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Fundamental Research
News 05 November 2025

Metal criticality: what assessment criteria should be used?

The concept of critical raw materials initially referred to materials that were essential to national security but for which supply was limited. It has since been expanded to include needs associated with the energy and digital transitions, reflecting the increased demand for metals such as lithium, copper, and rare earths. In a context of geopolitical tensions, identifying and securing access to these resources has become a strategic priority for governments and businesses. But how should criticality be assessed? A thesis conducted at IFPEN offers a detailed examination of the issue, highlighting its complexity.

IFPEN-ANRT Prize Award Ceremony
Fundamental Research
News 16 October 2025

Thesis prize: marine life to the rescue of reinforced concrete structures

On 15 October, the fourth IFPEN-ANRT thesis prize was awarded to Julie Dubuit for her civil engineering thesis entitled “Biogalvanic cathodic protection: a benthic microbial fuel cell-based solution against corrosion in marine environments applied to steel-reinforced concrete structures”, defended on 29 April 2024 at Toulouse University.

FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH, THE BUILDING BLOCK FOR FUTURE INNOVATION

Objectives pursued, scientific challenges to be overcome, partnerships proposed: watch a video on IFPEN’s fundamental research strategy.

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Research in a few figures

  • 1,095
    R&I engineers and technicians
  • 30%
    of budget dedicated to fundamental research
  • 9
    disciplinary fields
  • 15
    active fundamental research framework agreements