Within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, the High-Performance Manufacturing research group integrates four main research lines: high-speed machining, laser and thermal processes, precision manufacturing, and metrology. Although these areas are distinct, they are deeply interconnected—laser additively manufactured components often require post-processing through machining or grinding, followed by dimensional certification via metrology. The Workshop on Laser material processing, which has celebrated the 11th edition this year 2025, emerges as a collaborative platform that brings together all projects related to laser processes and additive manufacturing (AM), offering a unique opportunity for students to understand the systemic interdependence of manufacturing processes. Besides, all the developments in the field of AM are shared.

The workshop serves as a common presentation space for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, fostering a vertically integrated academic environment. Master’s students present their thesis work, providing valuable insights for undergraduate attendees. Graduate students are challenged to adapt their communication style when presenting to a more specialized audience, enhancing their scientific dissemination skills. PhD candidates and research group leaders share scientific and economic outcomes from the academic year, setting objectives for publications, conferences, and project development. This transparency offers junior students a broader perspective on research group dynamics and long-term academic planning. Therefore, the Workshop on Laser material processing thus functions as a symbiotic educational ecosystem, promoting knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic motivation across all levels of higher education.

The Workshop is an excellent tool for motivating students and has been a success story in the training of researchers and doctors, since many students, after completing their bachelor's degree work, have gone on to do their master's degree and have ended up with a doctorate in technologies related to laser processes and additive manufacturing.

Keywords: Additive manufacturing, interdisciplinary education, vertical integration, collaborative learning, research training, knowledge transfer.