K1-MET hosted the Kick-off meeting of the Interreg ATCZ project CARMA. The project will be coordinated by K1-MET, and the scientific partners are Mendel University in Brno, Johannes Kepler University Linz and University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice. CARMA converts CO2 emissions into methane through electrolysis and uses microorganisms to produce high-quality biomass from it. The nutritional composition of this alternative protein source is then evaluated, and its suitability as fish feed is tested. CARMA combines modern technology with ecological considerations and contributes to a circular economy. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (programme Interreg Austria—Czechia 2021–2027), project ATCZ00278. photo from left to right: Nina Plankensteiner (K1-MET), Mark Hlawitschka (JKU), Sabine Spiess (K1-MET), Laura Androsch (K1-MET), Martin Pumera (Mendel University), online participants: Koushik Roy and Lucie Rybová (University of South Bohemia), Anna Jánová and Lenka Hynková (Mendel University). #K1MET #research #CO2electrolysis #3Delectrodes #microbes #bioreactor #protein #fishfeed

K1-MET at the EEC 2026 K1-MET participated in the 4th European Electric Steelmaking Conference (EEC 2026), held in Milan, Italy, from 11 to 13 May 2026. Erwin K. Reichel (K1-MET) gave a presentation on “Stability Enhancement of DC Arcs in Reducing Argon-Hydrogen Atmospheres via Current Regulation”. Co-authors are Cameron Quick (K1-MET), Michael Andreas Zarl (K1-MET), Thomas Voglhuber-Brunnmaier (JKU Linz), Lukas Ecker (JKU Linz) and Simon Schneiderbauer (JKU Linz). Erwin presented progress made in the projects Lightbow, PlasmArc4Green, and SuSteel (follow-up) on the modeling of the Hydrogen Plasma Smelting Reduction (HPSR) process. HPSR is a potentially zero-emission route to liquid iron to be used in sustainable steelmaking. Hydrogen is ionised in an electric arc to reduce iron ore in the melted stage. Detailed understanding and control of the arc dynamics is crucial to increase hydrogen utilisation and energy efficiency – key parameters to enable the next up-scaling steps. In addition, Daniel Kavić (K1-MET) contributed as co-author to the presentation “Mathematical Modelling of Slag Phase Composition during the EAF Process in Stainless Steelmaking” by Ville-Valtteri Visuri (University of Oulu). Further co-authors are Ilpo Maekelae (University of Oulu) and Matti Aula (Outokumpu Stainless Oy). photo: Presentation by Erwin Reichel, K1-MET GmbH #K1MET #forschung #research #steelmaking #HPSR #hydrogen #hydrogenplasmasmeltingreduction #EEC2026

K1-MET contributed to the AI-4-Steel Workshop 2026 of The European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP) Focus Group Smart Factory, which took place at the Live Congress in Leoben, Austria. The local organizing committee was jointly formed by MCL – Materials Center Leoben Forschung GmbH and K1-MET GmbH. The event convened together experts to discuss recent developments and future trends in the field of AI-based modeling, monitoring, and control of iron- and steelmaking processes, digital twins, human-centered and safe workplaces, as well as advanced and generative AI approaches for industrial applications. Cross-cutting aspects such as decarbonization, resource efficiency, and industrial scale-up were also be addressed. On 15 April 2026, K1-MET researchers presented their latest work: Maria Thumfart gave a talk on “Bridging the gap between lab and plant in case of an HVOF coating process using interpretable Machine Learning”, addressing the transfer of data-driven models into industrial practice. Xiaomeng Zhang had a presentation on “Integrating Process Data and Real-Time Modeling for Digital Twin Development of an RH Degasser,” focusing on advanced approaches for digital twin implementation. In addition, Erwin K. Reichel presented a poster on “Model-Based Control and Integrated Data Management for Hydrogen Plasma Smelting Reduction (HPSR),” highlighting innovative concepts for process control and data integration. photo from left to right: Zeinab Naji , Maria Thumfart, Xiaomeng Zhang, Christine Gruber and Erwin Reichel (K1-MET GmbH) #K1MET #forschung #research #digitalization #artificialintelligence #steelindustry #digitaltwin

