- The University of Debrecen considers the electronics and automotive sectors as priorities. Companies and industrial partners operating in the region count on UD not only as a source of human resources, but as an innovation hub and a knowledge centre as well. This is what inspires the development of the engineering programmes and the continuous modernisation of the educational and research infrastructure of UD. The manufacturing technology laboratory aims to facilitate this process – explained Zoltán Bács, Chancellor of UD, at the opening ceremony of the laboratory on Thursday.
Chancellor Bács highlighted that UD has made significant efforts to develop its technological degree programmes in the previous years, and is determined to continue this work in the future. The aim of UD is to improve the education of highly trained professionals for the automotive and the electronics sector in Debrecen and in the region.
This facility will allow students to gain experience with the manufacturing technologies applied in the industry.
- Practical training is a crucial part of the university years of students. It helps them to gain a deeper understanding of theoretical knowledge and brings them closer to their professions – added Piroska Ailer, Vice Rector for technological innovation and education development.
Ferenc Kun, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, dubbed the new laboratory as a milestone. The facility will be used by electrical engineering BSc students, and students of the MSc programme, which is planned to be launched jointly with the Faculty of Engineering.
- The primary task of the Faculty of Science and Technology of UD is to support the industrial sectors of the region by providing companies with highly educated engineers equipped with extensive theoretical and practical knowledge. However, based on experience from the last 15 years, it can be done only in cooperation with companies operating in the relevant sectors. Owing to the modernisation programme launched in 2019, now the electrical engineering education of the Faculty of Technology and Science has a world-class laboratory that covers all areas of the industry. The new facility will allow students to learn state-of-the-art technologies in an industrial environment – Dean Kun pointed out.
Ferenc Kun also mentioned that the continuously growing number of students at the Department of Electrical Engineering and the reputation of the course clearly indicate the dynamic improvement of the department, which, in terms of quality indicators, occupies the second place behind the University of Technology and Economics in university rankings.
Ágnes Vibók, head of the Physics Institute emphasized that the department has excellent relationship with major companies in the region. Besides hiring engineers graduating from UD, the partner companies also support education through donating instruments, taking part in dual education, offering opportunities for practical training and suggesting thesis topics. The new manufacturing technology laboratory will play a central role in the practical training of engineering students of the department, and opens up new horizons for students.
- The new laboratory will allow students to complement their firm theoretical background with up-to-date practical knowledge. During lab sessions, students can adopt the working processes of big companies and engage in research and development activities – explained Gábor Battistig, head of the Department of Electrical Engineering.
Representatives of the donor companies, including Fuji Europe, NI and Sensirion, emphasized the importance of cooperation and the marketability of practice-oriented education, and expressed hope that besides manufacturing, cooperation would be extended to R&D activities as well.
The state-of-the-art NXT-III placing machine, which is also applied in the industry, has been donated to the new lab by Fuji Europe. National Instruments and Sensirion contributed to the laboratory setting with financial resources and equipment. The renovation of the laboratory room and further equipment cost about HUF 70 million, most of which was covered by the technological development programme of UD. The special ESD furniture, protected against electrostatic discharge, was provided by Microsolder Kft. and D és Tsa.
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