PARTEC 2016
unique overview of particle research
Every three years, small and ultra-small particles take centre stage at PARTEC in Nuremberg. This international congress – the largest scientific forum for particle technology – will take place from 19 to 21 April 2016 alongside the POWTECH trade fair. The PARTEC programme includes more than 200 presentations, with around 500 experts from around the world taking part in the English-language congress. In line with the congress theme “Industry meets Science”, the list of keynote speakers brings together leading particle research scientists and R&D managers from top companies like Nestlé or Novartis. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hermann Nirschl, Chair of PARTEC 2016, explains in this interview how PARTEC provides inspiration for both research and practice.
Professor Nirschl, how do research and practice benefit from one another at the PARTEC congress?
HN: Our goal is to bring together the practical expertise of industry and the scientific developments of the research institutes. The universities benefit from exposure to application-specific topics that might subsequently be incorporated into students’ theses. In return, industry gets access to new recruits who already have an understanding of industrial applications, and more importantly, can work on solutions to problems for which there is often little time available in a company’s daily routine. SMEs in particular, which have to make do with far fewer research staff than major companies, benefit enormously from these kinds of collaborations.
Which topics and areas of application are receiving particular attention at this year’s PARTEC?
HN: In 2016 the main focus will be on particle formation processes, particle characterisation, measuring methods and processes like agglomeration, formulation and coating, as well as other industrial particle applications. Another important topic is the simulation of particles and associated processes. Thanks to the rapid development of computer technology, simulation is also becoming an attractive option for industry in the meanwhile. Simulations performed on standard PCs will soon provide accurate and reliable information about the behaviour of particle engineering processes.
Is the PARTEC congress only of interest to certain industrial sectors?
HN: Nowadays, particles are found in almost every product! This means that PARTEC appeals to a great many sectors, including the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, the food industry, energy technology and in particular, machine and plant engineering.
Detailed information about the PARTEC 2016 programme and direct links for registration are available at: www.partec.info
