More than 400 former and current students, teachers, researchers, industry and government representatives celebrated the 100th anniversary of engineering education in Luxembourg at a ceremony held on Belval campus, Friday, 7 October 2016. On this occasion, Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and the Hereditary Grand Duke, graced the event with their presence.

Launched in September 1916, the first “Cours technique du supérieur” at the “École d’Artisans de l’État“ initiated the development of engineering education in Luxembourg. Over the years, structure and courses were reviewed and adapted to offer a comprehensive training programme at postgraduate level. Similarly, there where changes in the teaching institutions: young engineers were trained at the ’École Technique” from 1958 to 1979 and subsequently at the “Institut Supérieur de Technologie” (IST) until the University of Luxembourg took over in 2003. Within the Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication (FSTC), engineering studies and research activities have grown considerably in terms of student numbers and subject variety. Most subjects are now taught in three languages.

In order to pay tribute to all those who have contributed to the development of engineering education in Luxembourg and to shape the future with all stakeholders, the University of Luxembourg organised five lectures with renowned experts and a closing ceremony. At the ceremony, experts from industry and academia discussed latest developments, challenges and opportunities in engineering education. Additionally, attendees were able to meet the 20 partner companies present for the occasion in the exhibition hall. The event was the third celebration honoured by the presence of members of the Grand Ducal Family: Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte already participated in the 50 years and 75 years anniversaries of engineering education in 1966 and 1992.

After having welcomed all the participants, Paul Heuschling, Dean of the faculty, gave the floor to Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, President of the “Amis de l’Université” who stressed on the immense contribution of the IST to the development of engineering education in Luxembourg. In his speech, Marc Hansen, Minister Delegate for higher Education and Research, focused on the large investments that will be allocated to new infrastructure in Belval for engineering and more generally for public research.

To address the main topic, Stephan Leyer, Professor of Thermodynamics, presented engineering teaching and research activities currently done at the University. Then, Denis Scuto, Professor of Contemporary Luxembourgish History, retraced the history of engineering education in Luxembourg. Afterwards, Raymond Engel, lecturer of economics, valued the work of “vacataires” at the University.

In his closing speech, Rainer Klump, President of the University, thanked all the participants and invited Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and the Hereditary Grand Duke to visit the exhibition and exchange with entrepreneurs and students.

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Visit 100 Years of Engineering Education in Luxembourg for more details about the celebrations.

Learn more about the study programmes in engineering available at the University of Luxembourg:

• Bachelor en Ingénierie;
• Bachelor en Sciences et Ingénierie;
• Master of Science in Civil Engineering - Megastructure Engineering with Sustainable Resources;
• Master of Science in Engineering - Sustainable Product Creation;
• Master Professionnel en Sciences de l’Ingénieur - Efficacité Énergétique et Économique.

Square photo: Paul Heuschling, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication

© Michel Brumat, University of Luxembourg 2016