PASSENGER project was proud to join the 14th edition of the Joint European Magnetic Symposia (JEMS 2025) in Frankfurt, Germany, on 24 – 29 August 2025. Organised under the umbrella of the European Magnetism Association (EMA), JEMS is one of the major international events about magnetism, gathering 700+ attendees from Europe and overseas countries.  

We are delighted that PASSENGER partners from Technical University of Darmstadt (TUDA) had a pivotal role in the organisation of this year’s edition, with Prof. Oliver Gutfleisch as conference chair and the local organising committee led by the team of the Functional Materials group (TUDA). 

Over the course of an inspiring week, our partners present on site showcased exciting and major achievements of PASSENGER on the development and validation of REE-free permanent magnets, engaging in fruitful discussions, and connecting with the international magnetics community. 

Scientific Contributions 

Contributions from PASSENGER were included in the conference scientific programme, providing experimental work details and data on the REE-free magnets produced by the project and their properties: 

• Dr. Semih Ener (TUDA) presented his poster “Investigation of hot compacted MnAl magnets: corrosion response and effect of Bi as a binder.”
  This research, carried out within the PASSENGER framework, focuses on MnAlC magnetic materials as promising REE-free alternative for permanent magnets with high resistance to corrosion and tunable magnetic properties.  

• Adrián Fernández Calzado gave a talk on “Nanostructuring Ce- and Mn-Doped Sr-Ferrites for Tuned Magnetic Properties,” highlighting PASSENGER’S work on enhancing ferrites performance for next-generation sustainable magnets. 

Exhibition time 

Following up on the great success and engagement during the previous edition of JEMS, PASSENGER hosted a booth in the conference exhibition. Visitors were welcomed by Dr. Nik Tankov (Less Common Metals Ltd.) and Dr. Stefania Vitale (European Science Foundation), who presented PASSENGER’s mission to the many experts and researchers who came to visit: to develop innovative, sustainable magnetic materials free from rare earth elements (REEs).  And it was not only a matter of talking: the booth visitors could see and touch two demonstrators that successfully implemented and validated PASSENGER’s REE-free improved strontium ferrite magnets, namely a water pump manufactured by project partners at WILO and the headlights step-motor system of Maserati M182 provided by partners from Centro Ricerche Fiat. To complete the demonstrators lineup, three specimens were showcased of improved strontium ferrite-based rotor prototypes, manufactured by partners from Kolektor.  

As the week came to a close, we were grateful for the many researchers, academics, and industry experts who stopped by our booth. The exchange of ideas, feedback, and enthusiasm fuels PASSENGER’s mission and strengthens our community. 

Coming soon 

JEMS 2025 was a fantastic milestone — but there’s more to come! 
We look forward to welcoming you at the PASSENGER Final Conference: 

📍 Stuttgart, Germany 
📅 29–30 October 2025 
👉 More info here 

On 18 July, Less Common Metals welcomed researchers from the University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester to discuss the latest developments and projects with particular emphasis on rare earth free permanent magnets, highlighting LCM’s role in the PASSENGER project.  

LCM is the world leader in the manufacture and supply of complex alloy systems and metals, as well as the only rare-earth alloy producer in Europe which supplies alloys at the global level. LCM is also the only producer outside the Far East able to produce rare-earth metals and master alloys by fused salt electrolysis. The company has recently announced the expansion of their metal making capabilities to include Dy, Tb and DyFe. 

Within the PASSENGER project, LCM leads the Pilot Plant 1, which aims to scale up fabrication of the Mn-Al-C alloy by casting to develop Mn-Al-C permanent magnets, supporting Europe’s transition to a sustainable and resilient supply chain for critical raw materials.  

Less Common Metals, world leader in the manufacture of alloys by casting technologies, uses unique processing technologies and routes to produce Mn-Al-C powder. Along with METALPINE (specialised in metal powder production by gas-atomization), IMA and TUDA, they are working towards the upscaled fabrication of the Mn-Al-C alloy.  

