
Alberto Vomiero, Professor at Luleå University of Technology.
17 May 2024
Awarded UNESCO Chair with a Focus on Sustainable Materials and Techniques
Luleå University of Technology, through Professor Alberto Vomiero, is awarded the prestigious role as UNESCO Chair centered around Advanced Materials and Technologies with the aim of promoting sustainable development. The chair is shared with Ca 'Foscari University in Venice and focuses specifically on developing countries
“To be awarded the role of UNESCO Chair is an honor and an experience that makes me both proud and emotional," says Alberto Vomiero, professor of experimental physics and holder of the chair on behalf of Luleå University of Technology.
In Sweden, nine UNESCO chairs are established, and the latest addition, Aid4GEA, will be the only one directly focusing on fundamental science and technical disciplines. In collaboration with Professor Elisa Moretti, holder of the chair at Ca' Foscari University in Venice, an ambitious program for education, research, and networking under the UNESCO umbrella will be developed. Aid4GEA aims to raise awareness of the crucial role that advanced materials and technologies play in promoting sustainable development, particularly in developing countries.
Unique opportunities
"Human activities are characterized by materials in all aspects of life, from industrial production to everyday life, and functional materials offer unique opportunities for sustainability compared to before. At the same time, societal development must consider careful use of natural resources to reduce anthropogenic effects on climate and the environment. Examples of such materials can be technologies for hydrogen production, solar energy conversion and storage, as well as treatment of contaminated land," says Alberto Vomiero, continuing, "Sustainability is a complex concept that includes all aspects of our lives, including social, environmental, and economic factors. There is no sustainability unless all of this is included and considered, but developing a systematic analysis and proposing integrated solutions is very demanding. We want to meet this challenge, and Aid4GEA will provide a strategic platform for this purpose."
Positioning the university internationally
All activities within Aid4GEA will be coordinated from Luleå University of Technology in collaboration with Ca' Foscari. This will position the university as a leading actor within an international network that includes institutions from eleven different countries, three other UNESCO chairs, and leading organizations such as the European Materials Research Society, African Materials Research Society, Australian Materials Research Society, and Global Young Academy.
"The award will increase opportunities to attract outstanding students and researchers to Luleå University of Technology and enable participation in research and network financing internationally. Additionally, this provides students and young researchers with the opportunity to expand their international experiences by being visiting researchers at foreign institutions and universities," says Alberto Voimero.
The facts
A UNESCO Chair is a team led by an academic institution or research institution collaborating with UNESCO to promote knowledge and practices in a common priority area. Currently, there are approximately 950 UNESCO Chairs worldwide. The UNESCO Chairs program was launched in 1992 with the aim of fostering international cooperation between universities and facilitating knowledge sharing.
Contact
Alberto Vomiero
- Professor and Head of Subject
- 0920-493139
- alberto.vomiero@ltu.se
- Alberto Vomiero
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