The Materials Processing Institute has announced that Jon Bolton, CEO for Liberty Steel Continental Europe, is to be keynote speaker at the 3rd Postgraduate Research Symposium on Ferrous Metallurgy.
Jon, one of the most widely respected figures in the UK and global steel industry, will discuss Liberty’s drive to become the world’s first carbon neutral steel company at the prestigious event at the Armourer’s Hall in London.
The symposium is organised by the Materials Processing Institute, a UK research and innovation centre which serves global steel and materials organisations, developing new technologies in advanced materials, low carbon energy, the circular economy and digital technologies.
The Research Symposium brings together PhD students, universities, academics, researchers and industries involved in materials, metals and process improvement from across the UK.
It gives students an opportunity to showcase their current research and enables academics and students to engage in research challenges and supports the development of industry-led research initiatives.
Jon has a passion for developing the skills of young people and is the founder and official ambassador for Industrial Cadets, a programme inspired and supported by Prince Charles, which gives teenagers direct experience of industry and high-quality support in building their careers.
He has held senior leadership positions across Europe and North America and has successfully led the acquisition, development, commissioning and operation of steel facilities across a range of products and locations. He is a leading advocate for the importance of investment and renewal of the steel industry in a modern industrial economy.
In addition, Jon was for a number of years been the Chairman of UK Steel and co-chairs the Steel Council, along with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy - advising government and providing strategic leadership to the sector.
This year, he was awarded The Bessemer Gold Medal, by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the UK steel industry during a career spanning more than 30 years.
He is also a former non-executive director of the Materials Processing Institute.
The theme of his keynote speech is Liberty Steel Group’s ambition to become "the world's first carbon neutral steel company" by 2030, recently announced by Sanjeev Gupta, Executive Chairman of mining, metals, and energy group, GFG Alliance, at the World Steel Dynamics' European Conference in Milan.
Jon Bolton, CEO for Liberty Steel Continental Europe, said: “I am delighted to have been asked to speak about our very ambitious aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. We are looking to be an agent of change in the industry and hope we are setting an example which will drive the technological and behavioural changes needed to support the long-term sustainability of the industry.”
Chris McDonald, chief executive of the Materials Processing Institute said: “We are indeed fortunate to attract a speaker of the calibre of Jon Bolton.
“He is an ideal choice to inspire the next generation of researchers and innovators – given the breadth of his knowledge and expertise gained over an impressive 30-year career.”
The Symposium is held on 25th February 2020. For information, including registration details, visit https://www.mpiuk.com/doctoral-academy-symposium.htm