Georgia Tech was one of three American universities visited by a delegation from Mittuniversitetet (Mid Sweden University) recently in a bid to strengthen university connections in both education and research area. The group also spent time at the University of Delaware and North Carolina State University.

The connection between Mid Sweden and RBI was established through the International Research Managers Committee of TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry). Norman Marsolan, executive director of RBI, and Per Engstrang, professor of mechanical pulping technology, are both members of committee, more than half of which is made up of representatives from outside the United States.

The two-day visit included stops at a variety of laboratory spaces and a particular focus on common research interests within pulp & paper, biomaterials and biochemical with the Renewable Bioproducts Institute.

“This was a very productive visit and I think an enlightening one for both sides,” said Norman Marsolan, executive director of RBI. “Georgia Tech has a record of strong relationships and exchange partnerships with international educational institutions. We are continually looking for ways to widen the scope of experience, not only for our students, but for our faculty, as we see what a benefit it has on research direction and development.”

Chris Luettgen, associate director of RBI and also TAPPI chairman of the board, added, “This visit is another way for us to show our commitment to the existing links and yet gain broader insight into each other’s research, including challenges and opportunities we face now and in the future.”

Mid Sweden University has three campuses in northern Sweden with the largest percentage of students studying programs in natural science and technology.