Georgian-Austrian Engineering and Technology Center Opened at GTU

The Georgian-Austrian Engineering and Technology Center was opened at the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development of the Georgian Technical University by the GTU Rector, Academician David Gurgenidze, and the Rector of the Technical University of Leoben – Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria, Academician Peter Moser.

The space for the new center was equipped and furnished in close partnership with the Georgian Technical University and the Technical University of Leoben, Austria, within the framework of the international Georgian-Austrian project. The Georgian-Austrian educational project is supported by the Government of Georgia, the Parliament of Georgia, the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, the Embassy of the Republic of Austria in Georgia, and the company “RMG”.

The event was attended by a delegation from an Austrian university visiting the Georgian Technical University, members of the Georgian Parliament, representatives of the Georgian Technical University administration and the Grigol Tsulukidze Mining Institute, scientific and academic circles of the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development of the GTU, students, executives of the “RMG” company, and leading industry specialists.

Following the opening of the Georgian-Austrian Engineering and Technology Center on the university premises and the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze, spoke about the center’s importance.

“I am confident that the Georgian-Austrian Engineering and Technology Center will play an important role in deepening both Georgian-Austrian and international educational and scientific cooperation. It is in this space that Georgian and Austrian engineering experience will merge and create new opportunities for our students, young researchers, and representatives of the mining industry.

It is worth noting that the Technical University of Leoben in Austria occupies a special place in the context of the history of Georgian engineering science – 115 years ago, it was at this university that the outstanding Georgian engineer and scientist, the founder of the Georgian Mining Science School, Academician Nikoloz Tsulukidze, received his full education. Today, we are witnessing the continuation of this historical connection – four young Georgians, of our university students, are studying at the Technical University of Leoben, which proves that the Georgian-Austrian partnership continues and is successfully developing. is developing.

Our goal is to make the newly opened center one of the leading centers of innovation, research, and practical knowledge not only in Georgia, but also in the region. An environment will be created here that will facilitate the introduction of modern technologies, the education of a new engineers’ generation, and the sharing of knowledge in accordance with international standards. I would like to thank our Austrian colleagues. I am sure that together we will implement many important projects,” said the rector, academician David Gurgenidze.

According to the rector of the Technical University of Leoben in Austria, the Georgian-Austrian Center for Engineering and Technology is a new stage of cooperation that will further deepen the academic and scientific ties between the two universities.

“It is a great honor for us to implement such an important project with the Georgian Technical University, which will further deepen the academic and scientific ties between our universities. I believe that the Georgian-Austrian Center for Engineering and Technology will play an important role in the professional development of young engineers, strengthen the exchange of knowledge, and promote the successful implementation of joint research projects,” said the rector, academician Peter Moser.

The event was welcomed by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria to Georgia, His Excellency Robert Gerschner, General Director of the “RMG” Company Joni Shubitidze, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Procedural Issues of the Parliament of Georgia – initiator of the Georgian-Austrian project Irakli Shatakishvili, and Director of the Grigol Tsulukidze Mining Institute, President of the Georgian Academy of Mining Sciences – Professor Nikoloz Chikhradze.

The future plans of the Georgian-Austrian Center were discussed by the Dean of the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development, Professor Noe Khozrevanidze, and Professor Giorgi Khetsuriani of the Faculty.

Professor Nikoloz Chikhradze awarded academicians David Gurgenidze and Peter Moser with the gold medals of the Georgian Academy of Mining Sciences for deepening the partnership between Georgian and Austrian universities in mining and geology, their contribution to science, and their merits.

At the end of the event, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between RMG Group and the Technical University of Leoben in the student space of the Georgian-Austrian Engineering and Technology Center, signed by the company’s CEO, Joni Shubitidze, and the Rector of the Austrian University, Peter Moser.

The partnership between “RMG” and the University of Leoben, which began modestly, has evolved into a substantial collaboration. With the signing of today’s memorandum, I am confident that our relationship has reached an international level, linking us with one of the world’s most prestigious mining universities. This marks another milestone in our company’s ongoing commitment to supporting education. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in this cooperation, especially the rector of the Georgian Technical University, the professors and teachers, and, of course, the students,” said Joni Shubitidze, “RMG” General Director.

Following the signing ceremony, guests explored the research and applied projects conducted by bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students from the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development, engaging directly with the authors of these projects.

Before the opening of the Georgian-Austrian Engineering and Technology Center, Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze, met with the Rector of the Technical University of Leoben, Austria, Academician Peter Moser, and professors from the Austrian university delegation and discussed issues related to ongoing cooperation and future initiatives.