Herman Terryn (VUB) receives prestigious Evans Corrosion Award in Newcastle
Professor Herman Terryn of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has been awarded the Evans Corrosion Award, an international award from the British Institute of Corrosion, in Newcastle (UK). The prize, often described as the “Nobel Prize for corrosion research”, has been awarded since 1976 to researchers who excel in fundamental and applied corrosion research worldwide.
Terryn focused his research on the crucial question: how long does a metal last before it starts to corrode? By studying corrosion processes at the microscopic level, he developed insights that have been incorporated into advanced computer models.
Corrosion is the process by which metals are slowly attacked by their environment, water, oxygen and salts. Rust on iron is the best-known example. Behind this seemingly simple phenomenon lies a complex interplay of physical and chemical processes.
In nature, metals occur mainly as stable compounds, such as oxides. When they come into contact with oxygen and water, they try to return to that stable form. Aluminium, for example, corrodes rapidly, with an ultra-thin oxide layer providing protection. Some metals are more susceptible to corrosion than others. Iron, aluminium, zinc and magnesium corrode easily; gold and silver hardly at all. In aggressive environments, such as when in contact with seawater, corrosion leads to rust, peeling paint and leaking tanks. Severe forms of corrosion even pose risks to bridges, aeroplanes and nuclear power plants.
Worldwide, corrosion costs an estimated 1.8 trillion euros annually, which is almost 4% of global income. In Europe alone, this amounts to roughly 500 billion euros per year. Up to 30% of these costs can be avoided through better monitoring, maintenance and prevention.
The latest step in Terryn’s corrosion research is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict the behaviour of metals even more accurately. AI can recognise patterns in huge data sets, opening up new possibilities for reliable lifetime predictions. Just as in medicine and climate research, AI can also revolutionise this field.
‘We are extremely proud that Professor Terryn has received this prestigious award,’ says the VUB. ‘His groundbreaking research not only confirms his international reputation, but also reflects the social impact and scientific excellence that our university stands for.’
The laureate receives an engraved sword as a symbol of the scientific fight against corrosion. He is also appointed Honorary Member for Life of the Institute of Corrosion. The prize is named after Ulick Richardson Evans, pioneer and founder of modern corrosion science.
About Professor Herman Terryn
Herman Terryn is a full professor at the Faculty of Engineering Sciences at the VUB. He is internationally recognised as a leading expert in electrochemistry and corrosion research. His work not only contributes to a better scientific understanding of corrosion, but also to practical applications that increase the durability and safety of metal structures.