SEAM Research Centre celebrates 15th year milestone with landmark launch
The South Eastern Applied Materials (SEAM) Research Centre has marked its 15th anniversary with the launch of Ireland’s largest Industrial CT and X-ray Imaging Solutions Centre and the opening of the Materials Sustainability Laboratory at South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford.
SEAM, Ireland’s leading Technology Gateway Centre, based at SETU’s Applied Technology Campus, plays a pivotal role in providing materials engineering solutions to a wide range of industrial sectors. The newly unveiled €2.2 million, high-power (450kV) CT scanner, funded under a Research Ireland Infrastructural Call Programme, strengthens SEAM’s analytical capabilities, particularly for large and dense samples such as EV batteries. This advancement enables SEAM to rebrand its CT division as the ‘Industrial CT & X-ray Imaging Centre of Ireland’.
In tandem, the €1.6 million Materials Sustainability Laboratory, funded through Enterprise Ireland’s Capital Infrastructural and Innovation Partnership Programme, will support companies to adopt sustainable manufacturing practices. The facility aims to help companies reduce waste, pollution, and CO2 emissions, aligning with Ireland’s sustainability and green transition goals as outlined in the Government’s ‘Project Ireland 2040’ strategy.
Dr Ramesh Raghavendra, SEAM Research Centre Director, expressed pride in SEAM’s growth and continued impact, stating: “Our ongoing commitment to create materials characterisation infrastructure of excellence at SETU has been further strengthened by today’s launch. The Industrial CT X-ray imaging centre’s comprehensive capabilities is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation across industries ranging from manufacturing to material science.
“Meanwhile, the opening of materials sustainability laboratory will support companies in their green transition initiatives. This infrastructure will not only benefit industries across diverse sectors but also provide a significant boost for postgraduate and post-doctoral researchers in advanced manufacturing and materials sustainability.”
Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy CEO, Research Ireland, added:“Today is a major milestone in terms of industrial research and development in this country. The launch of these large-scale facilities is testament to the potential impact of research for economic progress and societal well-being. Some of our greatest successes come from collaborations – universities, industry partners, and government – working together to solve real-world challenges. I want to commend SEAM, SETU, and all industrial and other partners involved in bringing these facilities to life.”
