{"id":26334,"date":"2017-02-24T09:00:50","date_gmt":"2017-02-24T09:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leibniz-inm.de\/press-report\/kooperation-mit-namibia-gestartet-2\/"},"modified":"2024-04-04T11:05:17","modified_gmt":"2024-04-04T11:05:17","slug":"kooperation-mit-namibia-gestartet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leibniz-inm.de\/en\/press-releases\/kooperation-mit-namibia-gestartet\/","title":{"rendered":"Cooperation with Namibia underway"},"content":{"rendered":"

The aim of the joint project, NaMiComp<\/em>, is to analyze Namibia\u2019s locally available natural resources and then use them as a basis for new materials for industrial applications. In the long term, the aim is to build an on-site materials science institute at the University of Namibia.<\/p>\n

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\n Whole press release<\/summary>\n

The INM officially began its collaborative effort with the University of Namibia (UNAM) by holding a kick-off workshop. The aim of the joint project, NaMiComp<\/em>, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, is to analyze Namibia\u2019s locally available natural resources and then use them as a basis for new materials for industrial applications. INM and UNAM are working together on the NaMiComp<\/em> project in order to establish and strengthen research competence in materials science at UNAM. In the long term, the aim is to build an on-site materials science institute at the University of Namibia. <\/p>\n

The two-day long workshop, which was held at the INM, was the inaugural event for building this cooperation. Further multi-day workshops, reciprocal visits by experts, field surveys and learning caf\u00e9s are set to follow. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re delighted that this collaborative effort is now gaining pace,\u201d says G\u00fcnter Weber, INM\u2019s Business Director. \u201cMany different skills are needed to transform a natural product into a commercially profitable material. This starts with the analysis of the different types of wood, and includes the actual material and product development right through to the marketing of potential products.\u201d <\/p>\n

The example of acacia trees and shrubs should be highlighted to demonstrate how this biomass can be used to produce sustainable, fire resistant building materials for use in cost-effective housing construction. The large number of acacia bush-invader in Namibia has now become an environmental issue. <\/p>\n

Kenneth Kamwi Matengu, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia explains: \u201cWe have found a strong German partner in INM. This partnership will allow us to further our University\u2019s research mission and to contribute to a commercial solution for the further processing of acacia wood into a variety of commercial products. Now that this project is underway, we have the opportunity to bring our joint vision a step closer to reality.\u201d<\/p>\n