Global research collaboration with RWTH Aachen University
Dr Athanasios Angelis-Dimakis, a Reader in Chemical Engineering from the University’s Department of Chemical Sciences, recently visited RWTH Aachen University in Germany to deliver a workshop showcasing his research on circular water economy and wastewater treatment.
This workshop opportunity comes as part of his work on a €12.8 million research project, titled AquaSPICE, which includes 29 partners from across Europe. RWTH Aachen University is the project’s lead co-ordinator.
RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe’s leading institutions for science and engineering and is cited as one of the world’s top 150 universities in the 2023 QS World University Rankings. This prestigious collaboration between our two institutions was made possible by the University’s International Collaboration Fund.
Dr Angelis-Dimakis’ recent workshop at RWTH Aachen University featured research conducted on the environmental impact and assessment of various AquaSPICE technologies, as well as presentations on life cycle assessment, wastewater treatment and industrial symbiosis.
Dr Angelis-Dimakis was also able to utilise a further funding opportunity, due to the University’s partnership with Santander Universities, in the form of a Santander Mobility Grant. This funding enabled a group of four undergraduate students to accompany him on the visit, where they were able present their research theses on themes aligned with the AquaSPICE project, to leading experts in their field.
Going forward, Dr Angelis-Dimakis is planning another visit to RWTH Aachen University, which he hopes will take place by the end of next year, using the second half of the funding.
Reflecting on the partnership, Dr Angelis-Dimakis said: “The University has established connections with RWTH Aachen University in a number of areas, such as metrology for example.”
He added: “Fostering further collaboration, with a trip planned for next year, will allow us to be able to work together on a paper that will showcase productive use of the International Collaboration Fund, demonstrate tangible knowledge exchange with a Top 150 university, as well as being an excellent example of how we enhance the global student experience here at the University of Huddersfield.”