from May 12, 2025 to May 14, 2025
Organized by Dr. Robert Kupfer and his team from TU Dresden Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology, the workshop gathered 18 doctoral students from member institutions of the Heritage Network — 10 from India and 8 from Europe.
The workshop offered young researchers a platform to work collaboratively in international teams, deepening their understanding of sustainable engineering practices while developing valuable intercultural skills.
Focusing on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the program allowed participants to explore practical applications of sustainability in mechanical engineering. Through group work and guided sessions, the PhD students tackled real-world challenges, preparing them to become leaders in sustainable innovation. As the workshop leader, I was deeply impressed by the intrinsic motivation with which the participants worked on the topic for three full days. The varied format – from concise lectures and intensive group work to lively discussions – allowed participants to grow both professionally and personally. Beyond the technical content, it also became clear: sustainability is not only a technical challenge but also a matter of international cooperation, human interaction, and mutual learning. Dr. Robert Kupfer
As the workshop leader, I was deeply impressed by the intrinsic motivation with which the participants worked on the topic for three full days. The varied format – from concise lectures and intensive group work to lively discussions – allowed participants to grow both professionally and personally. Beyond the technical content, it also became clear: sustainability is not only a technical challenge but also a matter of international cooperation, human interaction, and mutual learning. Dr. Robert Kupfer
The participants’ feedback was equally compelling. Sumitkumar from India emphasized how valuable the practical LCA exercises were for his own research in sustainable manufacturing technologies: “The combination of foundational knowledge and practical application opened up new perspectives for me on evaluating environmental impacts,” he said enthusiastically. Bhavita highlighted the relevance of the methods learned for other engineering disciplines – such as geotechnical applications, where material use and CO₂ balance are becoming increasingly important. For her, the workshop impressively demonstrated that LCA can contribute to more sustainable engineering even in non-specialist fields.
“The combination of foundational knowledge and practical application opened up new perspectives for me on evaluating environmental impacts,”
The workshop was officially opened by Prof. Teresa Zielinska, President of the Heritage Network, and Caroline Kerello, the Network’s General Secretary. More than just a technical seminar, the event was designed to build lasting connections between young researchers and senior academics from across Europe and India. Indian participants were supported by the Saxon Student Mobility Program (SSMP), which helped cover part of their travel, accommodation, and meal expenses. This financial support was key in enabling broader participation and promoting equitable academic exchange. Whereas European participants benefited from European fundings such as Erasmus+.
A rich social and cultural program — including shared dinners and local excursions — helped reinforce the human connections behind academic collaboration. These informal moments allowed PhD students and professors alike to exchange ideas, experiences, and visions for the future of sustainable engineering.
The Spring Workshop concluded with a Pitch Challenge, where each group had just 180 seconds to present their findings to a jury of Heritage Network members. The challenge highlighted not only the students’ technical insights but also their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely — a crucial skill in today’s global research landscape.
The workshop closed on a celebratory note with an evening of cultural exchange, featuring music, dance, and food from both continents, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and friendship that defines the Heritage Network.
These voices show that the workshop not only conveyed knowledge but also provided new impulses for research and application. A true highlight of the academic year – rarely have I felt so much joy and gratitude in my work. And many participants said at the end: they would have loved a few more days to dive even deeper into these exciting topics. Dr. Robert Kupfer