Throughout the week commencing 4 March 2024 the WTUN convened a series of online events to mark mark World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development 2024
WED is an opportunity to celebrate engineering and the contribution of the world’s engineers for a better, sustainable world. This year’s theme is “Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable World”
The World Technology Universities Network is delighted to announce the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is joining the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN). Professor Shirley Congdon, Chair WTUN, and the whole of the Network welcome Dr. David Ross, SAIT President and CEO, Mark Butler, Vice President, Corporate Development, Applied Research and International, and their colleagues to the WTUN, its Boards and programmes.
Professor Shirley Congdon, Chair WTUN
The WTUN’s diverse membership is united by a commitment to the inclusive advancement of sustainable scientific and technology teaching and research; each demonstrating a commitment to truly equitable innovation for the benefit of people and place.
“SAIT brings with it distinctive benefits and strengths…including applied research and development expertise…”
“We are delighted to welcome the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology as member of the Network. SAIT brings with it distinctive benefits and strengths to the WTUN, including demonstrated, deep-rooted applied research and development expertise,” says Professor Congdon. “We believe that they complement our existing membership and will expand the regional impact and opportunities for truly global collaboration on the challenges that the WTUN has committed to addressing.”
History
Established in 1916 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, SAIT was the first publicly funded technical institute in North America and is the second oldest post-secondary institution in Calgary. One of Canada’s top applied research colleges, SAIT has 77,000 square feet of specialized research labs and facilities, and full-time research staff dedicated to providing services organizations need to take their products from concept to prototype.
SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) department engages in industry-driven research across a wide knowledge base in four distinct areas:
Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM)
Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS)
Centre for Energy Research and Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions (CERCUTS)
As a national leader in applied research, SAIT’s values and commitment to collaboration through the cultivation of skills, driving innovations and the advancement of economic and environmental efforts, locally and globally, align with the WTUN’s vision and that of its existing members. We believe their membership will be a great benefit to the Network.
“[SAIT’s]…commitment to sustainable research and innovation aligns with the goals set by the WTUN…”
Mark Butler, Vice President, Corporate Development, Applied Research and International, SAIT
“SAIT is excited to explore this new opportunity for collaboration through this diverse network of technology-focused post-secondary institutions. Our commitment to sustainable research and innovation aligns with the goals set by the WTUN to share knowledge and best practices to support building capacity in technology and education,” says Butler. “The opportunity will continue to advance SAIT’s commitment to excellence while broadening our community’s worldview.”
More about SAIT
Established in 1916, SAIT was the first of its kind, publicly funded technical school in North America. As a global leader in applied education and research — serving nearly 40,000 students annually — SAIT offers certificate, diploma, post diploma, apprenticeship and applied degree programs, baccalaureate degrees, corporate training and more than 1,000 continuing education courses, along with six dedicated, award-winning areas of research and capacity for new and emerging research. Curriculum and research priorities are developed through industry partnerships to ensure graduates have the skills and knowledge required to fulfill the demand for talent. SAIT is honoured to be recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2023, and to be ranked sixth by Research Infosource Inc. in the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada for 2023. CEOWORLD Magazine ranked the SAIT School of Business #51 on the list of Best Business Schools in the World for 2023, and the School of Hospitality and Tourism placed #15 on their list of Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World — the only Canadian school listed — for 2023.
The WTUN invites prospective members who share a commitment to the values of the Network. We have committed as a network to focus on guiding principles of sustainability and inclusivity. The WTUN is a signatory of the SDG Accord, the University and College Sector’s collective response to the Global Goals (www.sdgaccord.org) and the UN SDGs underpin and inform many of the Network’s priorities and activities.
World Engineering Day is an opportunity to celebrate engineering and the contribution of the world’s engineers for a better, sustainable world.
Date: Monday 4 March 2024 Time: 10:00 (GMT)
Register: Microsoft Forms Host: Dr. Christina Toigo, Professorship of Hydrogen Technology and Energy Storage, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
We are pleased to announce details of the first in a series of events in celebration of UNESCO World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development.
Join Dr Christina Toigo and the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria for this session focussing on ‘the Latest Developments in Energy Storage and Conversion’.
About Dr Toigo:
Christina Toigo received her Masters degree in polymer chemistry from the Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria and a PhD in electrochemistry from Alma Mater Studiorum – Universitá di Bologna, Italy. She has been in the field of electrochemistry and battery technology for more than 9 years in both industry and research, working on lithium- and sodium-ion batteries and combined systems for energy storage and hydrogen generation. She currently holds a professorship in “Hydrogen Technology and Energy Storage Systems” at University of Applied Sciences Wels, Austria, where she is focusing on sustainable materials, integration of complex energy systems and innovative approaches within this field. In her lectures, she shares real-world applications and practical insights, making complex concepts easily comprehensible.
Speakers:
We will announce our full line-up of speakers here – check back soon!
