SETU participated in the recent SMC University Network meeting, held in Vitoria-Gasteiz from 11 to 14 November.
The delegation also conducted institutional visits to the Universidad de Deusto and the Escuela de Ingeniería de Vitoria-Gasteiz (School of Engineering of Vitoria-Gasteiz) within the Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (EHU), the University of the Basque Country. SETU was officially represented by Dr Diarmuid Ó Briain and Paul Allen, both SETU Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FEBE) representatives, alongside William Joyce, the SMC Ireland Representative.
Focus on advanced industrial training
The SMC Network event facilitated cooperation, learning, and strengthened international research and educational partnerships in the fields of automation and Industry 4.0. The SETU delegates participated in key technical sessions, engaging directly with SMC's state-of-the-art didactic equipment.
Their focus was particularly on the AIT-400 and SIF-400 systems, which are advanced training solutions developed by SMC for practical instruction. These systems cover essential areas, including Industrial Automation and Pneumatics, Process Control, and the crucial application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Industry. Participation allowed the SETU representatives to evaluate the latest pedagogical tools, ensuring the University remains at the cutting edge of engineering education.
Driving future European collaborations
Beyond the technical engagement, the trip was leveraged to secure new international opportunities. The SETU team undertook networking activities, meeting with representatives from other European universities and technology centres. These discussions established new contacts and exploring avenues to promote future collaborations under the Erasmus exchange programmes and to initiate joint educational and technological innovation projects. The event, organised by SMC Spain, provided an invaluable setting for SETU to cement its presence within a vital European network committed to advancing engineering excellence.
University visits and institutional similarities
Additional to the SMC Networking event, the trip included networking visits to two major Basque institutions.
The first visit was to the Universidad de Deusto, a private, Jesuit-run educational institute that is known for its Deusto Educational Model. This model focuses on promoting skills and values alongside knowledge acquisition through strong connections with businesses and industry. The delegation witnessed many technician-level programmes in mechanical, motor, aerospace, and industrial engineering, which bear similarity to the trade apprenticeships at SETU, as well as a degree programme in Industrial Engineering.
Following this the delegation was hosted at the School of Engineering, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (EHU) [University of the Basque Country]. The SETU representatives were warmly welcomed by Dr Estibaliz Apiñaniz Fernández de Larrinoa, Vice-Dean for International Relations and Research.
Both SETU representatives noted the clear and encouraging similarities between the school and SETU Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, particularly regarding their commitment to practical, industry-focused engineering education. The SETU visitors were particularly impressed with the array of interdisciplinary projects students at the university were involved with, highlighting the hosts’ success in integrating different engineering disciplines to solve complex, real-world problems.