Federation for International Refractory Research and Education
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Highlight of FIRE Alumni - Maria Campos - Tata Steel Nederland
My journey in the world of refractories began in the second year of my undergraduate studies, when I joined GEMM, the laboratory of Professor Victor Pandolfelli. That early experience sparked a passion that has guided me for more than ten years and brought me to the other side of the world.
FIRE played a major role in this path. It allowed me to expand my knowledge, grow professionally, and become part of a strong and inspiring technical community. I am truly grateful to FIRE for the opportunities, the learning, and the connections it created for me. Thanks to FIRE, I also had the opportunity during my studies to complete an internship at Tata Steel Nederland, an experience that broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the industry. Almost eight years have passed since that internship, and today I am proud to work at Tata Steel Nederland, where I have been for nearly four years.
The community surrounding refractories is truly special. It is collaborative, innovative, and filled with people who are passionate about what they do. Through FIRE I gained colleagues who later became friends, along with mentors who influenced my development. It opened doors that shaped my career and had a lasting impact on my professional path.
Looking back, every step from GEMM to the Netherlands, from the early days of study to my work at Tata Steel Nederland, has strengthened my expertise and confirmed that this field is exactly where I belong.
Maria Campos
Principal Researcher Thermomechanical Engineering & Digitalisation
Tata Steel, The Netherlands.
Last news
Highlight of the members of the Board of Directors - Alexander Leitner
FIRE stands out to me as a platform that brings people together to tackle real-world challenges in a collaborative and international way. It highlights how our field can evolve through shared knowledge, fresh perspectives, and a strong focus on future impact.
ECerS Refractory Network Webinar - 4th May - 14:00 PM CEST
The ECerS Refractory Network proudly presents its 3rd Webinar on 4th May 2026 at 14:00 PM CEST !
Contact us and/or Become Member!
Contact us for any information and/or to Become Member of FIRE: fire@ecers.org
