This article was originally published on the Technology Licensing Office website.
February’s Tech Tuesday event, hosted by the University of Utah’s Technology Licensing Office (TLO), brought together innovators, researchers, and industry leaders to explore the intersection of academia, industry, and critical mineral research. Mike Free, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the U, and Saskia Duyvesteyn, Chief Advisor for Research and Development at Rio Tinto Copper Product Group, shared insights on collaboration and innovation in this essential field.
The evening kicked off with a lively networking session, where attendees exchanged ideas over food and refreshments. Jake Jensen, Associate Vice President for Research at the U, welcomed everyone and highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. He emphasized that these partnerships drive technological innovation and help address global challenges.
Highlighting the crucial role of critical minerals – such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements – in modern infrastructure, Jensen stressed the need for continued research and partnership in this field. This is because Utah plays a key role in producing many of these minerals that are essential components in renewable energy technologies, electronics and national security applications. Learn more about ongoing critical minerals research to the U.
Jensen moderated a discussion that sparked insightful dialogue. Duyvesteyn highlighted how Rio Tinto collaborates with universities, including the U, to leverage specialized expertise and facilitate innovation. She noted that many industries lack the capability to conduct basic research internally and therefore rely on universities for fundamental discoveries that drive technological advancements. By fostering these partnerships, researchers can better align their work with industry needs, opening doors to funding and long-term collaboration.
Industries like Rio Tinto, Duyvesteyn explained, have moved away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach because modern challenges require adaptable solutions. This shift allows for tailored research efforts, better resource management and more effective sustainability practices, ultimately fostering innovation and long-term success.
Building on Duyvesteyn’s discussion of industry-academic collaboration, Free echoed this sentiment, sharing examples of industry-sponsored projects at the U that provide students with hands-on experience. He explained that industry sponsored research projects like producing over 600 pounds of copper in his lab achieved multiple purposes.
- Solving complex metallurgical challenges
- Deepening scientific understanding of metal processing
- Providing students with practical, hands-on experience that aligns with industry needs.
Drawing from his extensive research expertise, he highlighted the parallels between basic and applied research, noting that basic research generates new knowledge, while use-inspired research turns these discoveries into practical solutions. By integrating both approaches, researchers can create a continuous cycle of innovation that benefits both academia and industry.
Tech Tuesday demonstrated how collaboration between researchers, industry leaders and innovators turns ideas into tangible solutions. The event fostered engaging discussions among innovators, researchers, and industry leaders, showcasing how teamwork across sectors drives progress.
Still curious about critical minerals and mining? Check out Rio Tinto’s Virtual Tour here. This is an interactive resource showcasing how critical minerals power modern technologies while emphasizing sustainable practices.
Looking ahead, the next Tech Tuesday event is scheduled for April 22, and will focus on Medical Devices—another dynamic field where cutting-edge innovation is shaping the future of healthcare.
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We hope to see you there!