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Advances in technology across industry

Professor Ulrich Rüdiger, rector of the University of Konstanz

Boost for Visual Computing

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved the creation of a new transregional collaborative research centre (SFB/Transregio) for the University of Konstanz, University of Stuttgart, and the Max-Planck-Institute for biological cybernetics in Tübingen. The new SFB/Transregio 161 ‘Quantitative Methods for Visual Computing’ is concerned with the computer-assisted processing and representation of image information. The goal is to make the quality and applicability of data and images determinable and measurable. The DFG will support the research for the next four years with approximately eight million euros.

“The representation and analysis of visual information is a central research focus of the department of computer and information science,” explains Professor Ulrich Rüdiger, rector of the University of Konstanz. “Through the acquisition of the transregional collaborative research centre ‘Quantitative Methods for Visual Computing’, we can develop this key research area further.”

SFB/Transregio 161 focuses on the computer-assisted processing and representation of image information. Examples include: the visualisation of collected data or simulations, virtual maps and tours or computer generated film scenes. Visit: www.uni-konstanz.de

Cellulose – a supermaterial of the future

Finnish researchers are working together to develop new biomaterial applications within the ‘Design Driven Value Chains in the World of Cellulose’ (DWoC) 2.0 project coordinated by VTT (the Technical Research Centre of Finland).

The DWoC project is seeking new design-driven applications for cellulose and is developing related technology as well as exploring new ways to create value in cellulose-based ecosystems. These new materials and innovations can replace fossil-based raw materials in textile products, interior decoration elements and car interior materials.

“The Government Programme emphasises the importance of the bioeconomy for Finland’s future and economic renewal. Renewal necessitates giant research-driven leaps, strong risk taking and national investment in research and innovation funding. Wood the – the ‘green gold’ of Finland – is a renewable raw material and wood cellulose can be converted to a golden opportunity when we find new high added value applications alongside the traditional paper and pulp industry,” says Project Coordinator Johanna Buchert, vice-president, Research, VTT.

In the second phase of the project textile applications such as 3D printing of cellulose are being developed and the application of cellulose-based materials in the built environment is being studied. Visit: www.vttresearch.com

Solvay opens biotechnology laboratory in Brazil

Solvay today opened in Brazil its first fully dedicated Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory (IBL) to boost the development of innovations and solutions based on sustainable chemistry, used in a growing range of end-markets.

The fully integrated laboratory in Paulinia will chiefly focus on researching new processes and molecules derived from biomass, which is mostly plant or vegetable based and abundantly available in Brazil with its favourable climate and vast surface.

“With this laboratory Solvay can further nourish its innovation portfolio, using renewable resources, with tailored solutions to meet sustainability demands from customers in multiple end-markets,” said Louis Neltner, Solvay’s Research & Innovation Group general manager. “Thanks to Brazil’s wide variety of biomass, competitive agricultural businesses and biotech expertise the country has all the required conditions to develop and grow products and solutions based on renewable resources.” Visit: www.solvay.com