Federation for International Refractory Research and Education
News
Highlight of the members of the Board of Directors - Alexander Leitner
FIRE stands out to me as a platform that brings people together to tackle real-world challenges in a collaborative and international way. It highlights how our field can evolve through shared knowledge, fresh perspectives, and a strong focus on future impact.
As a new member of the FIRE Board of Directors, I’m really excited to be part of a network that brings together research, education, and international collaboration in such a dynamic way. What stands out to me is how FIRE connects academia, industry, and young talent across institutions, countries, and generations.
In a field that can sometimes feel quite niche, initiatives like FIRE make a real difference by opening doors, building connections, and making our community more visible and accessible. By encouraging exchange and collaboration, FIRE helps keep our field innovative, relevant, and attractive for the next generation.
I’m looking forward to contributing to this journey and supporting a community that grows through connection, curiosity, and shared ambition. I’m especially motivated by the chance to strengthen the link between emerging talent and industry, and to help shape a more connected and forward-looking future for our field.
Alexander Leitner
Head of Pioneer Research
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