The upcoming AI-4-Steel Workshop 2026 of The European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP) Focus Group Smart Factory will bring together experts from industry, research, and policy to discuss current developments and future directions for AI across the steel value chain. The local organizing committee is jointly formed by Materials Center Leoben Forschung GmbH (MCL) and K1-MET GmbH . The workshop will take place on 15 – 16 April 2026 in Leoben, Austria. Key topics include AI-based modeling, monitoring, and control of iron- and steelmaking processes, digital twins, human-centered and safe workplaces, as well as advanced and generative AI approaches for industrial applications. Cross-cutting aspects such as decarbonization, resource efficiency, and industrial scale-up will also be addressed. #K1MET #forschung #research #steelindustry #artificialintelligence #digitalization #innovation #AI4Steel

K1-MET is proud that Magdalena Schatzl , Team Leader at the Metallurgical COMET Competence Center K1-MET, has been selected as Physicist of the Month (January 2026) by the Austrian Physical Society (OEPG). Magdalena is recognized for her work in process modelling for the metallurgical industry, contributing to innovation and sustainability in modern metallurgy. At K1-MET since 2016, Magdalena works at the interface of simulation and industrial application and leads a COMET module on plasma- and arc-based processes for the metals industry. In her featured profile, Magdalena shares insights into her research path, the importance of early encouragement and visible role models in STEM, and why non-university research institutions like K1-MET play a crucial role in enabling long-term scientific careers. She also reflects on equal opportunities in physics and on structural conditions needed to successfully combine leadership, family, and research. We warmly congratulate Magdalena on this well-deserved acknowledgment and thank the OEPG for supporting visibility and equal opportunities for women in physics. Read the official OEPG announcement here: https://lnkd.in/dAifqDkP #K1MET #forschung #research #physics #metallurgy #equalopportunities #womeninscience #STEM

K1-MET GmbH took part once again in the Career Fair at the Hagenberg Campus of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria on 16 October 2025. FH>>next is the largest career event in Austria focusing on IT and media. It provides an excellent opportunity for professional networking, covering everything from internships and thesis projects to entry-level positions in IT, communication, and media. A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth – we greatly valued the strong interest and the many engaging discussions. photo from left to right: Samuel Pucher and Maximilian Lukas Fruhmann (K1-MET) #K1MET #forschung #research #event #careerfair #career #steelmaking #sustainability #digitalization

K1-MET GmbH was once again represented together with other competence centers of the UAR Innovation Network at the Career Fair at the Wels Campus of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria on 9 October 2025. The fair provided an excellent opportunity to connect with students and graduates from the fields of engineering, energy, life sciences, and business, and to share insights into career paths, internships, and job opportunities at K1-MET. Many thanks to everyone who visited our booth – we truly appreciated the great interest and inspiring conversations. A special thank you goes to UAR - Upper Austrian Research GmbH for the excellent organization! photo from left to right: Rebeka Frueholz, Clemens Habermaier and Sabrina Öllinger (K1-MET) #K1MET #research #forschung #event #careerfair #career #steelmaking #sustainability

K1-MET at the 76th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry From 7 to 12 September 2025, K1-MET participated in the 76th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry in Mainz. This year’s ISE conference is under the topic “Electrochemistry: From Basic Insights to Sustainable Technologies”. Nina Plankensteiner and K1-MET are members of the ISE Division 5 “Electrochemical Process Engineering and Technology”. K1-MET was represented by Nina Plankensteiner who presented the latest scientific results from the PHOENIX HEU project in Symposium 11 “Electrochemical technologies for energy and industrial electrosynthesis at scale”. This project is funded by Horizon Europe. Her poster presentation focused on “Coupling of the cathodic CO2 reduction with PET-derived anodic ethylene glycol oxidation in a zero-gap electrolyzer”. photo: Nina Plankensteiner (K1-MET GmbH) #K1MET #forschung #research #electrochemistry #sustainabletechnologies #ISE2025

K1-MET at STEELSIM 2025 The 11th International Conference on Modelling and Simulation of Metallurgical Processes in Steelmaking took place in Třinec, Czech Republic, from 2 to 4 September 2025. This international forum brought together academia and industry to exchange knowledge on advances, challenges, and future directions in predictive modelling and steel process design. K1-MET also contributed with talks: ▪︎ Hannes Lumetzberger : Time-Extrapolation of an Industrial Tundish Case Using Recurrence CFD (rCFD) ▪︎ Alireza atf : Numerical Simulation of Multiphase Flow in the Submerged Entry Nozzle of the Continuous Casting Process Using an Eulerian-Eulerian Population Balance Model ▪︎ Xiaomeng Zhang: Hydrogen Removal during RH Degassing of Molten Steel: Real-time Recurrence CFD Predictions and Validation using Plant Data ▪︎ Ali Sedaghat : A Coupled CFD-DEM Modeling of Clogging in Submerged Entry Nozzle during Steel Continuous Casting photo: Xiaomeng Zhang, Ali Sedaghat, Alireza Atf and Hannes Lumetzberger (K1-MET GmbH) #K1MET #forschung #research #STEELSIM2025 #modelling #simulation #predictivemodels #metallurgy

