Organisers
Organising institutions
SVSX is organised by KU Leuven partners active in sustainable metals, minerals, and materials engineering research.
KU Leuven
A research university with global reach
KU Leuven is a world-leading research university at the forefront of innovation and academic excellence. It combines cutting-edge research with high-quality education across a wide range of disciplines. With a strong international outlook, KU Leuven tackles global challenges in sustainability, health, and technology.
The university collaborates closely with industry, policymakers, and society to drive real-world impact. Through its vibrant research community, KU Leuven shapes the future by advancing knowledge and fostering innovation.
SIM² KU Leuven
Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals
SIM² is an interdisciplinary hub driving innovation in sustainable materials and circular economy solutions. It brings together top researchers to rethink how metals and minerals are sourced, processed, and reused. By combining cutting-edge science with real-world impact, SIM² develops technologies that reduce environmental footprint and support climate goals. The institute addresses global challenges such as resource scarcity and waste valorisation through holistic, value-chain approaches. Its work spans from primary extraction to advanced recycling and upcycling of secondary resources.
SIM² collaborates closely with industry and policymakers to translate research into scalable, sustainable solutions. It plays a pivotal role in enabling a circular economy for critical and construction materials. Through education and outreach, SIM² shapes the next generation of engineers and scientists. Its research directly contributes to cleaner production, reduced emissions, and smarter material use.
MTM
Materials Engineering Department KU Leuven
MTM is a top-tier department dedicated to advancing materials science and engineering. It brings together interdisciplinary expertise to design, process, and characterize innovative materials, combining fundamental science with applied research to address real-world challenges. Its activities span metals, ceramics, polymers, and sustainable materials for future technologies.
The department plays a key role in tackling global issues such as resource efficiency, the energy transition, and the circular economy. With state-of-the-art facilities, it develops advanced processing and characterization techniques and collaborates closely with industry and international partners to drive impactful innovation. From laboratory research to industrial application, MTM supports the development of sustainable materials solutions. It also delivers high-quality education, training the next generation of materials engineers and contributing to a more sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced society.
Partners
Supported by
SVSX is organised by KU Leuven in partnership with organisations active in iron and steel research
ISIJ
The Iron Steel Institute of Japan
The Iron and Steel Institute of Japan, well known as ISIJ, was established in 1915, and currently consists of over 8000 individual members and about 170 sustaining members (companies and organisations). Since its establishment, ISIJ has been engaged in activities related to iron and steel and related fields, focusing on (1) the combination of academics and technology, (2) the combination of steel companies, (3) the combination of industry, government and academia, (4) the combination of iron and steel with other fields, and (5) the combination of Japan and overseas.
For further detail, please visit the website of ISIJ.
