Organised around the theme of ‘
The Engineer of Tomorrow’, this edition questioned the impact of technological and managerial evolutions as well as the sustainable development on futures engineers’ education.
Many institutional and academic speakers tackled different subjects linked to the main theme during conference and workshops, including
Laurent Rannaz, CEO of Caterpillar France, or
Dominique Steiler, professor in Grenoble School of Management and
holder of a « Mindfulness, Well-being and Economic peace » professorship.
The Forum was launched Wednesday, June 6, during an official ceremony followed by a welcome cocktail. Local institutions and academic actors spoke to welcome the 276 participants of this edition, making it
one of the biggest academic gatherings ever organised in Grenoble! The ceremony took place in the hall of
Grenoble INP – Ense3, graduate school of engineering in Energy, water and environmental sciences, a logical choice to emphasise the forum’s theme.
Followed two intensive days of forum, dedicated to the BRAFITEC program, articulated around an opening conference on the
industry 4.0, a panel discussion on the ‘
free company’, and 3 workshops addressing matters such as ‘
Robotics on the work market’, links between
environment and technology, and the
impact of student cross mobility on professional activity.
These two days of scientific reflexion were punctuated by a gala dinner on Thursday, June 7, which took place in the Restaurant du téléférique, in heart of the Bastille fort, all the way up Grenoble main touristic landmark : the ‘Bulles’ cable car. Participants could discover one of the iconic historic place of the town of Grenoble, and appreciate a spectacular view of the Alp’s capital, despite an uncooperative weather!
Finally, the forum wrapped up on Friday, June 8, by a formal closing session, during which each of the institutions organising the forum and handling the programme could say a few words. It was also the opportunity to present next forum’s location, which will be organised in 2019 by the
Federal University of Uberlândia, located in the North West of Rio de Janeiro.
Feedbacks on this edition were very positive, from the participants but also from institutions running the programme. So, for the programme’s Franco-Brazilian steering committee, «
14th BRAFITEC forum […] was a success unanimously praised by every participant as well as Brazilian and French observers. […]. This quality particularly results of the pertinent and complementary choices of speakers (both academic and industrial), marked by the wish to renew the subjects addressed in previous forums. The perfect logistic of the general organisation of the meeting was at the height of Grenoble academic ensemble’s reputation. »
A major success for the project’s team and a beautiful showcase for Grenoble and is academic site!
