World Standards Day (WSD) is more than just a date on the calendar; it serves as a significant occasion to emphasise the importance of standardisation in fostering innovation, enhancing safety, and promoting efficiency across various sectors. This year, Teodora BOGDAN, research scientist in the Department of Engineering and at the ArcelorMittal Chair of Steel Construction led by Prof. Dr Christoph Odenbreit, represented the University.
As she took the stage, Teodora reflected on the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry. “In a world where technology and techniques evolve at lightning speed, standardisation is the bridge that connects groundbreaking research with real-world applications,” she explained. Her words resonated deeply, as she highlighted how standards set consistent guidelines, which not only validates research but also seamlessly integrates it into industry practices. This, in turn, leads to enhanced safety, efficiency, and sustainability on a global scale.
‟ As innovation hubs, Universities play a vital role in developing and refining standards. ”
Research scientist
Universities play a crucial role in developing and refining standards. By actively participating in standardisation committees and integrating their research findings into regulatory codes, they ensure their work addresses real-world challenges. This collaboration creates a dynamic feedback loop where academic insights propel industry advancements, while practical experiences gleaned from the field inform and enrich ongoing research. The synergy between standardisation and university involvement is thus not just beneficial—it is essential for advancing construction research and shaping the future of the industry, leading to a more resilient and efficient construction landscape.
Technical reports
In conjunction with World Standards Day and in line with the Luxembourgish Standardisation Strategy for 2024-2030, the National Institute for Standardisation and Accreditation of Luxembourg (ILNAS), in collaboration with the University of Luxembourg and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), has unveiled a series of enlightening reports. These technical documents, titled “Research-driven Approach to Standardisation – ICT, Construction, and Aerospace,” explore the intersection of standardisation and the research challenges faced by PhD candidates in the programme “Technical Standardisation for Trustworthy ICT, Aerospace, and Construction” (2021-2024).
Key insights of the reports
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): The first section of the report focuses on advancements in ICT, particularly in the creation of satellite image mosaics. It addresses the extension of normative requirements concerning radiometric correction and seamline detection, aiming to produce higher-quality mosaics. Additionally, the report explains the standards and guidelines needed to effectively create satellite image mosaics that combine images from different sources. These standards help ensure that the final mosaics are high-quality and accurately represent the data.
- Aerospace Sector: The second part addresses the aerospace industry, highlighting the need for convergence between standardised space communication protocols and Machine Learning model exchange formats, especially in the context of Federated Learning. Two scenarios are explored: the first involves transferring a trained Machine Learning model from the ground segment to an orbiting satellite, while the second discusses the development of a collaborative learning process among multiple satellites, requiring new communication protocols.
- Construction Sector: Finally, the last section provides a concrete example of how standards can be applied in the construction industry. It shows how energy efficiency in buildings can be improved by using standards that define the thermal properties of openings, along with research techniques like constraint programming.