A Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) researcher has been awarded a SFI Industry RD&I Fellowship to build “sustainable materials of the future”.
Partnering with ÉireComposites in Inverin, Dr Mohamad Alsaadi will lead the GreenCompos project, which aims to develop sustainable solutions for thermoset composites.
These advanced materials, which are cured through a heat process, will be used for reinforcing wind turbines blades, tidal energy production and hydroelectric structures.
Dr Alsaadi, who is based in the PRISM research institute at TUS’s campus in Athlone, will receive more than €100,000 to support his work over a 12-month period.
The SFI RD&I Fellowship Programme supports the temporary placement of academic researchers in industry to conduct research in various areas including energy-efficient communications networks, electrochemical sensors for rapid medical diagnostics, seaweed extract for use in cosmetics/health products, moorings for offshore wind platforms, and reducing cement’s carbon footprint using new generation low clinker cement technology.
Dr Alsaasdi is one of only two technological university-based researchers, and one of just 15 researchers nationwide, to receive a fellowship, awarded by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Dr Alsaadi said, “I am thrilled to embark on a new collaborative initiative in partnership with ÉireComposites. Through the GreenCompos project, we will develop sustainable alternative materials to reduce environmental footprint of thermoset composites while increasing circularity for polymer and plastic materials.”
Dr Liam Brown, VP for Research, Development and Innovation at TUS, stated, “A core ethos of TUS is to foster strong connections between academia and industry, facilitating the exchange of research knowledge and skills. We are committed to continuously supporting enterprises in developing cutting-edge technologies and expanding market reach, with thanks to SFI for co-funding this important project.”
ÉireComposites CEO Dr Tomás Flanagan remarked, “We are delighted that Dr Mohamad Alsaadi will be joining our team on an SFI fellowship. We are excited about his project which will explore the use of advanced composite materials for renewable energy applications. The project will strengthen the relationship between TUS and ÉireComposites as we work together to develop the lightweight, sustainable materials of the future”.
For more information on the SFI Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme, visit the programme webpage.
In addition to this fellowship, ÉireComposites will continue to work closely with TUS through the TUS RISE Industrial Scholarship programme.