Luxembourg City's former mayor has been appointed Research Fellow to the University of Luxembourg's Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT).

It is hoped that the politician and entrepreneur's support, advice and experience will help put research on information and communications technology being conducted in the lab into practice.

As mayor, Mr Helminger closely followed the Centre's developments, whether in the studies of air quality or mobility using modern-day ICT methods and, in 2011, the City of Luxembourg formed a strategic partnership with the SnT.

Mr Helminger said: “It became clear to me then that the Centre's research findings hold great innovation potential and that the benefits to society and the economy would be tremendous.”

It is particulary hoped that the Centre's studies will result in the creation of successful new businesses or innovation within existing companies.

Centre Director, Prof. Dr. Björn Ottersten welcomed the appointment. He said: “We expect it will strengthen our ties with industry, with public institutions, and with venture capitalists."

Helminger ended his 12-year stint as mayor of the City of Luxembourg in November last year when he was replaced by Xavier Bettel. Since then he has been appointed to the post of chairman of the board for Luxair SA.