In place in Singapore: From left Ali Muhtaroglu (MEK); Yonas Zewdu Ayele (BE); Imran Halimi Bin Ibrahim (NTU); Astrid Oust Janbu (MEK); Liu Ming (NTU); and Peyman Mirtaheri (MEK).
Collaboration with Singaporean universities on emission-free buildings, floating wind farms, and indoor climate
‘Zero-emission buildings provide a fertile ground for partnerships with Singaporean universities, enabling the development of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions,’ says head of the Department of Built Environment, Yonas Zewdu Ayele.
‘The areas of focus and expertise in our department align closely with the forefront capabilities of Singaporean universities.’
‘We have engaged in productive discussions with deans, department heads, professors, researchers, and students at the universities:
- NUS (National University of Singapore)
- NTU (Nanyang Technology University),
- SIT (Singapore Institute of Technology)
- the technology centre TCOMS (Technology Center for Offshore and Marine, Singapore) in Singapore’
‘These universities demonstrate a fervent commitment to pioneering fields that strongly resonate with our areas of research expertise.’
Three pivotal areas notably underscore collaboration opportunities: advancing emission-free buildings, floating wind farms and solar panel innovation, and optimizing indoor climate for better health.
Emission-free buildings
Emission-free buildings encompass structures, construction, infrastructure, and transportation systems designed to eliminate or minimize emissions entirely.
‘The sustainable building and construction methodologies being researched at NUS and NTU are genuinely remarkable.’
‘Their dedication to curbing emissions through the creation of inventive materials and construction techniques could significantly contribute to our sustainability initiatives.’
Floating wind farms and solar panels
Both NUS and TCOMS are making significant strides in developing solar panels that float on the surface of water, a technology with immense potential for clean energy production.
They are now actively pursuing the development of floating wind farms, further expanding their contributions to renewable energy innovation.
‘Collaborations in this field can expedite our transition to renewable energy sources. TCOMS is actively engaged in research to advance this goal.’
Indoor climate and health
‘Singapore's research on indoor climate and its influence on infectious disease transmission was particularly insightful for us.’
‘In light of the prevailing global health concerns, our collaboration in this arena holds the potential to yield invaluable insights and innovative solutions.
Representatives from NUS will be visiting us in March 2024, and this may pave the way for further discussions on this topic.’
‘Our visit to Singapore has also sparked discussions with the Faculty of Health Sciences (HV), fostering collaboration between OsloMet's faculties.’
Different climates offer opportunities for innovation and collaboration
‘Strengthening partnerships with NUS, NTU, SIT, and TCOMS is mutually beneficial and contributes significantly to our shared goals.’
‘Singaporean universities are also keen on collaborating with OsloMet due to aligned research interests and the opportunity to develop globally applicable solutions by leveraging differences in climate.’
‘Collaboration in joint supervision of master's and PhD students, research projects, and project applications holds particular significance. Furthermore, student exchange between OsloMet and top-ranked universities in Singapore presents a valuable opportunity,’ says Ayele.
