Putting a network of excellence on the map

The Institute is dedicated to research and application development in piezoelectric materials and devices — materials that generate an electric charge when stress is applied and change shape when an electric field is applied. They are currently being used in many applications and industries such as health care, transport, energy harvesting and environmental monitoring. These materials enhance product quality, sensing capabilities and device performance.

Activities and research at the Institute assist leading European academics and businesses in the piezoelectric and related fields to expand materials and technologies into new applications.

To continue to do so, however, Piezo Institute needs to transition from a not-for-profit organisation to a self-sufficient, economically feasible entity. To help achieve this, the EU-funded PI CSA project is actively engaging industry.

Project members carried out a pan-European survey consisting of employee questionnaires and company visits to identify the requirements of both small and large businesses for piezoelectric materials and technologies. This resulted in a roadmap report aimed at boosting industry membership.

The consortium intends to increase industry participation at the Institute's biannual, internationally recognised events. The first such conference organised during the project enjoyed a good turnout by industry. This series of events is key for exhibitors to present their companies and products.

Several training modules in the form of short courses and workshops have been designed by the team for industry members. Membership procedures have also been streamlined, and the Institute's website has been overhauled to make it more industry-centric.

Project efforts are raising industry awareness of the Piezo Institute by developing industrial training and online tools, as well as by increasing the presence of businesses at the organisation's flagship events.