LIST marked 2024 with strong scientific output and strategic progress

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) has released its 2024 Annual Report, marking ten years of research and innovation. In a year of structural evolution, LIST reinforced its role as a driving force for impactful science, adapting to new expectations in funding, societal relevance, and scientific excellence.

In 2024, LIST’s revenue from public subsidies and other sources rose to €110.46 million, an increase of €6.92 million compared to 2023—strengthening the Institute’s ability to attract stable, diversified funding in a competitive research landscape while multiplying its partnerships with public and private entities. The year closed with a profit of €1.84 million, reflecting the strategic reinvestment of resources into long-term priorities and continued upgrades to the infrastructure and research equipment. These forward-looking investments are designed to reinforce LIST’s scientific capacity and institutional resilience for the years ahead.

“LIST tackled the complex challenges of our time from climate change and AI ethics to global humanitarian resilience. The increase in revenues reflects not only strong institutional trust but also the growing demand for science that delivers concrete societal value,” said Etienne Jacqué, Chair of the LIST Board of Directors.

Scientific publications, patents, and spin-offs highlight LIST’s contribution in 2024

In 2024, LIST demonstrated its commitment to research that addresses today’s most urgent challenges. The Institute published 177 scientific articles in the top 10% of international journals and filed 25 patents, with 16 paid licenses—reinforcing its focus on real-world applications. Nine spin-offs have now been thriving for over three years—showing LIST’s strong venture pipeline.

With 756 employees from 61 nationalities, including 78% researchers and innovation experts, LIST welcomed 114 new recruits. It also maintained a highly active PhD community with 83 active PhD students and 13 doctoral defenses. These achievements reflect not just academic output, but the Institute’s active contribution to Luxembourg’s scientific ecosystem and innovation economy.

Strengthening partnerships for societal transformation

Strategic collaborations continued to shape LIST’s research agenda. A renewed six-year agreement with Goodyear supports over 30 joint research projects focused on sustainable mobility and digital innovation. New partnerships were also formalized with Intel, CURE Intelligence, Raith, and other international players, contributing to advancements in sustainable mobility, digital technologies, and materials science.

LIST secured a leading role in the Luxembourg AI Factory. As leader of the Green Economy hub, the Institute will support companies in developing sustainable AI solutions across energy, mobility, cleantech, and the circular economy. It will also lead several pillars of the initiative: the creation of a national AI Observatory to monitor adoption and trends; a programme to strengthen local AI talent; and the expansion of a national AI sandbox for testing and validating trustworthy AI systems.

LIST continued to strengthen its international engagement. In partnership with the UNHCR and Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Institute co-developed a global early warning system based on AI and Earth Observation technologies for humanitarian response. LIST also extended its agreement with the Luxembourg government on the European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC) through 2029.

“Strategic collaboration remains essential to how LIST operates—whether through long-term industrial partnerships, international cooperation, or national initiatives like the Luxembourg AI Factory,” said Jurgen Joossens, CEO ad interim of LIST. “These partnerships show how LIST bridges fundamental research and real-world solutions, unlocking societal value across sectors.”

Building on scientific excellence

The Institute earned a prominent position on the European research stage, securing several highly competitive international projects and grants, including two from the European Research Council (ERC) grants and one from the European Innovation Council (EIC). These grants support the development of advanced polymer-based cooling technologies and quantum communication, bringing in more than €7 million in funding.

LIST is also coordinating two major new European projects in the field of sustainable urban development and for the development of gas sensors for electronic devices, aiming to provide individuals with affordable and portable sensors to monitor their exposure to pollutants.

Inclusive culture and complete leadership team

Beyond structural progress, LIST also advanced as a model for inclusion. It received the Actions Positives label by the Ministry of gender
Equality and Diversity, launched a Women’s Leadership Programme, promoted diversity, in particular, through LGBTQI+ support, disability inclusion, and developed new career pathways.

Looking ahead, LIST is preparing to welcome Prof. Olivier Guillon as CEO in September 2025, alongside a renewed leadership team: Jurgen Joossens (Deputy CEO), Lucien Hoffmann (Scientific Director), Sylvain Ravera (Financial and Administrative Director) and Sylvie Weyland (HR Director). Together, they will steer LIST through its next strategic cycle and further reinforce LIST’s position as a leading Research and Technology Organization.

Visit the LIST Annual Report 2024 dedicated website.