University of Luxembourg

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. It combines scientific excellence in both fundamental and applied research with a strong commitment to societal responsibility. Its key research priorities include digital transformation, medicine and health, and sustainable development.

Within the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM), the Department of Engineering (DoE) plays an important role in advancing the circular economy and supporting the technological and industrial development of the region. The department integrates theoretical, experimental, and data-driven approaches into both research and teaching and collaborates closely with academic and industrial partners.

The research group led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Schäfer focuses, among other topics, on the reuse of construction components and the application of concrete containing recycled aggregates.

As part of the UniGR-CIRKLA project, the University of Luxembourg coordinates “Action II.1 – Towards a More Circular Region.” The initiative focuses on fostering a regional circular economy within the construction sector. In this context, the university contributes its expertise in civil engineering, construction materials science, industrial value-chain and material-flow management, as well as digital methods.

The research activities are particularly focused on analysing material and value flows in the recycling processes of mineral construction materials and steel, as well as on developing a digital building model (Digital Twin). This model is intended to capture information on the quantities and characteristics of materials available at the end of a building’s life cycle and to serve as a “Material BANK” (materials database) supporting future urban mining and reuse strategies.