LIST Unveils its 2023 Annual Report: A Catalyst for Change

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) released its 2023 Annual Report, highlighting a year of significant achievements and progress in research and innovation. As a key player in Luxembourg’s scientific landscape, LIST has continually adapted to the fast-moving changes in the global, European, and Luxembourg scenes, positioning itself as a catalyst for change.

In response to the evolving needs of companies and governments, LIST has intensified its efforts to introduce technologies that are environmentally friendly and tailored for the future. Its dedicated team of over 700 employees has been working across diverse fields such as information and communication technologies, environmental technologies, biotechnologies, advanced materials, and space resources.

Eva Kremer, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of LIST, stated:

“In 2023, LIST was instrumental in introducing technologies that are more respectful of the planet and suitable for tomorrow’s world. Our efforts focused on reducing energy and water consumption, promoting recycling of materials, conducting life cycle analyses, and developing ethical artificial intelligence.”

Major Collaborations and Research Milestones

LIST showcased the outcomes of various research partnerships during its Tech Day event in June 2023, attended by 350 participants. Highlighted collaborations included ongoing projects with start-ups FourPoint and Wide (Women in Digital Empowerment), and upcoming ventures with Green Power Storage Solutions and Webasto.

To meet industry demands, LIST has installed several specific pilot plants. The Greentech Innovation Centre now allows researchers to work at higher levels of technological maturity in biorefinery, water treatment, and biogas production. An 18-metre-long physical vapour deposition (PVD) pilot line was established in its premises in Hautcharage, and new facilities for intelligent energy network management were opened. The newly created Sustainable Composite Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Centre was also showcased during the first Industry Day.

Dirk Fransaer, CEO ad interim of LIST, stated:

“Companies and governments need to adapt to the rapid changes. That is why LIST is adjusting and, through its research and knowledge transfer activities, is supporting its private and institutional partners to gear up for the winds of change that are gathering pace.”

Commitment to advancing science

LIST continued its pivotal role in monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, extending analyses to Luxembourg airport. A collaboration agreement with the Ministry of Health was signed, and LIST was selected to contribute to the country’s defense efforts.

Scientific excellence remains at the core of LIST’s ambitions. In 2023, two new PEARL projects, supported by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), were launched. These projects aim to develop the world’s first low-code online intelligent open-source platform and to enhance quantum computer performance. Over the year, LIST managed 137 national competitive projects, 65 international projects, 150 collaborative projects, and 50 large-scale service contracts. Its researchers published 147 articles in top 10% journals and successfully defended 28 theses.

Key Figures

• Employees: 710
• Gender Diversity: 34% women
• New Recruits: 120
• Nationalities: 60
• Research Staff: 79.5% researchers or innovation experts
• PhD Students: 93 hosted
• Patents: 33 files
• Licenses: 24 paid
• Spin-offs: 8 companies (existing for 3 years or more)
• PhD Theses: 28 defended
• Projects and Contracts: 137 national competitive, 65 European competitive, 150 collaborative, 402 RDI projects and contracts in total
• Income from Services: 6.42%

Financial Highlights

The sale of shares in Open Assessment Technologies S.A. to Uchida Yoko Co. LTD generated additional revenue of €5.6 million, further bolstering LIST’s financial position.

For more information, read the full report on our dedicated website or on LIST.lu.