Austrian Delegation Visits Instituto Superior Técnico to Foster Research Collaborations

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A distinguished delegation organized by the Austrian Embassy visited the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) this week with the aim of exploring potential collaborations and partnerships. The visit was led by Austrian Research Centers GmbH (ARC), Austria’s largest research center dedicated to applied research and development outside the university sector. This initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening the research and innovation ties between Austria and Portugal.

The primary goal of the visit was to gain a comprehensive understanding of IST’s organizational structure, including its dynamic educational environment and extensive research activities. This foundational knowledge is crucial for establishing future partnerships. The delegation focused on identifying areas of convergence between IST’s capabilities and the interests of Austrian enterprises, with the aim of fostering collaborative opportunities.

During the visit, the delegation sought to pinpoint synergies between IST’s research strengths and the strategic interests of Austrian businesses. By identifying these common areas, the delegation aims to pave the way for joint research and innovation projects. This initiative is expected to lead to strategic partnerships that leverage the strengths of both Austrian and Portuguese institutions.

A significant aspect of the visit was the initiation of a proactive and constructive dialogue between IST and the Austrian business entities. The discussions aimed to create an environment conducive to developing strategic partnerships and collaborative research initiatives. The dialogue focused on leveraging each institution’s strengths to foster innovation and address common challenges in the industry.

The delegation comprised several high-profile individuals from Austria’s research and industrial sectors:

  • Michael Auer: Managing Director of the Austrian Institute for Packaging (OeIV)
  • Bernhard Ecker: Journalist from Trend PRESS
  • Iris Filzwieser: President of Austrian Cooperative Research (ACR) and CFO of Mettop GmbH
  • Wolfgang Haidinger: Department for Research, Technology, and Innovation at the Federation of Austrian Industry (IV)
  • Peter Hofer-Hauser: Deputy Managing Director of the Austrian Foundry Institute (OGI)
  • Rita Kremsner: Deputy Managing Director of ACR and the visit organizer
  • Hartmuth Schröttner: Senior Scientist at the Centre for Electron Microscopy (ZFE)
  • Christa Zengerer: Managing Director of the Austrian Foundry Institute (OGI)
  • Daniel Zins: Department of Innovation & Digital Transformation at the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO)

This visit represents a critical step towards fostering closer research and innovation ties between Austria and Portugal. By encouraging collaborations between IST and Austrian entities, both countries can benefit from shared knowledge, resources, and technological advancements. The proactive dialogue and the identification of synergies during the visit are expected to lead to impactful joint initiatives.

As the delegation concluded its visit, the groundwork for future partnerships and collaborative projects was effectively laid. The potential collaborations between IST and Austrian research and industrial entities promise to drive innovation and contribute significantly to the technological and industrial advancement of both nations. The visit not only highlighted the mutual benefits of such collaborations but also underscored the commitment of both countries to advancing research and development through strategic partnerships.

Photonics West 2024

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Members of NanoXCan consortium showcased their work at Photonics West in San Francisco. The Photonics West is the largest Photonics conference in the world, with over 24000 attendees. As described by the organisation, this year’s edition provided an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, enjoy lively conversations, learn about the latest breakthroughs, and establish important new connections. Attendees came to hear cutting-edge research in biomedical optics, biophotonics, industrial lasers, optoelectronics, microfabrication, MOEMS-MEMS, displays, quantum technologies—including quantum 2.0—and more.

Marta Fajardo from IST gave a talk with NanoXCan results on X-ray optimization, while Konstantina Kostourou from NANEO Precision IBS Coatings GmbH hosted NANEO’s booth at the German Pavillion, where german companies present their products and services under the „made in Germany“ brand. Konstantina had the chance to not only attend some interesting conference talks and workshops, but to also discuss NANEO’s most recent research activities with and get feedback from some of the top experts in the photonics field. In parallel, an informal meeting between NANEO (Daniel Kopf and Konstantina Kostourou) and NanoXCAN partner GOTTFRIED WILHELM LEIBNIZ UNIVERSITÄT HANNOVER (Uwe Morgner) took place, where specification requirements and upcoming plans for simulations were discussed.