Ceratizit, a global player in the carbide industry and headquartered in Luxembourg, develops and manufacture highly specialised cutting tools, indexable inserts, hard material rods and wear parts. The company has a longstanding partnership with the University of Luxembourg, now significantly strengthened through the creation of the “Ceratizit Chair in Hard and Advanced Materials”.
Advanced materials and manufacturing technologies can further enhance the circularity in critical raw materials.
“Consistent research, development and innovation are necessary to ensure the materials, technologies, manufacturing and products are best in class”, said Frank Thomé, Member of the Executive Board of Ceratizit, during the Chair’s inauguration. “This relies on a stable, highly-educated and highly-skilled workforce, in particular of scientists and engineers, which is why we have maintained a long relationship with the University of Luxembourg, including the creation of this Chair”.
Backing innovation, nurturing talent
The Chair is held by Professor Ralph Useldinger, who previously held senior R&D positions within the Ceratizit Group. His expertise spans material analytics and the development and testing of new materials.
“Advanced materials and manufacturing technologies can further enhance the circularity in critical raw materials and contribute to European efforts to diversify the EU’s supply of critical raw materials used in multiple industries, such as manufacturing, medical, transport, energy and construction,” said Professor Useldinger.
Supporting and strengthening the local high-value manufacturing sector requires continuous innovation and a solid pipeline of talent.
Based within the university’s Department of Engineering, the Chair aims to deliver mutual benefit to both the university and Ceratizit. “Supporting and strengthening the local high-value manufacturing sector requires continuous innovation and a solid pipeline of talent, both of which will be strengthened through the establishment of the CERATIZIT Chair”, said Marie-Hélène Jobin, Vice Rector for Partnerships and International Relations.
The initiative will fund two doctoral candidates and two postdoctoral researchers, who will contribute to teaching and research across the University’s Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral programmes, ensuring a strong alignment with industry needs.