The research environment at Luleå University of Technology attracted international researchers in the field of structural engineering.

For three days, researchers in the field of building construction gathered for a cohesive event where research, laboratories, and facilities were showcased as a shared research environment. The program combined thesis defenses, research presentations, and international participation with study visits and joint activities in the surrounding area.

“By bringing together several key parts of our activities during the same period, we created better conditions for dialogue, collaboration, and a common direction within the subject. At the same time, we wanted to showcase both our research and the environment in which we operate,” says Gabriel Sas, professor of structural engineering.

Thesis defenses and research presentations

The event began with a thesis defense, when Adrian Ulfberg defended his doctoral thesis. On the final day, Silvia Sarmiento also defended her thesis. In between, researchers and doctoral students presented ongoing research in building construction, which provided an overview of the subject's research directions and current issues.

International participation

During the event, guest lecturers from several European countries participated. In addition, there were also international visitors on site, including Lorenzo Casti, who recently completed his doctorate at Université Gustave Eiffel in Paris, who took part in the program and the research environment at the university.

"Participating in Structural Engineering Week at Luleå University of Technology was a truly outstanding experience. I was deeply impressed by the vibrant academic environment and the world-class research facilities available to both students and researchers. Against the magnificent backdrop of Luleå's landscape, the university offers a truly unique environment for innovation. I look forward to returning and building meaningful collaborations with the talented researchers I met there."

One of the guest lecturers, Fabio Biondini, professor of building construction at Politecnico di Milano, emphasized the value of context.

"I am delighted to be here and experience the environments that exist here in Luleå. It is clear that there are many opportunities for both networking and collaboration," he said.

Advanced laboratory environments

As part of the program, the MCE lab was also showcased—a laboratory environment that is unique in Sweden and central to research in building construction. The lab is used for advanced experiments and tests and also serves as a national resource, where other universities and research organizations can conduct studies by renting space.

The location as part of the whole

Joint activities outside the campus, including visits to Gammelstad Church Town and Brändön, were a deliberate part of the program. The aim was to give participants an overall picture of both the research and the geographical and cultural context in which it is conducted.

"We are proud of our research, our resources, and the place where the work is done. Allowing international researchers to experience the entire research environment here at Luleå University of Technology provided clear added value," says Gabriel Sas.