K1-MET at the Business Run Linz 2025 Once again this year, K1-MET took part in the Business Run Linz – with great team spirit, athletic commitment, and plenty of motivation. Our colleagues delivered a strong performance not only on the course but also as a team. Team 1: Lukas Gupfinger Nina Plankensteiner Gerhard Holzinger Team 2: Christa Mühlegger Sebastian Bönisch Clemens Habermaier Thank you to everyone who participated – we’re already looking forward to next year! photo from left to right: Lukas Gupfinger, Christa Muehlegger, Nina Plankensteiner, Gerhard Holzinger, Clemens Habermaier and Sebastian Boenisch (K1-MET GmbH) © was-tuat-si.at #K1MET #forschung #research #K1METRunners #BusinessRunLinz #teamspirit

Welcome Eva Katharina Muster ! Katharina Muster works as Assistant at K1-MET. Her working place is at the K1-MET office in Leoben. Besides the work on different administrative and organizational tasks the aim of her work is to assist the leader team as well as the team on site in all belongings. Katharina completed her final exam at Semmering more than 20 years ago and has more than 10 years of experience in a similar technical R & D environment. The entire K1-MET team wishes a good start. We are pleased to have you in our team. Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dpTSKQHG #K1MET #facesofk1met #team #assistance #administration #organization

Support K1-MET in the diversity4innovation AWARD 2025! K1-MET GmbH has been nominated for the diversity4innovation AWARD, represented by Hamideh Hassanpour , who shares her inspiring story as an Iranian researcher finding new opportunities in Austria. Public voting is open once per day per IP address until 19 September 2025 – every vote counts! Please vote for Hamideh Hassanpour from K1-MET: https://lnkd.in/dfJSie49 By voting, you help us highlight how international diversity drives innovation and shapes the future of research. Thank you for your support! #K1MET #forschung #research #diversity4innovation #teamwork #diversityinscience #innovation #votenow

K1-MET at the ASMET Materials Workshop at the European Forum Alpbach 2025 At this year’s Materials Workshop on AI applications in materials development and production organized by ASMET, Austrian Society for Metallurgy and Materials , Christine Gruber from K1-MET gave a presentation on “Digital twins of metallurgical processes for an efficient production of high quality steels”. Her talk demonstrated how the integration of physics-based simulations and data-driven models enables more efficient processes and supports the production of high-quality steels. photo: Christine Gruber (K1-MET GmbH) #K1MET #forschung #research #steelmaking #digitaltwin #simulation #datadrivenmodels

As part of a Chemiereport portrait series on young scientists at Lower Austria’s Technopol locations, Anna Sieber from K1-MET shares her unconventional path to environmental biotechnology. Today, as a PhD student at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology (BOKU) in Tulln, she works within K1-MET’s COMET Module FuLIBatteR to develop innovative bioleaching methods for recovering critical metals like lithium, phosphorus, and cobalt from spent lithium-ion batteries. Her approach: identifying and using specialised peptides to selectively extract metals from solution – paving the way for more sustainable battery recycling. Read the full story in Chemiereport (p. 54): https://lnkd.in/dnTQDnt5 photo: Anna Sieber from K1-MET GmbH (© Daniel Hinterramskogler) #K1MET #forschung #research #FuLIBatteR #environmentalbiotechnology #batteryrecycling

K1-MET has been nominated for the diversity4innovation AWARD 2025! At K1-MET, we believe that true innovation happens when people from different backgrounds work together. Representing our team in the video submission is Hamideh Hassanpour , who shares her personal story as an Iranian researcher who found new opportunities in Austria. The award honors initiatives that promote diversity and innovation – and we are thrilled to be among the nominees! A big thank you to UAR - Upper Austrian Research GmbH for this opportunity to highlight the power of international diversity in science. Public voting opens today on 18 August 2025 and runs until 19 September. Please vote for Hamideh Hassanpour from K1-MET: https://lnkd.in/dcEUACfN By voting for K1-MET, you support a vision where diversity drives innovation and teamwork shapes the future of research. Thank you for your support! #K1MET #forschung #research #diversity4innovation #teamwork #diversityinscience #innovation #votenow

