IMDEA Materials Institute has further strengthened its commitment to international collaboration in materials science research, development, and innovation programmes through a new Framework Collaboration Agreement (FCA) with INEGI.

The Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (INEGI) is a leading Portuguese research and technology organisation.

Founded in 1986, it is focused on research and technology-based innovation activities, technology transfer and consulting and technological services, all oriented to industrial and economic development.

The agreement will facilitate collaboration between the two institutions in several areas, from research into metallic, polymeric and composite materials, to advanced additive and digital manufacturing.

It will also enable the establishment of joint research spaces, the training of research staff and joint supervision of doctoral theses.

“INEGI and IMDEA Materials share a similar vision of transferring scientific and technological knowledge into real-world solutions for some of the most pressing concerns currently facing society,” said IMDEA Materials Director, Prof. Jon Molina.

“Their research in areas like materials and manufacturing processes, biomechanics and intelligent systems and control, including advanced robotics, share a high level of complementarity with the work being undertaken at IMDEA Materials”.

“Among other initiatives, we are particularly excited about the possibilities for joint research programmes in internationally strategic areas, particularly those contributing to the development of the European Research Area,” he added.

The joint activities between the two institutions will also include the organisation of workshops, seminars and conferences.

The agreement with INEGI follows the recent announcement of an FCA between IMDEA Materials and the International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE).

Last December also saw the institute sign a strategic agreement with steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal with a specific focus on advancing the development of sustainable solutions and technologies based on materials science and engineering for the steel industry.

“Through agreements such as this with INEGI, IMDEA Materials is actively expanding our network of strategic partnerships,” said Prof. Molina. “In doing so, we aim to accelerate innovation in advanced materials and manufacturing technologies, which will support the transition to a more sustainable and competitive European industrial model”.