GREENE Project showcased at AIMagn Conference with Keynote on Circular Nd‑Fe‑B Magnets

At this year’s AIMagn Conference in Lecce, Italy, GREENE Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. Kristina Zuzek from the Jozef Stefan Institute delivered a keynote entitled “From Critical to Circular: Redesigning Nd‑Fe‑B Permanent Magnets Through Interface Engineering”, highlighting cutting‑edge research aimed at reducing Europe’s dependence on critical rare‑earth elements while maintaining high magnetic performance.

The research centers on Nd-Fe-B magnets, which are widely used in applications ranging from electric vehicles to wind turbines due to their exceptional magnetic performance. However, their reliance on critical raw materials has raised concerns about supply risks and environmental impact.

By applying advanced interface and grain-boundary engineering techniques, the work demonstrates how high-performance magnets can be achieved with significantly lower amounts of critical rare-earth elements. This approach supports a transition toward a more circular materials economy, where efficiency and sustainability are prioritized without compromising functionality.

The AIMagn Conference provided an important platform for scientific exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue, bringing together researchers from academia, industry, and research organisations active in the field of magnetism.

GREENE-Partners in Austria

UNIVERSITÄT FÜR WEITERBILDUNG KREMS – Krems, Austria

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN – Vienna, Austria

GREENE-Partners in Germany

HOCHSCHULE PFORZHEIM – Pforzheim, Germany

HOCHSCHULE AALEN - TECHNIK UND WIRTSCHAFT – Aalen, Germany

STEINBEIS 2I GMBH – Karlsruhe, Germany

HYPROMAG GMBH – Pforzheim, Germany