Federation for International Refractory Research and Education
News
Highlight of FIRE Alumni - Antoine Ducastel - RHI Magnesita
In 2010, as a student at ENSCI (École Nationale Supérieure de Céramique Industrielle), I had the opportunity to join the FIRE program and spend six months at the Nagoya Institute of Technology, working on the fabrication and characterization of complex carbide refractories.
This experience was a turning point in my professional journey. Beyond the technical knowledge gained, FIRE gave me access to a unique international network bringing together leading universities and major industrial players in the refractory industry. Thanks to this network, I later secured a position within one of its member companies.
FIRE is much more than a training program - it is a gateway to the global refractory community and an exceptional opportunity to gain deep insight into this fascinating field.
As an alumnus, I strongly encourage students and young professionals to take part in this enriching and career-shaping experience.
Antoine Ducastel
Last news
2026 FIRE Student Photo Competition dedicated to high-temperature resistant materials
If you are a student or recent graduate (up to 5 years after graduation), we invite you to submit a photo showing a material being able to withstand the power of FIRE. Both refractory and another high temperature resistant material qualify. Whether it is from a lab or industrial environment, we would love to see what amazes you.
Highlight of the members of the Board of Directors - Victor Carlos Pandolfelli
My journey with FIRE began in 2003, together with Prof. Michel Rigaud and other academic and industrial colleagues. In 2005, our first official meeting in Limoges, France, transformed this vision into reality. From the beginning, FIRE was founded on a strong belief in cooperation between universities and industry towards a better education. Its strength has always come from working across institutional, cultural, and national borders.
Contact us and/or Become Member!
Contact us for any information and/or to Become Member of FIRE: fire@ecers.org
