Chennai: Anna University and Boeing India Private Limited signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a flammability learning laboratory at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) on Tuesday.This will be the first dedicated academic laboratory for flammability research, testing and training. It will serve as an advanced research, testing and training centre in flammability science and safety.“The facility will provide students with opportunities to develop advanced knowledge and hands-on skills in aerospace flammability,” Anna University registrar (in charge) V Kumaresan said.Boeing will provide equipment to this lab for research and academic purposes.“Flammability testing is an essential aspect of aerospace and product safety, evaluating how easily materials or finished products ignite, burn or continue to burn when exposed to fire or heat,” said Professor C Senthilkumar, head, department of aerospace engineering, MIT.The United States and countries in the European Union prescribe minimum flammability requirements for materials and products, making reliable testing essential for safety, regulatory compliance and market access, he added. Experts from Boeing will also take classes for MIT students.“We have engineers from Boeing teaching some courses to our students. This partnership will further boost our cooperation,” Senthilkumar said. Professors said this marks an important step towards developing industry-ready talent and advancing academic capabilities in aerospace safety.MIT was the first institution in the country to launch an aerospace engineering course in 1949. Amirtha Ganesan, manager at Boeing India Private Limited, C Senthilkumar, head, department of aerospace engineering, MIT, and V Kumaresan participated in the event.