Eric Serris, a research engineer in the Powder Science and Technology department at the SPIN center, completed a 6-month industrial mobility program within the IMERYS group in 2018.
Specializing in powder technology, he participated in process improvement studies: an experience driven by a lasting research-industry collaboration.
The IMERYS group is a global leader in mineral specialties for industry. Through research, development, and innovation, the group has expanded its application fields and has 270 sites in over 50 countries.
Eric Serris was welcomed by the Process Development team at the IMERYS Technology Center, a research site with nearly 120 people in Vaulx-Milieu, Isère. The Process Development Service is part of a cross-functional Group platform – Platform Technology – whose main missions are to develop new methodologies and processes for the entire IMERYS group.
He completed his mobility in two phases: 4 days a week for 4 months, from April to July 2018, then two days a week during October and November. The chosen duration and rhythm allowed for strong identification and immersion on site.
Specializing in powder technology, he participated in laboratory process studies, contributing his expertise in approaching processes involving granular media.
A doubly positive feedback
- The scientific mission was successfully completed, and collaborations will continue with this historical partner of the SPIN center: a research contract on the topic of Processes and Powders is underway, and a CIFRE thesis project is under discussion.
- Immersion in a research center provided an intra-company view of the management and monitoring of study and development projects: a vision all the more enriching as Eric Serris is co-responsible for industrial projects for the ICM curriculum at Mines Saint-Étienne. This experience also brings legitimacy and concrete feedback on company operations to future engineers.
Industrial mobility programs are encouraged by Mines Saint-Étienne and, in a logic of personal learning, allow teacher-researchers to gain company experience (a motivated choice). They are subject to a tripartite agreement (School, company, employee) and particularly enable the alignment of technical skills with company needs.
