Elien Haccuria
How did you find your way to Umicore?
During my Civil Engineering, Materials Science, studies at Ghent University a colleague from Umicore came to present bachelor thesis subjects with so much enthusiasm that I just had to register for one of the topics - battery recycling. The project was so interesting and instructive that I then did my master’s thesis and my doctorate with Umicore, as well.
Can you describe your current position at Umicore?
As a Program Manager in the Research and Innovation department I am currently facilitating three different programs:
First of all, I am working on the H1 innovation projects. These are short-term projects intended to enable us to use the current installations flexibly to capitalize on particular market opportunities. Then there’s the automation roadmap, aiming to automating existing installations with a focus on things like safety, ergonomics and cost cutting. Finally there is the process improvements program, where we work on eliminating waste in current processes. I supervise these programs so that the projects can be completed within the right scope, on time and within budget.
What do you like about your job?
The best thing about my job is that I get to work with a lot of different people, both colleagues from our internal departments and people from outside. So I have got to know a lot of people now and I have a large network that I can fall back on if necessary.
And then there is the fact that you are always learning something new. For instance, before I knew very little about automation.
What do you like about working at Umicore?
Umicore works in materials technology and invests in research and development. Working at Umicore offers you the possibility to be involved in groundbreaking technological developments and the chance to work with advanced materials and processes.
What do you look forward to when you set off to work in the morning?
In the morning I mainly look forward to being able to work and spar with colleagues. During the COVID pandemic I learned that for this reason, working from home is not for me. Plus you face new challenges every day, so it never gets boring.
What has been the highlight of your time at Umicore so far?
In my very first job in R&D I remember a success story, when we implemented a completely new process in an installation. It was needed at the time because the stock accumulated fast and that was very unprofitable. This project is a highlight for me because everyone involved was working in the same direction and we were all determined to achieve our goal together. It was fantastic to achieve something like that quickly!
Any advice for newcomers?
Stay curious and keep going! Never assume that at some point you know everything, because then sooner or later you’re going to overlook something.