Exchange in Offenburg gave insight into research and lab environments
Research engineer Magnus Ahnesjö was recently on a staff exchange at Hochschule Offenburg in Germany. The university is part of the Challenge EU collaboration and has a biomechanical laboratory with a clear connection to the activities of Sports Tech Research Centre, where he usually works.
– There were already contacts with the university through colleagues, so it was a good opportunity to go, says Magnus Ahnesjö.
During his stay, he participated in the implementation of various tests and gained practical experience of the methods and computer systems used in the labs of the Hochschule Offenburg. The visit also provided a clear picture of how research is organised.
– Many doctoral and master's students take measurements on test subjects who participate in real research studies. They have many research projects underway, he says.
The lab he visited at Hochschule Offenburg is relatively new and is located in a converted industrial building with a biomechanics lab and a robotics lab with workstations, while the rest of the campus area offers lush environments adjacent to the buildings. The university works actively with student projects, including competitions where students build cars that will go as far as possible on a certain amount of energy.
Part of the lab at Hochschule Offenburg.
The journey provided new experiences, but also offered language challenges and problems with the railway company Deutche Bahn.
– It was fun to get away and try to practice German, even though I had a false hope of how much I actually understood.
Instead of booking a plane ticket, Magnus chose to travel by train down to the continent. Despite several delays in Germany, he describes the trip as very successful. He was well received by students and professors and encourages more people to take the opportunity for exchange.
– I would recommend others to go. It provides new perspectives and experiences.