FEUP and NTU join forces for transcontinental 3D printing research

On 2 December 2025, the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) formalized a strategic cooperation agreement with the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP) of the Nanyang Technological University. The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding from June and creates a long-term framework for collaboration in additive manufacturing – ranging from joint research and integrated doctoral programmes to structured researcher mobility.

The core of the cooperation is the new doctoral programme ADAPT, which focuses explicitly on additively manufactured processes and technologies. Key topics include sustainable and functional materials, automation and intelligent process control, generative design, digital twins and explainable AI along the entire 3D printing process chain. In this way, ADAPT responds to the often fragmented research in the field of additive manufacturing by systematically interlinking materials development, process engineering and digitalisation.

FEUP Director Rui Calçada emphasised: “The signing of this protocol with NTU represents a decisive step in FEUP’s international affirmation in additive manufacturing. This collaboration allows us to integrate a transcontinental scientific ecosystem, combining FEUP’s strengths — from sustainable materials to advanced design, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence — with SC3DP’s world-class infrastructure and strong industry ties.

By creating conditions for extended research internships in Singapore and for the joint development of the ADAPT doctoral program, we are strengthening the training of highly qualified talent and expanding our capacity to generate knowledge with real societal impact. This partnership exemplifies our Strategic Plan’s ambition: to make FEUP a global engineering school, oriented toward innovation, interdisciplinarity, and addressing the great challenges of the future.”

Another pillar is integration into the Singapore Research Attachment Programme (SRAP). Between 2026 and 2029, six to ten FEUP doctoral candidates are to go to Singapore for research stays of one to two years and work there in highly networked 3D printing laboratories.

 

FEUP’s Associate Director for Internationalisation, Gil Gonçalves, commented: “Structured cooperation with NTU’s SC3DP is fully aligned with FEUP’s internationalisation strategy, which prioritises partnerships of high scientific rigour, long-term continuity, and strong innovation and industry connections.

This agreement creates a framework for advanced mobility for our doctoral students, strengthens joint research networks, and positions FEUP within a global consortium of excellence in additive manufacturing. Through ADAPT, we promote interdisciplinary training in critical STEM areas, reinforcing FEUP’s integration into highly competitive international contexts and expanding the visibility and impact of our research worldwide.”