Members of the World Technology Universities Network have demonstrated a commitment to the inclusive advancement of sustainable scientific and technology teaching and research; each demonstrating a commitment to truly equitable innovation for the benefit of people and place. Does your institution have example(s) of effective, impactful, and innovative approaches to increasing participation, progression, and success in STEM related subjects for otherwise underrepresented or marginalised groups (whatever this might mean in context of subject area, culture, history, or locality)? We invite you to share these examples of excellence with fellow WTUN members so that we might learn from each other for the benefit of all.
As part of a series of WTUN led events coinciding with this year’s UNESCO World Engineering Day (4 March) we are pleased to share this call for speakers for an online event proposed for Tuesday 5 March between 11.00-14.00 GMT (exact times to be confirmed and can be adjusted to accommodate time zones where possible and required). We also seek a moderator/chair to host the event and facilitate a Q&A.
Depending on level of response we may consider holding more than one session on this subject or repeating it later in the year, so if you have something you would like to share but the date and time above is not suitable, please do contact us to explore options.
To be the first to receive updates about the events happening w.c 4 March for World Engineering Day register here.
Open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students from WTUN member institutions the WTUN Hackathon for Climate Action took place in November 2023.
The Hackathon challenged students to collaborate with peers across the world to tackle and issue of their choosing related toClimate Action. In the spirit of the WTUN’s commitment to the ethos of global citizenship, students from different WTUN member institutions, subject disciplines, countries and time zones were divided into teams to work together to address the UN Sustainability Development Goals:#13 Climate Action and #17 Partnerships for the goals. Teams collaborated to conceivenew ideas and solutions, practicing innovation and entrepreneurship with real-life applications.
Watch: the Pre-Event, featuring Professor Shirley Congdon, Chair WTUN and Vice-Chancellor, University of Bradford, Dr David Harding, Suranaree University of Technology and Dr Suzanne Smit, University of Bradford, can be watched back here
Expert advice and guidance
The WTUN Hackathon for Climate Action 2023 took place online and over an intense and continuous 48 hour period. During this time we had a team of experts and mentors, volunteers from WTUN member institutions, delivering focussed masterclasses, and providing 24/7 mentoring and guidance. With this support, teams learned how to develop an initial idea through to the development of a final product or service.
Seven expert speakers delivered live masterclasses covering topics related to identification of a problem and initial idea, design thinking and ideation, value proposition, stakeholder engagement, impact assessment, business model development, potential funding opportunities and pitch preparation and presentation skills.
A big thank you to:
Professor Paul Thorning, University of Bradford
Mr Padraic Lynch, Atlantic Technological University
Mr Lars Andersson, Suranaree University of Technology
Mr Paul McCusker, Atlantic Technological University
Dr Mullika Sungsanit, Suranaree University of Technology
Dr Isobel Cunningham, Atlantic Technological University
Una Quinn, Atlantic Technological University
and to the following for taking the time to pre-record a masterclass for the event:
Dr Patipan Saelim, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
Dr Martin Schoch, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
Dr Gerald Weisz, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
In the final 2 hours of the Hackathon, teams were brought together one last time, for a live Pitch Event, where each team had just 5 minutes to present their idea, followed by 5 minutes of questions from the panel of judges.
Thank you to this year’s judges:
Dr Mullika Sungsanit, Vice Rector of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Suranaree University of Technology and WTUN Operational Board Chair.
Dr David Spicer, Professor of Small Business Development and Organisational Studies andDirector of Business and Community Engagement at University of Bradford.
Dr Klaus Zeppenfeld, Professor at the University of Applied Sciences and Art Dortmund and WTUN Lifetime Fellow.
6 teams pitched their product or service and the judges were thoroughly impressed with the quality, ingenuity, innovation and creativity on display. We have summarised the final pitches below:
Hacks/products/services were developed by 6 brilliant and dedicated teams addressing;
Climate Action
Food Waste
Air Quality and ‘agro-preneurial’ intervention
Disaster management and AI imaging
Marine Pollution
Circular Economy
Energy consumption
The Winners!
The winning teams produced innovative solutions to accessing clean air, reducing food waste and recycling clothing towards a circular economy. The winners of the WTUN Hackathon for Climate Action 2023 are:
First prize of £2,000 is awarded to;
Team 12, ‘Green Titans‘
Stefanie Kölbl, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
Shaik Althaf, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
R.S. Bhumishaa Ratheesh, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
Emmanuel Kamoru Umoru, University of Bradford
Green Titans pitched an app which would support and incentivise the general public to track, reduce, and improve their household consumption.
Click the below image to view the winning deck:
Second Prize of £1,000 is awarded to;
Team 10, ‘The Cracker‘
Khush Agarwal, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
Ruby Jain, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
Charles Ogun, University of Bradford
Ebrahim Aliyou Wudu, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
The Cracker pitched a service which would support key industry partners, such as restaurants, to sustainably manage organic waste, promoting a circular economy.
Third Prize of £750 is awarded to;
Team 29, ‘Greeneriee‘
Siddhant Deshpande, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
Roghan G, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
K. ThaniyasubhalaxmiKanthasami, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
KanraweeSisandsaup, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
Click the below image to view the winning deck:
Greeneriee pitched a product providing local fishermen with access to vital data and insights to adjust feeding schedules through a product of sensors installed within the aquaculture of their surroundings.
