Federation for International Refractory Research and Education
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Highlight of FIRE Alumni - Alexandra Beaudrouet - European Cluster of Ceramics - France
From one network to another
I discovered the world of ceramics when I arrived at the ENSCI (the national engineering school for industrial ceramics) in Limoges, France, in 2004. I quickly became fascinated by refractory materials: these discreet but essential ceramics, without which many of the materials we use today simply could not exist.
In 2007, when Prof. Christian Gault and Prof. Marc Huger told me about the new FIRE network, I immediately wanted to get involved. This gave me the opportunity to spend a semester at the Ceramic Research Laboratory, under the supervision of Prof. OTA, in Tajimi, a small Japanese town near Nagoya. This experience was decisive: it allowed me to specialise in aluminium titanate and study its thermomechanical behaviour in depth.
Upon my return from Japan, I continued my work at the GEMH laboratory (heterogeneous materials research group) in Limoges, where I collaborated with Ana Paula, also a Brazilian FIRE student, who was working with Prof. Victor Pandolfelli. I assisted her with the thermodynamic characterisation of her samples. This period was extremely formative and still provides a solid foundation for my professional activity today.
I am now the deputy director dedicated to innovation at the European Cluster of Ceramics. As the unique point of contact and unifying force for the ceramics’ community since 2002, the European Cluster of Ceramics coordinates a network of more than 200 members in nine European countries. Daily, I support manufacturers and academics from the initial idea to the market launch of their ceramic products. I always enjoy meeting people from the FIRE network, such as Prof. Marc Huger, Prof. Jacques Poirier, Sido Sinnema, Chris Parr, Erwan Brochen, and others.
The FIRE network is unique, and I am delighted that it continues to thrive today.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Prof. Michel Rigaud.
Alexandra Beaudrouet
Deputy director dedicated to innovation
European Cluster of Ceramics, Limoges, France
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