An attractive and fertile research landscape

This strategy builds on progress made in Luxembourg in terms of research since the turn of the millennium. Over the course of the past twenty years, the country has succeeded in cultivating an attractive and fertile research landscape, gaining high international recognition in specific domains. Interdisciplinary research “made in Luxembourg” has helped the country’s knowledge-based economy to progress, all the while reinforcing innovative industries. 

A young and open spirit of excellence

With “only” twenty years under our belt, however, research in Luxembourg is still very young – and therefore malleable. Those who conduct research here, find freedom and an open spirit – in all facets and in different ways. This sentiment is above all prominent in Belval, in the south of the country, where the steel industry once produced the country’s prosperity, is now the beating heart of research. Then as now, people from all over the world flock here. 

Excellence throughout the entire country 

The uni.lu, one of the world’s most respected young universities, the FNR as the backbone of national research, as well as two research institutes LIST and LISER have their headquarters in Belval. But research has also taken hold of the rest of the country. The world-renowned LIH, for example, is located in the heart of Luxembourg, and academic innovation has also found its place in the financial and European quarter, in Kirchberg.

Serious long-term investments in the future

In order to achieve this goal, the government is making long-term investments. Since the turn of the millennium, Luxembourg research institutions have sustained funding growth from 24 million euros in 2000 to 1.5 billion euros for the 2018-2021 period. With this support, the country has built an attractive and fertile international research landscape, gaining high international recognition in specific research domains such as materials science, health, ICT or sustainability.

Attracting global research talents

This focus on scientific leadership in selected key areas, as well as state-of the-art research facilities and a highly interdisciplinary approach is attracting global talent. In 2019, 2,750 R&D staff from all over the world worked in the country’s public research sector. 

There is no doubt that this number will continue to increase. The long-term opportunities that Luxembourg offers both young and experienced researchers – including an attractive living environment – will also contribute to advancing Luxembourg’s long-term vision of building a knowledge-based economy, which in turn will help the country and its people progress faster, further, together.