"The CRM is the joint research centre for the European iron and steel major groups, the non-ferrous metals industry of Benelux and other European firms with a metal-related activity, ranging from material or equipment supply to product transformation. Over the years, the CRM has made an impressive international reputation for itself in the development of production processes, and has acquired an undisputed expertise in the field of materials. It has been entrusted with the mission of developing

new products, new processes to fabricate them and new surface qualities and functionalisation.

The CRM activities are distributed between two operation sites, one in Gent, dealing with ""Product Technology"" and hosting several pilot plants (Rolling Technology Centre, Annealing Simulators, etc.) and various laboratories for metallurgical investigations and characterisation, and the second in Liege, where the work on Surface Engineering, Environmental Preservation & Eco-Friendly Production are dealt with. This site also hosts the Advanced Techniques and Metal Application departments, along with most of the CRM characterisation laboratories and pilot lines.

Numerous research projects, financed by the European Commission have led to many opportunities of co-operation with specialised European partners. The CRM researchers also regularly take part in international conferences, thus taking part in an ongoing exchange of ideas with renowned experts in the world of science and industry."