Zuheir Barsoum on the TekMek Research Days: The breadth of research areas enables useful networking
In May 2025, TekMek Research Days will bring together researchers and industry representatives to exchange knowledge, establish contacts and open up for new collaborations. By making the diversity of engineering mechanics visible, conditions are created for cross-border exchange of ideas and innovation.
The initiative for TekMek Research Days grew out of a desire to clarify the extensive expertise that can be found within the Department of Engineering Mechanics at KTH. The aim is to provide a broader picture of the research field, and to highlight the potential for collaboration with industry and other societal actors.
We want to show how extensive engineering mechanics is, and how our research can contribute to solving current societal challenges. TekMek Research Days creates a platform where academia and industry meet in meaningful dialogue, says Zuheir Barsoum, Professor and Vice Head of Department.
A programme reflecting the breadth of research
Over two days, participants are invited to attend a programme of lectures and presentations reflecting the research conducted in the various disciplines of the department. Highlights include Railbus 2.0 - a project using new technologies to update classic train concepts. Another example is research on small satellites and space robotics, known as CubeSats.
At the same time, research centras are given the opportunity to present their activities. SMaRC (Swedish Maritime Robotics Centre) is developing autonomous underwater vehicles with the aim of improving environmental monitoring below the surface of the ocean.
It's a broad field, and this creates great opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, says Barsoum.
Direct insight into the practical application of research
Visitors are also given the opportunity to take part in guided tours of the department's laboratory environments. The Structure Lab demonstrates how the mechanical properties of polymer fibre composites are analysed - with the aim of enabling lighter and more durable structures that can replace steel in various types of vehicles, ranging from submarines to airborne means of transport.
In MoveAbility Lab human movement is being analysed, with the aim of developing technologically advanced aids that improve mobility and quality of life.
A forum for interdisciplinary meetings
The event hopes to promote networking and knowledge exchange. Many participants are specialists in a single field of research, but TekMek Research Days is designed to inspire exploration of neighbouring fields.
Our hope is that participants not only delve deeper into their own areas of expertise, but also discover new perspectives. It is often in the borderland between disciplines that the most innovative ideas arise, says Barsoum.
The event will end with a joint mingle and dinner at restaurant Syster och Bror. The hope is that TekMek Research Days will be established as a recurring event.
I'm particularly looking forward to the presentations and discussions that can lead to new collaborations and strengthened cooperation between academia and industry, Barsoum concludes.