New Challenge for 2024!

Stage 1: each team will be asked to develop a solution to our ‘virtual challenge’.

The challenge for 2024 is in collaboration with Stryker, it focuses on the development of an MPO (Multi-fiber push on connector) plate design and the associated manufacturing process for the automated assembly and testing of the fiber optic connector performance.

Stage 2: the top three teams from the “virtual challenge” will be invited to attend University College Dublin (UCD) to present their virtual challenge solution and the winning team will have the chance to visit Skryker’s technology centre. A bursary will be awarded to contribute towards travel, accommodation and subsistence. Students from the top three teams will also be awarded complementary access to our 24th International Conference and Exhibition.

Stage 3: each team is expected to present their final solution in a short video at euspen’s international conference and exhibition on precision engineering and nanotechnology. Moreover, the students from the top three teams will have the great opportunity to participate in the HR talent forum organized during the International Conference and Exhibition.

Closing date to receive applications: Sunday 31st March 2024

Want to find out what its like to participate in the Talent Programme? Have a read of this testimony written by 2022 Finalist and Winner Dr. Adriano Pilagatti

Hello everyone, my name is Adriano Pilagatti, and I hail from Italy. I am currently pursuing my PhD at the Politecnico di Torino with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Additive Manufacturing. I have gained valuable experience through participation in two team-based projects within an academic setting, including the Velante project at Politecnico di Bari and the Polito Sailing Team at Politecnico di Torino.

Last year was a turning point for me when I had the privilege of being a part of the euspen talent program. To be honest, when I first received the email, I was a bit hesitant and almost disregarded it. But, thanks to the encouragement and support of my academic mentors, I was inspired to give it a shot and apply. And I am so grateful that I did it! This program was a great experience that helped me grow both professionally and personally. In fact, I had the privilege of knowing and working with my two teammates: Kevin and Elias.

During the virtual challenge, we rose to the occasion and designed a ground-breaking prototype. Our design enables automated and highly precise alignment of components for the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC project) to be installed in the particle accelerator at CERN. Our team was fully engaged in a captivating challenge for two intense weeks. Every day brought new updates, insights, and solutions as we worked tirelessly to make progress. There were certainly ups and downs, as any tight deadline and the high-pressure situation can bring. But we didn’t back down. Instead, we faced and overcame obstacles, even with the help of euspen organizers and CERN engineers during a meeting. It was a true test of our resilience, creativity, and ability to work as a team. And when it was all said and done, our hard work paid off – our team emerged as one of the top three, earning the incredible opportunity to bring our ideas to life at CERN’s metrology labs. There, we witnessed firsthand the transformation of our CAD drawings into a tangible solution, working alongside the brilliant engineers at CERN, including Eng. Vivian Rude and PhD Helene Mainaud Durand. In just three hours, we had to grasp the concept, develop a solution, and present our proposal for aligning components with micrometric precision using a laser tracking system (see Figure below). It was truly a dream come true.

The conclusion of the challenge was crowned with victory, but what stands out as truly remarkable and memorable was the journey to get there. It wasn’t just about technical skills but the combination of effective teamwork, clear communication, efficient time management, conflict resolution, and a burning passion for learning. These are the elements that truly made this experience unforgettable.

Being part of the SPS Team (in figure below) was an incredible experience that brought us professional growth and forged long-lasting bonds of friendship and mutual respect. Our diverse backgrounds as PhD students in various fields only add to our potential to collaborate on future projects. As guests at the 22nd International Conference & Exhibition of euspen in Geneva, we were treated to thought-provoking keynotes, including “The James Webb Space Telescope: Testing on Ground to Ensure On-Orbit Performance” by Dr. Begõna Vila of NASA and “Present and Future CERN Projects and Their Associated Engineering Challenges” by Dr. Rhodri Jones of CERN.

In conclusion, I hope my experience inspires students to seize the opportunity to participate in these challenges. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Embracing the challenge is often the best way to grow and discover your potential.

Good luck to everyone, and I hope to see you all in Dublin, Ireland this June!

Best, Adriano.

Why not check out what we did in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023

Bursary

euspen‘s 23rd International Conference & Exhibition takes place from Monday 12th June to Friday 16th June 2023. 

Successful students selected for the second stage will be expected to come to Technical University of Denmark (DTU).  These students will be eligible to receive a bursary contributing towards their travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.