Collaborating with leading universities on sustainable materials and infrastructure

As part of the department's efforts to promote international partnerships in research, innovation, and education, Head of Department Yonas Zewdu Ayele recently visited:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
• University of Toronto, Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering

The beginning of a long-term collaboration

These visits mark the start of new opportunities for students and researchers through long-term collaboration, particularly in the fields of sustainable materials and infrastructure, climate and environmental research, resilient and robust systems, and future mobility solutions.

It was also important to establish institutional relationships with two of the world's leading universities.

Joint research projects and student exchange

At MIT, Ayele met with Department Head Professor Ali Jadbabaie to discuss developments in resilient energy systems, transportation, next-generation materials, infrastructure innovation, climate adaptation, urbanisation, and public health.

The discussions highlighted the potential for joint research projects, technology exchange, and the establishment of a student exchange programme between the two departments.

At the University of Toronto, Ayele met with Department Head Marianne Hatzopoulou and her colleagues to explore common research priorities in sustainable urban housing, climate measures and adaptation, geotechnics, and future construction solutions.

Strengthening global engagement

The meetings emphasised the development of joint project proposals, supervision of doctoral research, and mobility programmes for staff and students.

– These visits were an important step in strengthening the Department of Built Environment and OsloMet’s global engagement in sustainable engineering and infrastructure research, says Ayele.

– Collaboration with leading universities such as MIT and the University of Toronto not only enriches our research environment but also provides valuable opportunities for our students and staff to participate in high-level academic exchange.

Working to Formalise the Collaboration

The Department Built Environment is now working closely with both institutions to formalise the collaboration through agreements, known as a "Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)". 

The agreements will include provisions for the exchange of students and staff, joint research initiatives, and collaboration on educational activities.

– These partnerships underline the Department of Built Environment’s ambition to play a leading role in developing sustainable and technology-driven solutions for the future of construction, energy, transport, and mobility – and to connect Norwegian expertise with global networks in innovation and outstanding research, Ayele emphasises.

In the photo at the top of the article, you can see, from the right, Aryan Rezaei Rad, Marianne Hatzopoulou, Yonas Zewdu Ayele and Marianne Touchie during the visit to Toronto.