Consolidation of the collaboration between the University of Luxembourg and ILNAS

ILNAS and the University of Luxembourg have to this day brought to completion two research programs: "Normalisation technique pour une utilisation fiable dans le domaine 'Smart ICT'" from 2017 to 2020, and "Technical Standardisation for Trustworthy ICT, Aerospace and Construction" from 2021 to 2024. In order to further consolidate the intersection of scientific research and technical standardization, a new research program has been defined in line with the national standardization strategy "Technical standardization for trustworthy and sustainable ICT, Construction and Aerospace (2024-2030)".

The doctoral and postdoctoral activities covered by this agreement will be based at Uni.lu's Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT). Once this partnership, planned to span a duration of four years (from 2025 to 2028), is signed, three doctoral students and one postdoctoral researcher will conduct cutting-edge research in the domains of Sustainable and Trustworthy ICT, Construction and Aerospace. This work will be done taking into account relevant developments in technical standardization. It will also be linked according to topic to the University's Master's program "MTECH" (Technopreneurship: mastering smart ICT, standardisation and digital trust for enabling next generation of ICT solutions) jointly led by the University of Luxembourg and ILNAS, allowing research outcomes to feed into the curriculum.

During the course of the ceremony, the Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, declared: "The renewal of the partnership between ILNAS and the University of Luxembourg marks an important milestone in our shared commitment in favor of sustainability and trust in the strategic sectors that are ICT, Construction, and Aerospace. By reinforcing the links between research, innovation, and standardization, our objective is that Luxembourgish companies remain competitive and be a step ahead of their rivals."

As for the Minister for Research and Higher Education, Stéphanie Obertin, she said: "This new collaboration between SnT − an interdisciplinary center of the University of Luxembourg − and ILNAS perfectly illustrates scientific research with a view towards technological, economic, and by extension, societal, objectives. Moreover, owing to the joint involvement of the University and ILNAS, a synergy between research and education is put into place, allowing innovation to have a direct impact on educational programs."

Prof. Yves Le Traon, Director of SnT, placed an emphasis on the beneficial aspects of the research program: "SnT is thrilled with the signature of this new partnership which consolidates a collaboration started back in 2017. For our researchers, it represents a unique opportunity to not only place their competence at the service of Luxembourg's society, but to also build bridges between future standards and their own research."

Jean-Marie Reiff, Director of ILNAS, focused on the impact and increasing benefits of standards: "Standards are crucial to build our future economy. Indeed, they are a common base yielding quality, security and trust, which are essential components for an efficient prospective development of our national market."

The signing ceremony took place with Lex Delles, Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism, Stéphanie Obertin, Minister for Research and Higher Education, Jean-Marie Reiff, Director of ILNAS, Dr. Jean-Philippe Humbert, Deputy Director of ILNAS, Prof. Marie-Hélène Jobin, Vice Rector for Partnerships and International Relations of the University of Luxembourg, Prof. Pascal Bouvry, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Prof. Yves Le Traon, Director of SnT, Dr. Grégoire Danoy, Research scientist at the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, the program's Principal Investigator, in attendance and Léon Diederich, First Advisor to the Government, Ministry for Research and Higher Education.

ILNAS is a public administration under the authority of the Ministry of the Economy.

Press release by the Ministry of the Economy / Ministry of Research and Higher Education / Luxembourg Institute of Standardisation, Accreditation, Safety and Quality of Products and Services (ILNAS) / University of Luxembourg