Abstract:

University level education needs to continuously stay in touch with cutting-edge research and innovation such as to produce leading specialists across all disciplines. Technological applications need a solid theoretical foundation based on purposeful, systemic research, and a sound pedagogy. In this context, we are presenting some novel results from the nano-technology field along with the input obtained from 20 master level students regarding their interest in such technologies and need for enhanced curricula.

TECHMAT stands for “TECHnological innovation for nano-sized and uniforM structures through enhAnced conTrol of the electrospinning process”. The European research frameworks are stressing the potential of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials for sustainable growth, competitiveness and increased quality of life. Electrospinning has attracted significant attention as a commercially viable route to fabricate nanofibers for a large number of industrial applications, including filtration media, electronics, biomaterials, and clinical medicine, etc.

TECHMAT’s main goal is to achieve enhanced control of the electrospinning process through technological innovation which will lead to much needed diameter uniformity of the produced fibers. In this way, the electrospinning process can be rendered reproducible and reliable for both scientific modelling and industrial applications.

While, novel technologies are a common subject in both research papers and projects, they are often lacking from the university curricula. Thus, we have involved in TECHMAT students from the Faculty of Textiles, Leather and Industrial Management at the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University Iasi, Romania. Their interest in having novel technologies and research project results as part of their curricula was assessed based on a survey comprising 10 closed questions.
The presentation of the electrospinning technology and some initial results towards the project’s final goal are presented in this paper along with the analysis of the student’s input.

Keywords:

University curricula, research, nano-technologies.