Refractory materials are necessary for the Iron and Steel (I&S) sector to endure the demanding conditions of its manufacturing processes. These materials' brief service lives, which can range from a few minutes to several months, create substantial problems for consumption, disposal, and environmental effect. There is a rising need for sustainable solutions that are compliant with the European Green Deal's standards for reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased energy efficiency, and life cycle assessments. The Concerted European Activity on Sustainable Applications of REFractories (Doctoral Network CESAREF), which aims to enhance research and practices linked to refractory material in the Iron & Steel industry, was founded in 2022 to address these concerns.