The world’s first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) dedicated to aluminium, ‘Aluminium Unveiled: A Comprehensive Journey from History to Sustainability’, is now available for free on FutureLearn.
This global initiative, led by European Aluminium, brings together leading academics and industry leaders to provide a comprehensive exploration of one of the world’s most versatile materials.
Developed by professors from the University of Padova and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), this five-week course combines academic expertise with real-world insights. It features engaging content, including exercises, 30 articles, 24 video lectures, and 16 interviews with industry experts, offering participants a thorough understanding of aluminium’s history, properties, production processes, and applications across key sectors such as automotive and mobility, building and construction, packaging, and engineering.
The course also explores aluminium’s role in sustainability, examining challenges in decarbonising its production process and its contribution to reducing emissions in other sectors. Participants will learn about the importance of recycling, the potential of urban mining, and the technologies driving efficiency and innovation across the aluminium value chain.
The MOOC is designed to cater to a wide audience, including citizens and students interested in aluminium, entry-level technical professionals and market specialists seeking an introduction to its technologies and applications, and experienced industry professionals aiming to refresh their knowledge.
“Educating future generations and attracting new talent is essential to unlocking opportunities and driving progress in the aluminium industry,” said Professor Daniel Müller from NTNU. “This course provides the knowledge and tools toinspire and prepare learners to contribute to a greener, more innovative future for aluminium.”
Professor Franco Bonollo from the University of Padova added, “Aluminium is central to addressing today’s mostpressing challenges, from renewable energy to resource efficiency. With this course, we aim to empower participants with a deeper understanding of its potential and its role in advancing both industry and sustainability.”
This initiative was made possible through the financial support of International Aluminium, European Aluminium, The Aluminum Association, the Australian Aluminium Council, Aluminium Federation South Africa, Gulf Aluminium Council,and the Aluminium Association of India, along with in-kind contributions from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, Aluminium Association of Canada, the European Aluminium Foil Association, Alumobility, and EIT RawMaterials.
These contributions demonstrate a shared commitment to advancing education and raising awareness of aluminium’s essential role in modern society. Enrolment is free and open to all, with participants able to progress at their own pace. Upon completion, learners willreceive a FutureLearn Certificate recognising their achievement and knowledge of this strategic material.
