Research Partnership Laborelec co-operates intensively with several Belgian and foreign universities and research centres. Such collaboration is in the interest of all parties involved: the integration of skills and knowledge increases effectiveness and lowers cost. Laborelec expands its scientific expertise to the benefit of its customers and universities obtain additional resources for applied research.  The research fields of interest range from chemistry and microbiology to mechanical engineering and electricity. Mainly the collaboration goes far beyond the normal customer-supplier relationship; all partners strive to find a solution for a customer's problem. As a result several university doctoral theses have been started and successfully developed in collaboration with Laborelec.  The electricity sector and industrial customers entrust Laborelec with the most wide-ranging projects, almost all of which are of great technical complexity. The know-how that Laborelec has acquired over the years is invaluable. However, sometimes the solution of a problem requires very specific scientific knowledge or a research method which only universities or specialised research centres can offer.  Laborelec has been participating for many years in several research programmes subsidised by the European Commission. The major aim is to extend our network of international partners and contacts in research and to acquire a high level of research experience and implementation skills in favour of our industrial customers. Using this channel Laborelec has built up relationships with European Universities and other research centres in complementary activity fields. Examples of collaborative European research partnership: Fifth RTD Framework Programme CARNOT COST EU-DEEP EU-LIFE ELONITA CAWET the Flemish member of the "Royal Belgian Academy Council of Applied Science" Universities and research centres who would like to know more about the possibilities and advantages of working with Laborelec in co-operative research projects should contact: Leon DUVIVIER: Environment  André EVEN: Transmission and Distribution  Vincent WILLOCX: Industry  André EVEN: European programmes

Academic functions of some Laborelec experts Léon DUVIVIER Title: Scientific advisor Institute: Faculté polytechnique de Mons Faculty: Applied sciences Departments: Departments of thermodynamics and operational research Title: Visiting lecturer Institute: Université Catholique de Louvain La Neuve Faculty: Applied sciences Subject: Waste water treatment Staf HUYSMANS Title: Visiting lecturer Institute: De Nayer - associated with KULeuven Programme: European Welding Engineer: Full-time specialist year, Master of science (Msc) (Education acknowledged by European Welding Federation) Subjects: Quality Assurance – Piping/ Pipeline welding technology - ASME code Koenraad VAN REUSEL Title: Visiting lecturer Institute: KULeuven Programme: Interuniversity chair ELECTRABEL: Electro-heat