− It is crucial that we are at the forefront. We must be diversified and prepared for what our partners want to work with. We started planning for this lab a few years ago. It feels very good to see it become reality, says associate professor Marie Jonsson, who leads the work with the LiU Composite Laboratory.
It's not every day that researchers get the chance to build a completely new laboratory.
And there's no mistaking the good atmosphere when they gather to bring in equipment and materials together.
Collaboration
− We have designed the lab to meet the requirements and needs of our collaborating partners. The venture is financed with funds from the Department of management and engineering, says Mohamed Loukil, senior assistant professor in composite materials.
− This lab is four times larger than the one we had before. Now we have the perfect space to teach more students about processes, advanced materials and sustainable materials. We can also develop in research together with our regional partners and with partners from Europe and other parts of the world, says Marie Jonsson.
Inspire students
The lab has modern equipment and ventilation. It also has windows facing a busy campus corridor, allowing passing students to observe the ongoing activities.
− We can inspire the students by showing what can be done with new materials and combinations of materials, says Mohamed Loukil.
Investment
Behind this lies also many years of research in production design, and research in the strength of materials.
− It is very gratifying that the LiU Composite Laboratory will become an important part of our ongoing and long-term investment in materials research, says Professor Mattias Calmunger, head of the division of engineeering materials (KMAT).
