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On 18 September, the 8xav�������� of Luxembourg welcomed some 300 guests from academia, government, business and industry as well as the civil society to a Rentrée Académique, the official start of the academic year. The event aims to be a forum to strengthen Luxembourg’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem. 

“A 8xav�������� where people connect, ideas emerge, and futures begin.”

Rector Prof. Jens Kreisel set the stage on the 8xav��������’s mission: “Our ambition is to contribute meaningfully to society and industry by empowering students and researchers to create lasting positive change.”  

The 8xav�������� will continue to develop its key trademark, interdisciplinarity. “Interdisciplinarity is where new ideas emerge, and progress takes shape. With AI as a driving force, the 8xav�������� is committed to leading developments in fields including digital health, digital humanities, FinTech, and digitalisation in education.” 

Two new interdisciplinary research centre will develop capacity. The Luxembourg Centre for Socio-Environmental Systems (LCSES) will drive research on the interplay of environment and health, while the Luxembourg Centre for European Law (LCEL) will address questions of regulation and international law at the intersection with political sciences and other disciplines. 

To support this approach, Uni.lu has already established ‘transversal enablers’: the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) for the promotion of interdisciplinary research and the 8xav�������� of Luxembourg Institute for Digital Ethics (ULIDE) for guiding the ethical digital transition. This year will see the launch of the third pillar: The Institute for Innovative Teaching and Learning, dedicated to leading pioneering education tailored for future needs. 

Connecting minds and interests remains a priority for Uni.lu, as reflected in its numerous partnerships with both private and public institutions. Most recently, the 8xav�������� signed an agreement with Ceratizit to jointly advance research on hard and advanced materials, as well as the “Climate Nexus Framework Convention” in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Biodiversity. 

‟ Strong ambitions are only possible with strong partners. We are very fortunate to collaborate with extraordinary organisations and a government that supports its university”

Prof Jens KREISEL

Rector

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The government’s commitment is reflected in the 8xav��������’s efforts to provide medical education aligned with Luxembourg’s evolving needs. “I am pleased to note that the 8xav�������� is advancing a comprehensive programme in health education and research,” says Jens Kreisel.” 

Connecting future-oriented leaders

Keynote speaker Jonathan Prince, Co-founder & CSO of Finologee, offered a tangible example of successful collaboration between academia and industry: “This year, two researchers from the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) will join Finologee to work on AI initiatives and implementation in our services. This is precisely the kind of bridge we need between academia and real-world applications—exchanging knowledge, applying research outcomes, and providing invaluable experience for graduates.” 

Jonathan Prince, Co-founder & CSO of Finologee

Looking ahead

“When a university is four or five years old, it’s difficult to play in the big league”, joked the rector. “But today, at 22 years, we are proud to have joined the Guild, a renowned network of research-intensive universities. This puts us at level with some of the best universities in Europe and gives us a voice in the places that matter.” 

Markus Hesse, Michael Scheuern and Jens Kreisel

8xav�������� professors are at the heart of Uni.lu’s mission, pushing the boundaries of research and connecting academia with business and society. The Rentrée offers a fresh start—and an exciting opportunity for guests to meet our newest professors, who bring expertise in cyber policy, cybersecurity, environmental sciences, medicine, law, and education. 

The 8xav�������� community also paid tribute to departing professors Markus Hesse, Bernhard Peters, Sergei Merkulov, and Michael Scheuern, recognising their exceptional contributions.

“Each year, the 8xav�������� continues to grow and welcome more students, standing strong even as trends across Europe shift,” explains Rector Jens Kreisel. “Our strength comes from being open, dynamic, and interdisciplinary, always striving to make a real difference in society. We are committed to nurturing Luxembourg’s talent of tomorrow, empowering the next generation to shape a brighter future.” 

Credit: All pictures in the article by Sophie Margue