2025 African - Inclusive Digital Industries School Program

December 11-17, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CAT

A203

This program offers an intensive learning experience designed to deepen knowledge and skills in key areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to material engineering, digital manufacturing, and optimization techniques.

Topics

  • Fundamentals of Materials Science and Digital Manufacturing
  • Advanced Digital Manufacturing Techniques
  • Robotics and Automation
  • Computational Tools for Engineering (MATLAB & ANSYS)
  • Optimization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Manufacturing (ANNs)
  • Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM)
  • Integration Projects with Industry-Academia Linkages

Agenda 

December 11, 2025: Introduction and Fundamentals

8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.

  • Welcome and registration

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • Introduction to the summer school program and objectives
  • Icebreaker activity (felicitate interaction and mingling)
  • Keynote lecture: The Future of Materials Science and Digital Manufacturing in Africa
  • Open discussion and working groups on keynote lecturer

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Workshop: Introduction to Material Science – basic concepts and recent advances
  • Hands-on session: Introduction to EduPack software for material selection and design

December 12, 2025: Computational Tools and Software

09:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • Icebreaker team activity
  • Training session: Materials Simulations from the Atomistic to the Macroscopic Scale
    • Quantum Mechanics of Materials (Quantum-Espresso)
    • Molecular Mechanics of Materials (MATLAB AND LAMMPS)
    • Continuum Mechanics of Materials (ANSYS)

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Case study analysis using MATLAB (or ANSYS).
  • Group discussion: Problem-solving session using computational tools 

December 15, 2025: Advanced Digital Manufacturing Techniques

09:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • Lecture: Overview of Digital Manufacturing Technologies.
  • Demonstration: 3D printing technologies and applications

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Workshop: Robotics in Manufacturing – principles, types of robotics, and practical applications
  • Hands-on session: Operating robotics equipment under supervision  

December 16, 2025: Optimization and Artificial Intelligence

09:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • Lecture: Introduction to Artificial Neural Networks in Manufacturing
  • Training: Artificial Neural Networks in Manufacturing

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Icebreaker activity (fun use of AI)
  • Mini project: Teams use AI and optimization techniques to solve a predefined problem

December 17, 2025: Integration and Project Presentation

09:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • Teams work on integrating knowledge from previous days to create a comprehensive project
  • Mentoring session: Feedback from instructors and peers

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Final presentations of projects
  • Panel discussion: Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry in Material Science and Digital Manufacturing

5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: Closing Ceremony

  • Closing ceremony and certificate distribution

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