Preparations are in full swing for the 67th International Colloquium on Refractories (ICR) taking place at the Eurogress, Aachen on 17 and 18 September 2025.
As Media Partner, IMFORMED is delighted to share the latest news on this keenly awaited event, and will be participating at the exhibition – please drop by our stand for chat, it would be great to catch up.
The ICR is Europe’s largest event for manufacturers and customers of steel, glass, and cement. It takes place annually in Aachen and includes a scientific conference, a trade fair for refractory manufacturers and suppliers of raw materials, machinery, services, and knowledge for the refractory industry, and an evening social gathering in the exhibition area.
EARLY BIRD EXTENSION
Due to the holiday season, the Early Bird discount (30%) is extended until 31 July 2025. 270 tickets have already been purchased (previous year: 167).
EXHIBITION
Demand for exhibition space at the accompanying trade fair has been high, with 33 booths available. Only a few spaces remain on the exhibition floor.
PROGRAMME & KEYNOTE
The programme is now available online, with 48 papers.
The ICR Keynote is by Dr. Christoph Völker: AI as a Game Changer for Process Industries: Examples from R&D and Practice.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Christoph Völker (iteratec GmbH) will discuss the rapid development of artificial intelligence in traditional production processes.
Dr. Völker will explain how artificial intelligence is transforming the process industry through practical applications. Using practical examples, the presentation will examine how machine learning approaches are addressing fundamental challenges: managing raw material variability, optimizing complex multi-parameter processes, and accelerating material development cycles.
ICR participants will gain insights into where AI is delivering concrete added value today, common mistakes to avoid, and practical approaches to integrating intelligent systems into existing R&D and production processes. The keynote combines technical insights with actionable guidelines and offers a well-founded perspective on how companies can use AI tools to increase performance and innovation.
Dr. Christoph Völker brings a unique combination of engineering precision and AI innovation to industrial transformation.
After completing his doctorate in AI applications in engineering and conducting research at universities in India and the USA, he was a visiting professor at TU Berlin, where he led international research teams in groundbreaking AI applications for sustainable materials science.
As Head of Sustainable Solutions, Dr. Völker now focuses on translating cutting-edge AI research into practical solutions for the process industry. The 600 experts at iteratec GmbH develop customized solutions, from digital twins for production optimization to AI-accelerated materials development platforms.
OTHER EVENTS
Women@Refractories – with keynote & panel
The Feuerfest initiative “Women@Refractories” will hold a major event at the 67th International Colloquium on Refractories on September 17, 2025.
“Last year was already a complete success – this year we’re going even further,” explains co-founder Kerstin Hauke. Another networking event will take place on September 17, 2025, as part of the scientific congress’s supporting program: a keynote by Vera Strauch, a panel, and interactive networking. This initiative alone has already received over 100 registrations for the event.
The goal is to empower women in the refractories industry, increase their visibility, and promote exchange about leadership paths and careers – a topic that is becoming increasingly important for many companies, as diversity and networking create innovative strength, talent retention, and a contemporary corporate image. “Of course, men are also welcome to participate in this event,” explains co-founder Tobias Steffen. Both initiators work at the Forschungsgemeinschaft Feuerfest e.V. (Refractories Research Association).
Creative workshop “Tools for Talents” – What does Generation Z want?
Under the guiding theme “CERAMIC – CREATE YOUR FUTURE,” a creative workshop invites all ICR participants to participate on September 18, 2025.
The core of this event will explore solutions for attracting young people to a career in the refractories industry. Which topics, formats, and channels truly appeal to young people, and what do young professionals, doctoral students, and experienced employees themselves want from a modern, authentic company? The ideas developed can serve as a starting point for future concepts and provide valuable food for thought for companies.
The creative workshop will explore new ways to engage young talent and spark unconventional ideas with future potential.
Secure your ticket for the ICR 2025 now – the Early Bird discount (30% off full tickets) is still valid until July 31, 2025.
All information about the ICR can be found here: www.ecref.eu/icr
