LSU announced that it signed a Master Research Agreement with Hyundai Steel on Tuesday that will support one of the largest industrial investments in Louisiana’s history and create a pipeline between LSU’s graduate programs and Hyundai’s training resources and industrial expertise.
The MRA establishes a framework for sponsored research, jointly-developed technologies and projects between LSU and Hyundai Steel. These projects will advance research in fields like metallurgy, materials science, energy, robotics and automation, and environmental engineering.
The agreement will strengthen the workforce pipeline between the two research partners, with skilled graduates coming out of LSU who can then move on to work for Hyundai Steel’s North American facility in Ascension Parish.
“By combining Hyundai Steel’s industrial expertise with LSU’s academic excellence, we can create strong synergies that lead to meaningful technological advancements,” Hyundai Steel Senior Vice President and R&D Division Head Yoo-dong Chung said. “Beyond research, this collaboration will help build a robust talent and knowledge base for the steel industry in Louisiana, supporting the long-term success of our new steel mill and contributing to the broader economic growth and vitality of the state.”
This new steel mill, a $5.8 billion project on a 1,800 acre plot of land in Ascension Parish, or about a half-hour drive from campus, will be one of the first fully integrated, electric arc furnace-based steel plants of its kind. The mill is scheduled for completion in 2029 and is expected to create 1,300 jobs.
LSU President Wade Rousse believes that agreements like LSU and Hyundai Steel’s MRA boost the local economy and help create job opportunities within Louisiana.
“We believe a relationship with LSU will become the new competitive advantage for Hyundai Steel, shaping their next generation of technology and talent while creating a Louisiana career pathway for our talented graduates and elevating Louisiana’s role in global manufacturing,” Rousse said.
Hyundai Steel will work closely with a number of senior colleges across LSU’s research enterprise, including the College of Engineering, College of Science and research centers, institutes and core facilities under the Office of Research & Economic Development.
The move to partner with Hyundai Steel is in line with LSU’s overarching goal of becoming a top research campus in the U.S., shifting state and national focus to LSU’s academic accomplishments along with its cultural presence.
“LSU has exceptional expertise in materials science and engineering, characterization, structural integrity, robotics, business process optimization, and energy economics, all of which Hyundai needs today,” LSU Chancellor James Dalton said. “Industry partnerships like this build a workforce engine for Louisiana and propel us forward in our pursuit of becoming one of the top 50 research universities in America.”
Some of the proposed development areas for the Hyundai Steel and LSU partnership include challenges with the company’s clean energy roadmap; smart factory and robotic technologies; manufacturing process optimization; and the development of new engineered performance materials.
Overall, this agreement aims to expand LSU’s research capabilities, strengthen the manufacturing industry in Louisiana and give Hyundai access to LSU’s extensive research facilities and resources.
“The most exciting aspect of this research partnership is long-lasting, collaborative research opportunities for LSU students and faculty, alongside Hyundai Steel, to fortify manufacturing in Louisiana,” said Chris Marvel, assistant professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at LSU.
