The International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE) and the IMDEA Materials Institute have established a strategic partnership focused on the development of simulation tools for advanced manufacturing processes of metallic materials. The collaboration was formalized during a meeting held at IMDEA Materials' facilities on Thursday, February 20.

A delegation from CIMNE visited IMDEA Materials to explore research synergies and identify potential collaboration mechanisms. During the meeting, both institutions agreed to launch joint projects in several research areas, with particular emphasis on developing simulation tools for advanced manufacturing processes of metallic materials—an area where the expertise of both centres is highly complementary.

The agreement also upholds good managing practices in engineering research, a priority for both institutions and their managing boards. In this regard, IMDEA Materials Manager, Dr. Covadonga Rosado, and CIMNE’s Managing Director, Anna Font, held a working session as a first exchange of shared opportunities and best practices.

“This alliance between CIMNE and IMDEA Materials represents a significant step forward in advancing simulation capabilities for metallic materials manufacturing. We see tremendous potential for this partnership to deliver cutting-edge solutions that address complex industrial challenges and are looking forward to working with top-tier talent at IMDEA Materials to strengthen materials science and characterization techniques”, said CIMNE’s General Director, Prof. Javier Bonet.

Representatives of both institutions during the institutional visit at IMDEA

The CIMNE delegation included Founding Director, Prof. Eugenio Oñate; Managing Director, Anna Font; General Director, Prof. Javier Bonet; Project Development Director, Dr. Fernando Salazar; Scientific Director, Dr. Pedro Diez, and Dr. Michele Chiumenti, academic leader from the Solid and fluid simulation for Industrial Processes research cluster. IMDEA Materials was represented by Director Prof. José Manuel Torralba; Deputy Director, Dr. Jon Molina, Manager, Dr. Covadonga Rosado; Scientific Director, Prof. Javier Llorca, Rosa Bazán, Mar García, Ignacio Romero, Ilchat Sabirov, and Miguel Ángel Rodiel.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the CIMNE representatives to gain first-hand knowledge of IMDEA Materials' laboratories and research activities. A follow-up meeting will soon be organized at CIMNE's facilities in Barcelona to advance the action plan and expand the alliance's scope internationally.