EDANA’s Nonwovens Research Academy brought together over 140 participants, just over a third of whom were students, in Roubaix (Lille, France), on April 20-21.

The industry has recognised that more needs to be done to attract and retain top-grade graduates, so this year’s Academy focused specifically on students.

In order to give a greater number of students the opportunity of participating in the Nonwovens Research Academy, a special EDANA grant was launched and awarded to twelve students on the basis of their motivation and capabilities.

During the Academy, thirteen original R&D papers were presented by researchers from industry and academia covering innovations relating to various aspects of nonwovens, including raw materials, structure/functions, characterisation/ modelling and technology/processes.

The Academy also featured an R&D needs” session with the aim of bringing the industry into closer contact with research institutes and helping students to shape their future.

Students had the opportunity to join a number of specialised round table discussions, where they could talk to top management from the nonwovens and personal care products industries including executives from BASF and Lenzing.