World-leading aluminium expert bolsters JU’s research
Jönköping University is strengthening its research in metal casting by recruiting world-leading researcher and aluminum expert Professor Murat Tiryakioğlu. With support from the Swedish Research Council, he will be conducting research at JU for one year. This recruitment marks the first major initiative within the framework of the new research center, the Swedish Metalcasting Excellence Center (SMEC).
World-leading researcher Murat Tiryakioğlu is to work at JU for 12 months. Photo: Private
During Almedalen Week, Jönköping University (JU) and the Swedish Foundry Association launched the SMEC research center, which aims to strengthen Swedish research and innovation in metal casting. Now, the initiative is taking the next step. The Swedish Research Council has awarded SEK two million to enable Professor Murat Tiryakioğlu, currently based at Jacksonville University in the USA, to work at JU for twelve months, starting in August 2026.
“Building a national center is about attracting the very best talent and doing so quickly. This recruitment shows that SMEC is already moving from vision to action and is strengthening Sweden’s industrial competitiveness in an area of growing strategic importance,” says Toni Bogdanoff, CEO of SMEC.
The industry needs new knowledge
The automotive industry is using ever-larger cast aluminium components, through a process known as “mega casting” to make vehicles lighter, stronger and more energy-efficient. To ensure these components are safe and of high quality, new knowledge is required on how aluminium behaves during the manufacturing process.
Professor Murat Tiryakioğlu is one of the world’s leading researchers in this field. His research helps the industry understand how minor flaws in the casting process can affect the end product. This expertise is not currently available at any other Swedish university.
“World-leading expertise”
“Recruiting Professor Tiryakioğlu brings world-leading expertise to Swedish foundry research at exactly the right time. It builds on a long and successful collaboration and lays the foundations for a lasting partnership,” says Jakob Olofsson, Head of the Department of Materials and Manufacturing as well as project manager at the School of Engineering at JU.
During his visit, Professor Tiryakioğlu will conduct joint research within SMEC, assist in the supervision of PhD students, contribute to a new international bachelor’s programme in mechanical engineering, and collaborate with Swedish industry.