Congratulations to our winning teams!
Thank you to all of the people who made this event possible.
If you have enjoyed this experience and are looking for other opportunities to participate in WTUN activities don’t forget;
Following the meeting of WTUN members for the 8th Annual WTUN Congress, Chair and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bradford, UK, Shirley Congdon reflects:
“This year’s congress allowed the WTUN members to share their solutions to the fundamental challenge of the modern world; Sustainability. Sustainability as it relates to research, innovation, education, technologies, university campuses and their operations and how entrepreneurship can offer more rapid and impactful ways of enabling a fair and just transition to net zero. WTUN members are united and committed to ensuring the next generations view sustainability with the broad landscape of equality, diversity and inclusion to act so that no groups are left behind on the sustainability journey.”
On behalf of the World Technology Universities Network, we extend our thanks to all involved at this year’s hosts, TU Ilmenau, for their efforts in ensuring the three-day event was a success.
From the hosts, TU Ilmenau:
TU Ilmenau discussed sustainable future with technical universities from all over the world
At the invitation of the Technical University ofIlmenau, technical universities from all over the world discussed the topic “Sustainable Future: Global Trends and the Role and Responsibility of Technical Universities” for three days at the annual conference of the World Technologies Universities Network (WTUN), an international association of technical universities, in Erfurt. The conference theme coincides with TU Ilmenau’s theme year “Sustainability”. The keynote address was given by the renowned Potsdam climate impact researcher Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf.
From October 9 to 11, 50 participants from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America met at the World Technologies Universities Conference to explore global trends for sustainable development and discuss the role and responsibility of universities in addressing the complex issues of our time. What is the role of technical universities in the shift toward greater sustainability? What are the particular challenges they face? What innovations are helping to educate tomorrow’s scientists, engineers, and citizens? How does the focus on sustainability influence innovation and entrepreneurship?
Participants at the conference presented best practices from their institutions: best practices and successful examples of incorporating social responsibility, sustainable entrepreneurship and a culture of global citizenship into their communities. The conference organizer, Prof. Jens Müller, Vice President for International Relations and Transfer at TU Ilmenau, was extremely pleased with the way the three days of discussions went: “The conference presentations and the lively discussions showed that we face very comparable challenges regardless of country and continent of origin and that we can learn from each other on many points.”
The keynote speaker at the conference was Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. In his English-language presentation, “The Climate Crisis in the Public Debate of Science, Opponents and Populists,” he argued that science must not give up on rejecting misrepresentations and communicating data-based findings on climate change and its drivers. For example, he showed how selective omission of temperature data derives false findings that downplay the importance of man-made influence.
The World Technology Universities Network aims to empower future generations to meet the challenges of the 21st century through cutting-edge research with direct benefits for people and society. The universities conduct joint research projects, maintain regular exchanges with each other and strive to promote society’s understanding of the tasks, work and research fields of technical universities worldwide.
During the World Technology Universities Congress 2022 hosted by Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand, a group of student volunteers interviewed delegates to learn more about their institutional motivations for membership of the WTUN and what they hoped to achieve during WTUC 2022.
The World Technology Universities Network is pleased to announce the inaugural WTUN Annual Lecture.
Coinciding with the WTUN Congress, the first of the WTUN’s Annual Lecture’s will be delivered by Professor Stefan Rahmstorf, Head of Earth System Analysis at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
Title: The climate crisis in the public debate between science, contrarians and populists
“The public climate debate is often completely detached from what is known and debated among experts. It is strongly influenced by targeted disinformation, well-paid lobbying, media with political agendas often owned by super-rich people, populist politicians and elderly gentlemen desperately defending their worldview against inconvenient findings.
There is thus a huge disconnect between the expert discussion and the public debate on climate science and climate solutions. With thirty years of experience both in advancing climate science and communicating it to the public at large, I will present some observations and examples from both fronts, ranging from paleoclimate reconstructions (the ‘hockey stick’ curves) to heat pumps.”
Location: World Technology Universities Congress hosted by TU Ilmenau, Erfurt. Date: Tuesday 10 October 2023 Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Biography
Stefan Rahmstorf is Co-Head of Research Department on Earth System Analysis of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and Professor of Physics of the Oceans at the University of Potsdam.
A physicist and physical oceanographer by training, Stefan Rahmstorf’s research focusses on paleoclimate, ocean circulation, sea level, extreme weather events and Earth System modeling.
After working at the New Zealand Oceanographic Institute and the Institute of Marine Science in Kiel, Stefan Rahmstorf joined PIK in 1996. He holds a professorship of Physics of the Oceans at the University of Potsdam since 2000. From 2004 to 2013 Stefan Rahmstorf advised the German government as a member of its Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU).
He is not only an outstanding and highly cited scientist but also a sought-after science communicator and speaker, winning e.g. the Climate Communication Prize of the American Geophysical Union in 2017. He co-founded the award-winning Realclimate and KlimaLounge blogs and is Europe’s climate scientist with the most Twitter followers (2020).
