Institut de la Corrosion Builds Bridges Between Research and Industry
20 October 2025, 08:42
Research and testing in corrosion are crucial for industry to meet new demands. In sectors such as energy, rapid technological development has created a strong need for advanced corrosion testing. Institut de la Corrosion offers unique capabilities to support industry through its state-of-the-art testing environments in France and Sweden.
Christophe Mendibide has recently been appointed as the new CEO of Institut de la Corrosion (FCI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Swedish research institute RISE.
“Right now, there is a significant need in the energy sector, driven by rapid progress in hydrogen, nuclear power, and offshore oil and gas. Our testing environments, expertise, and experience enable us to provide exactly what industry needs,” says Christophe Mendibide, CEO of Institut de la Corrosion.
'
Christophe Mendibide, CEO of Institut de la Corrosion
Institut de la Corrosion operates unique testing facilities in Sweden — offering exposure to cold and harsh climates — and in France, where demanding coastal conditions prevail. This gives an understanding of how different materials behave under different conditions which is very useful to the industry.
Together with RISE, Institut de la Corrosion also manages several international Member Research Consortia (MRC), where more than 150 companies — large and small, from a variety of sectors — gain access to the latest research developments and a valuable professional network.
“Our close collaboration with industry is one of our greatest strengths. In addition to our MRCs, we are active in leading the European network ARCOR, which brings together 71 member companies with the shared goal of identifying and addressing industrial needs,” says Andrew Gordon, Head of Corrosion Research at RISE.
Institut de la Corrosion operates in Brest, Saint-Étienne, and Lyon, employing around 55 people. The institute is a leading competence center in corrosion research and materials science, working closely with industry and academia to develop solutions that enhance competitiveness and sustainability across sectors such as energy, transport, and process industries.
“Institut de la Corrosion holds a unique position in Europe as a bridge between research and industry. I look forward to further developing our activities and strengthening our role,” says Christophe Mendibide, CEO of FCI.
Christophe Mendibide holds a PhD in Materials Science (INSA Lyon, 2003) and has extensive experience in research and development in materials and corrosion. He is a technical expert in hydrogen technology, materials for the oil and gas industry, and high-risk environments, and has published numerous scientific papers and conference contributions.
For more information:
Andrew Gordon, Head of department Corrosion at RISE, andrew.gordon@ri.se