This event served as a platform to showcase technical progress and foster collaboration between local industry and academic stakeholders as we tackle the challenges of sustainable innovation. The day opened with a keynote from LCM’s Senior Process Engineer, Dr. Nik Tankov, on developing sustainable rare-earth free permanent magnets, a pressing topic as the world seeks to reduce dependency on critical raw materials. He also presented the PASSENGER project and LCM’s involvement in it. Dr. Leo Zhidong from the University of Liverpool then presented his work on advanced 3D printing for functional and smart materials. After a collaborative networking lunch, guests joined a guided tour of LCM’s facility, gaining insight into the processes behind their specialist alloys and materials. The afternoon continued with talks from Dr. Peng Gong (University of Manchester), who presented her work on hydrogen embrittlement in steels. Followed by Dr. Elisabetta Mariani (University of Liverpool) highlighting the Materials Innovation Factory which is part of the University of Liverpool, and her research on characterisation of critical raw materials and their sources.  

For more information about LCM’s work in the PASSENGER Project, visit: PASSENGER Pilot Plant 1 – Less Common Metals. 

PASSENGER is proud to be part of the Sustainable CRMs4EU cluster, and now we are excited to showcase our first-ever logo! 

What is CRMs4EU? 

Europe’s future hinges on the availability of critical raw materials (CRMs), which are essential for everything from digital technologies to clean energy systems. Ensuring a stable, resilient, and sustainable supply of these materials is a major challenge, and it’s one the CRMs4EU cluster is taking on together. 

The Sustainable CRMs4EU cluster (short CRMs4EU) brings together 17 EU-funded projects focused on critical raw materials. These projects span a wide range of innovations, from sustainable mining and advanced exploration to cutting-edge recycling methods and material substitution. Each project contributes a unique approach – but we share a common goal: making the EU sustainable and self-reliant in the supply of critical raw materials for the green and digital transition. 

By joining forces, the cluster members aim to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in raw materials and support the goals of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. 

A Logo that Reflects Our Mission 

Until now, the cluster has been a powerful but informal collaboration. With our new logo, we take a major step forward in presenting ourselves as a cohesive, recognisable entity. 

The logo visualises our shared identity through: 

• Circular elements, symbolising both industrial innovation and circular economy principles 

• Earth-inspired colours, representing the natural origins of CRMs 

• A forward-moving arrow, echoing technological progress and Europe’s green and digital transition 

It’s more than a visual – it’s a shared symbol of commitment. 

Building a Collaborative Ecosystem 

The CRMs4EU cluster is more than just a name or a logo. It’s a dynamic and growing ecosystem of EU-funded research and innovation projects that: 

• Share resources, knowledge, and expertise 

• Align communication and policy efforts 

• Multiply impact through joint actions and coordinated outreach 

Together, we’re working across the entire value chain, from geology to policy, to ensure a resilient and sustainable CRMs supply for Europe. 

PASSENGER in CRMs4EU 

At PASSENGER we are proud to have made the first move for the establishment of the CRMs4EU cluster!  

Back in December 2023, PASSENGER launched the first campaign to call on related projects interested in collaboration opportunities, initiating efforts to support networking. What started with a meeting in February 2025, with 8 projects gathering to discuss concrete joint actions on cross-cutting issues, challenges and opportunities, has ever since kept growing and attracting interest. As of today, 17 projects joined the CRMs4EU group, connecting to jointly contribute to a more coordinated, strategic approach to Europe’s raw materials challenges, and helping shape the future of responsible resource use.  

Video produced by Larissa Markus, ESCI

Get involved

The CRMs4EU cluster is open to additional EU-funded projects working in the fields of raw materials, Earth observation, and sustainable supply chain innovation. 

To express your interest or request further information, fill in this introductory form. 

Let’s build a stronger, greener, and more self-reliant Europe – together!