#diversity4innovation ‼️ 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐡𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐬! 𝐀𝐛 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠, 𝟏𝟖.𝟎𝟖.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐮 𝐭ä𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐳𝐮𝐦 𝟏𝟗.𝟎𝟗.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐟ü𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭*𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧. 🌍 Wer gestaltet unsere Zukunft vielfältig? 14 herausragende Persönlichkeiten. 14 einzigartige Perspektiven auf Diversität. Hier sind die Nominierten für den ersten 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲𝟒𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 im UAR Innovation Network: ➡️ Mahin Ahmed | Silicon Austria Labs ➡️ Natalia Bedoya Martinez | Materials Center Leoben Forschung GmbH (MCL) ➡️ Manuela Geiß | SCCH Software Competence Center Hagenberg ➡️ Ouijdane Guiza | Pro2Future GmbH ➡️ Hamideh Hassanpour | K1-MET GmbH ➡️ Roxana Holom | RISC Software GmbH ➡️ Daniela Kirchberger | PROFACTOR ➡️ Daniel Louback S. Lubanco | Linz Center of Mechatronics GmbH ➡️ Astrid Elisabeth Macher | Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH (PCCL) ➡️ Marie Macherhammer | HyCentA Research GmbH ➡️ Klarissa Meirer | RECENDT GmbH - Research Center for Non-Destructive Testing ➡️ Latifeh Nasseri | Wood K plus - Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH ➡️ Giulia Scampone | LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen ➡️ Karin Wieland | Competence Center CHASE GmbH Mit ihrem Einsatz für Diversität, Chancengleichheit und Inklusion gestalten sie die Forschung – jede und jeder auf ganz eigene Weise: 🔹 durch wissenschaftliche Arbeit, die Perspektivenvielfalt integriert, 🔹 als Vorbilder für Inklusion und Gleichberechtigung, 🔹 oder durch konkretes Engagement, um Barrieren abzubauen und Talente zu fördern. 👉 Wir haben ihre beeindruckenden Geschichten für euch zusammengefasst. Lerne jetzt die 14 Nominierten kennen: https://lnkd.in/dTDq64MA #ResearchMoves #UARInnovationNetwork #UAR #UpperAustrianResearch #UpperAustria #Research #Science #Technology #Innovation #Sustainability #Excellence #Future #People #Diversity Die Initiative wird unterstützt von: Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws) | FFG Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft mbH | WKO Oberösterreich 📽️©UAR

We are proud to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed paper in the journal Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B with Daniel Kavić of K1-MET as the main author. The paper presents a hybrid approach for enhanced temperature prediction in ladle furnace steel refining combining computational thermodynamics with statistical learning methods. This research demonstrates how steelmakers can use process data to investigate process influences that affect the steel temperature and combine it with modern thermodynamic databases such as FactSage to gain deeper insights into optimized temperature control in steel production. The work forms an important part of the developed “i-clean” software, which can be used to investigate secondary steelmaking processes. The full paper is available here: https://rdcu.be/eyV0U #K1MET #forschung #research #steelmaking #computationalthermodynamics #machinelearning #statisticallearning #temperaturecontrol #sustainability

Continued progress in K1-MET Project ECO2LIFE! Our team and project partners gathered in Linz and online for a productive project meeting. We reviewed our progress and mapped out the next key steps. We’re right on track to collect our first new measurement data this summer! All new systems will be installed during the upcoming routine maintenance shutdown – careful planning is essential to stay aligned with our tight schedule. Exciting times ahead as we continue pushing the boundaries in steelmaking, enhancing converter lifetime, and driving sustainability forward. Find out more about the ECO2LIFE project: https://lnkd.in/dHmCQBwx Photo from left to right: Paul Fischer (PTAT), Aidong Hu (RHI-M), Ulrich Marshall (RHI-M), Klemens Winkler (K1-MET), Ludwig Nocke (voestalpine Steel Division), Raimund Fritz (voestalpine Steel Division), Sandro Michele Russi (K1-MET), Markus Chromy (PTAT), Paul Oberhumer (PTAT), online Dietmar Gruber (MUL-CoC) #K1MET #forschung #research #ECO2LIFE #steelmaking #converter #sustainability #innovation