About us
Our mission
The Metals consortium started in February 2016 and is your access point to know-how and technology related to metal research and development at Ghent University. The activities range from fundamental material research to application-driven design of large structures.
We offer in-depth academic expertise, research capacity and dedicated infrastructure to bring added value in the domain of metal innovation. We help to develop new generation of metal alloys, process techniques and products, together with advanced characterisation tools making your design safe and durable in real conditions.
Our multidisciplinary team
The Ghent University team currently consists of 13 professors and their research groups, each with their own specialization. A total of over 70 researchers and over 10 technicians is involved. The expertise ranges from fundamental material research to application-driven design of large structures. All groups are affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering of Ghent University.
Bridges, roads & tunnels
Fracture & Fatigue
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Prof. Wim De Waele
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Prof. Stijn Hertelé
Magnetic Materials
Metal Constructions
Physical Metal Science
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Prof. Stefaan Cottenier
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Prof. Leo Kestens
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Prof. Roumen Petrov
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Prof. Patricia Verleysen
Sustainable Materials
Tribology
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Prof. Patrick De Baets
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Prof. Dieter Fauconnier
Vibrational Control & Dynamics
Industrial Research Fund
The Metals consortium is one of the 27 business development clusters supported by the Industrial Research Fund (IRF or Industrieel Onderzoeksfonds (IOF)) of Ghent University. These business development clusters are the first liaison with industry and cover a broad spectrum of technology fields.
Each cluster is coordinated by a business developer and form together with the central Technology Transfer Office a large unit of about 50 people responsible for valorisation activities at Ghent University. The overall goal is to create societal impact through transfer or exchange of knowledge and technology.
More information about funding
Affiliated partners
In view of long-lasting collaborations with other R&D organisations active in the domain of material research, 6 industrial partners are affiliated with the Metals consortium.
| Partner | Core business | Logo |
| Belgian Welding Institute - BIL |
Welding techniques Joining techniques |
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| CLUSTA | Metal processing |  |
| CRM |
Steel processing New alloys |
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| FLAMAC |
High-throughput plaforms Synthesis, formulations |
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| OCAS | Metal applications and solutions |  |
| SIRRIS |
Metal technology Casting technology |
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Several partners are linked through other platforms, such as
The goal of these partnerships is to enhance the service for our costumers by providing a one-stop point of access to metal know-how and technology, including the production and processing.