Brussels, 11 February 2015 – The World Steel Association (worldsteel) today announced the new world champions of the 9th steelChallenge. A participant from Baosteel Group Corporation in China won in the category for young steel industry employees, and a team from Chongqing University of Science and Technology in China won in the student category.
The world championship of the 9th steelChallenge took place in Brussels, Belgium on 11 February 2015. The eight teams of regional champions from the first round competed for the global title in the Industry and Student categories. The task was to produce high strength structural steel for construction at the lowest total cost using the basic oxygen steelmaking simulation available on steeluniversity.org. An application of this steel is the structural components for high-rise buildings.
John Ferriola, Chairman of worldsteel Education and Training Committee and Chairman, CEO and President of Nucor Corporation, announced the winners. John Ferriola said: “steeluniversity and steelChallenge are not only at the core of worldsteel’s effort to to advance knowledge about steel but also the critical connection with young people in the industry and students who might consider a career in steel. Going forward, we will look to complement our manufacturing and metallurgical learning with developing skills in business and leadership. In the steel industry we need people with a range of knowledge and abilities. Above all, we need young leaders in our industry.”
Dr Wolfgang Eder, Chairman of worldsteel, and Chairman and CEO, voestalpine, presented the trophies and certificates to the champions. Dr Eder said: “The steel industry is fundamental for a sustainable society. The industry requires the best people to continuously innovate, bring creativity in finding solutions, and apply the best modern technologies to steel production. You represent our future and I encourage you to explore careers in steel. Challenge yourselves to be the best, and I am sure the steel industry will give you the best opportunity to thrive.”
Dr Edwin Basson, Director General of worldsteel, said: “More than 1,500 teams from 34 countries worldwide competed for the title of regional champion last year. I am particurlarly proud to learn that 811 teams successfully completed the simulation. I hope these brilliant young engineers and students join the steel industry and push our industry to become more sustainable and help our customers imagine a new future with steel.”
The world champions are:
| Region | Team members | Affiliation | Country |
| China | Yongping WEIYongxu WANG | Chongqing University of Science and Technology | China |
| Region | Team members | Affiliation | Country |
| China | Ye WANG | Baosteel Group Corporation | China |
The regional champions are:
| Region | Team members | Affiliation | Country |
| North and South America | Emiliano BUHLMANTomas AAGAARD | Universidad Nacional del Sur | Argentina |
| Europe/CIS/Africa/Middle East | Patricia JOVICEVIC KLUGMatic KLUG | Christian Albrechts University of Kiel | Germany |
| Asia and Oceania | Dahee CHO | Seoul National University | South Korea |
| China | Yongping WEIYongxu WANG | Chongqing University of Science and Technology | China |
| Region | Team members | Affiliation | Country |
| North and South America | Rodrigo RAMOSFrancisco Necy ALVES | Gerdau S.A.SENAI/CE | Brazil |
| Europe/CIS/Africa/Middle East | Ghassan GHAZALLeandro Dijon DE OLIVEIRA CAMPOS | ArcelorMittal | France |
| Asia and Oceania | Ting-Min WUWei-Lien HSIAO | China Steel Corporation | Taiwan, China |
| China | Ye WANG | Baosteel Group Corporation | China |
- steeluniversity, an initiative of the World Steel Association, is an industry university delivering education and training to current and future employees of steel companies and related businesses. The goal of steeluniversity is to inspire and motivate students and steel industry people about the value of working in the steel industry so as to lead change for realising a more sustainable industry that serves a more sustainable world.
- steelChallenge-9 is sponsored at the ‘Steel’ level by China Steel Corporation, Tenaris, and Ternium. Tata Steel Limited is a ‘Silver’ sponsor of steelChallenge-9.
- The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world. worldsteel represents approximately 170 steel producers (including 9 of the world’s 10 largest steel companies), national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. worldsteel members represent around 85% of world steel production.