IMPHET takes off with joint kickoff
The IMPHET project has taken an important first step. During a joint kick-off, representatives from companies, municipalities and researchers gathered to discuss needs, opportunities and concrete areas of collaboration.
"The workshop was a way for us to get to know each other and find out what expectations there are for the project. We quickly realized that we have several common interests - which makes it easier to plan project activities ahead," says Jonas Örtegren, project manager for IMPHET.
The project is an initiative in Västernorrland with the aim of strengthening research and development in advanced materials and manufacturing processes for sustainable energy applications. With support from the EU, Region Västernorrland and the municipalities of Sundsvall, Timrå and Härnösand, the goal is for the project to contribute to regional growth and increased skills supply with a focus on more sustainable manufacturing processes and products.
During the kick-off, the importance of arousing young people's interest in technology and the engineering profession was highlighted, among other things – an issue where both companies and municipalities see a shared responsibility.
Ideas must become concrete activities
"It became clear that the region has a need for trained people who can work with material and process issues linked to the green transition. Many also expressed interest in receiving students and degree projects from our Master of Science in Engineering Physics programme," says Jonas Örtegren.
The project is now moving forward with translating the ideas from the kick-off into concrete activities. Among other things, efforts are planned to increase awareness of Mid Sweden University's materials and innovation laboratory MILAB, as well as the development of materials that will inspire young people to study technology and science.
"Now the next phase begins, where we will pair up the right people from universities, municipalities and companies to drive the activities forward. By this autumn's project meeting, we want to get started with several of our initiatives," says Jonas Örtegren.
