Sustainability, safety and economic progress are examples of social topics where up-to-date knowledge and expertise can contribute to feasible solutions. PAOTM is developing a wide range of postgraduate courses that provide engineers with the opportunity to continuously learn and advance society. In the field of mechanical engineering and materials science, changes happen quickly and specialist knowledge is indispensable. Programme manager Dr. Soheil Sabooni knows all about this. As an engineer in materials science, with broad experience in research and industry, he works at PAOTM to expand the network of professionals to identify issues in the market and to bundle and disseminate the necessary knowledge. He tells us about the importance of the discipline and the courses you can follow.
In recent decades there has been a global shift towards a more knowledge-based economy. Companies that have adapted to the rapid changes in the world of new technologies can remain competitive. Multidisciplinary knowledge is essential for making widely applicable plans.
Which disciplines are we talking about exactly?
In 2017, the Key Technologies top group drew up a list of 50 key technologies that are important for the Dutch economy and for solving current or future societal challenges. The main technologies are clustered:
1. Advanced materials
2. Photonics and light technologies
3. Quantum technologies
4. Digital technologies
5. Chemical technologies
6. Nanotechnologies
7. Life Science technologies
8. Engineering and Manufacturing technologies
Most of these categories fall within the discipline of mechanical engineering and materials science and therefore engineers in this field must be well trained with the corresponding knowledge.
Collaboration that transcends the field is necessary. In which disciplines do you see applications of this?
A variety of engineering materials are currently used as building blocks in various industries. Materials Science and Engineering combine the basic knowledge of applied sciences with the emerging applications of various engineering disciplines such as aerospace, chemistry, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, electronics and mechanical engineering.
What developments are currently taking place in the market?
Of all the technical developments in the field of mechanical engineering and materials science, some disciplines are extensively covered. The energy transition (hydrogen and fuel cells), sustainability and recycling, maintenance and safety of structures and infrastructures, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing are among the most important developments in the market. These areas will have a significant impact on our society in the near future and therefore need to be properly addressed. This requires specialist knowledge that is up-to-date and quickly applicable.
With the knowledge from a PAOTM course you combine current theory and practical knowledge that you can immediately apply in daily practice. How exactly does PAOTM ensure that?
As a non-profit organization, PAOTM strives for optimal knowledge transfer by offering high-quality, short-term courses at an academic level. The lecturers of the courses in the discipline 3ME are experts working at technical universities in the Netherlands, industries and government organizations. In this way PAOTM makes a good combination of theory and practice. In addition to the knowledge transfer of the teachers, the interaction and networking opportunities between the participants of different companies are especially highly valued.
Which courses can you currently take?
You can take these courses, among others:
Webinar: Impact of corrosion on the health and safety of economy and industry
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of constructions: steel and concrete
Design for Additive Manufacturing
Nonlinear Finite Element Methods: Theory and Application
An overview of the complete current range can be found on the theme page Mechanical engineering, materials science and maritime technology.