The Centre for Advanced Technology, which opened at the Frans Fischer institute in Schaerbeek, Brussels, in September 2012, aims to provide chemistry training using scientific laboratory equipment which reflects the latest technology. It also aims to make such equipment available to schools and companies involved in chemistry in order to help to improve the training of technicians and engineers in relevant laboratory techniques, and thereby foster education and employment.
Frans Fischer institute develops chemistry training, facilities and career opportunities
- 30 March 2015
The Frans Fischer Advanced Technology Centre constitutes an important development for chemistry training in the Brussels region. It makes the latest technical equipment widely available to teachers and trainees and has brought together numerous stakeholders to improve access to training and career opportunities in the field of chemistry.
An important part of the centre's work is the development of collaborative scientific partnerships between businesses and educational establishments. From the outset, it has sought to form close relationships with private investors and companies, both as regards the supply of equipment for use in the centre, and trainee positions for students of the centre within private companies.
One of the main areas of interest of the Centre is chemical analysis of water and soil, and other pollution-related analyses. Courses cover fields such as the use of resins to produce de-mineralised water, activated sludge purification stations, bio-indicators, treatment of waste and laboratory safety.
New training subjects and support for environmental projects
The Centre intends to broaden its training offer by adding new courses to target a wider audience. It also plans to take part in a number of environmental projects such as through provision of suitable equipment for processing soil.
Alongside its training courses, the Centre is working to raise the profile of science among the wider community. This has led to the organisation of events such as a “Science Day”, which was aimed at getting more young people interested in science.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Centre de Technologies Avancées – Frans Fischer” is EUR 1 000 000, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 500 000 from the Operational Programme “Brussels Capital Region” for the 2007 to 2013 programming period.