Applied Sustainable Science Engineering and Technology
Applied Sustainable Science Engineering and Technology
Vision
Space exploration has provided mankind with a new and unparalleled perspective on its place in the universe. For the first time, we were able to 'zoom out' and look down upon our home planet. This change in perspective has truly been unprecedented. It shifted our view on the world from that of an unbreakable world of water, earth and stone to that of a small fragile globe in the vast blackness of space. Pictures such as the earth rising above the lunar surface are probably among the most significant pictures ever taken.
The realization that the world we live on is a fragile place is a direct result of space exploration. As a faculty of Aerospace Engineering at the Delft University of Technology, we have been part in both bringing about space travel and changing mankind's perspective on planet earth. While such technological advance is commendable, it also brings forth a responsibility. The responsibility to embrace these new views and act on them accordingly. We here at ASSET are prepared to accept this exciting challenge.
Creating a sustainable future is often associated with an inhibition of our current state of prosperity. Driving less by car, using less electricity, these are the common doctrine. A doctrine which is extremely hard to implement due to the fact that it simply lacks the popular support of governments and citizens. We at ASSET propose a different approach. We use all our technological ingenuity to make an 'alliance' with nature and create ample energy and prosperity for all of mankind. Conservation of energy is based on the notion that there is not enough. Nature can provide us with more sustainable energy than we would ever need. Be it wind energy, solar energy or whichever energy source nature presents to us, we at ASSET are devoted to develop new technologies to harness these immense sources.
TU Delft participates in the 7th Forum of the World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty (WACAP) in Rotterdam from 24 to 26 February 2010. Prof. Dr. Wubbo Ockels, director of the new Interfaculty Institute for Applied Sustainable Science, Engineering and Technology (ASSET ) is giving a key note lecture on Sustainable Development and in the same frame, the Kite Power research group of the Institute is presenting the Laddermill technology with particular emphasis for applications in developing countries.
The WACAP forum is organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the City of Rotterdam with the mission to address the challenges associated with energy, food, climate and financial issues and to support sustainable development of our societies. The forum brings together key players to identify poverty reduction policies and strategies, as well as to create a shared vision between cities, communities and countries. It will host 1500 representatives from municipalities, EU- and UN institutions throughout the world. Further information is available online from http://www.wacap2010-rotterdam.nl
Conference participation is free of charge, including sessions, workshops and evening activities. Registration requests of TU Delft students and staff submitted through ASSET will be granted automatically due to a special agreement with the WACAP organizing committee. To register, please send an email to Mrs. Nana Saaneh at N.O.Saaneh@tudelft.nl indicating WACAP in the subject line. Regsitration is open until 25 January.
