of our Scottish colleagues and develop them further, especially beyond the scope of traditional research funding, as part of our Ecoversity project.”

The visit concluded with discussions between departments regarding potential areas of joint research, ranging from mechatronics and sustainable materials to digitalisation and entrepreneurship. TU Braunschweig and the University of Strathclyde are already planning a series of matching fund project applications to make effective use of funding on both sides of the North Sea. The delegation returned to Braunschweig with inspiring impressions and numerous new contacts. The next step is a return visit by Strathclyde representatives to exchange concrete project ideas and continue the fruitful dialogue.