In the framework of its 200th anniversary, the University of Liège will organize, on the 16th of May 2018, an Industry – Academia contact day, themed on the simulation and calculation of the physical properties of materials. Registration is open and free, but space is limited, and applicants will be balanced between Academia and Industry/Others:

https://events.uliege.be/industry-day-2018

We have an impressive lineup of both Industrial and University speakers in Physics/Chemistry of materials:

https://events.uliege.be/industry-day-2018/programme/

Over the past 20 years, electronic structure calculations using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) have become a universal and reliable tool to predict the physical properties of materials. We can now carry out digital campaigns, to filter and adapt materials to specific application needs, for example to find new transparent conducting materials for touch screens, or piezoelectric materials without toxic elements. This « high throughput » work can apply to both known and hypothetical materials, and is limited only by our imagination.

The presentations of key players on the international scene of applied materials simulations will stimulate important debates about the future of virtual laboratories. These approaches enable the selection and creation of novel materials for advanced applications in chemistry, coatings, functional materials, energy and lighting, etc… The workshop will focus on microscopic, atomistic, and first principles approaches, but also on multi-scale and multi-physics techniques, which are indispensable to bridge meso-scale complexity and continuum models treated with finite element methods.

The Industry day will be articulated around two main themes and a discussion panel at the end of the morning session:

• Research synergies between University and Industrial R&D, for quantum atomistic simulations: how can cutting edge research find users who do not know it exists, and how can power users feed back their needs to influence research priorities?
• Constructive retroaction between higher education and industry, in the field of materials science (physics, chemistry and engineering in general): the adequacy of university Masters curricula for industrial needs, and the agility of industrial partners in hiring highly qualifies Masters and PhD students. Both dynamics are quite timid in materials simulations, compared to more traditional fields such as process chemistry or engineering.

Contact: Matthieu.Verstraete@uliege.be

Secretary: Florence.Gemine@uliege.be