The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) has released its 2024 Annual Report, marking a decade of commitment to research and innovation.
In 2024, LIST's revenue from public funding and other sources rose to €110.46 million, an increase of €6.92 million compared to 2023 - reportedly 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, which LIST said reflected 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.
In 2024, LIST published 177 scientific articles in the top 10% of international journals and filed 25 patents, with sixteen paid licences - reinforcing its focus on real-world applications. Nine spin-offs have now been thriving for over three years, noted LIST.
With 756 employees of 61 nationalities, including 78% researchers and innovation experts, LIST welcomed 114 new recruits in 2024. It also counted 83 active PhD students and thirteen doctoral defences. LIST said these achievements reflect not just academic output, but the institute's active contribution to Luxembourg's scientific ecosystem and innovation economy.
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. LIST also formalised new partnerships with Intel, CURE Intelligence, Raith and other international players, contributing to advancements in sustainable mobility, digital technologies and materials science.
Moreover, 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 artificial intelligence (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 also reported that it 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 realworld solutions, unlocking societal value across sectors."
On the European research stage, LIST secured several 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 affordable and portable sensors to monitor exposure to pollutants.
Beyond structural progress, LIST reported that it advanced itself as a model for inclusion. It received the Actions Positives label from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Diversity, launched a Women's Leadership Programme, promoted diversity (particularly through LGBTQI+ support) and disability inclusion, and developed new career pathways.
Looking ahead, LIST said it 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 are set to steer LIST through its next strategic cycle and reinforce its position as a leading research and technology organisation.
The LIST Annual Report 2024 is available at https://annual-report2024.list.lu/
