Following the round of introductions, the ice was quickly broken, and the participants had an intensive exchange about future trends and developments of the joint committee "Materials Technology Steel." Because of the sustainability debate, steel's high-profile image and attractiveness as a material have increasingly declined in recent years. The discussion round with representatives from higher education institutions and industry confirmed the need for action to raise the profile of steel as a material, not only in terms of resource criticality and the circular economy but also in terms of attracting young talent. "Green steel", hydrogen metallurgy, decarbonization, special steel products, steel scrap recycling and energy labels for steel products are the buzzwords that will determine the future agenda of the community connection. Prof. Dr. Krupp, Chair of Materials Engineering of Metals and Head of the Department of Ferrous Metallurgy at RWTH Aachen University, highlighted the potential of metallurgical research in the production, use, re- and up-cycling of steel in his presentation "Circular Steel - Towards a Circular Economy."

Through the cooperation of both societies, the AWT, as a research associate for joint industrial research, and the DGM, as a professional society with a high level of expertise in materials science, both the professional exchange and material innovations of the future can be promoted. If you would also like to contribute to the discussion or actively participate in the joint "Materials Technology Steel" committee on the topics of circular economy, young scientists, hydrogen metallurgy, green hydrogen, etc., please contact us at fachgremiendgm.de