IIR Presentation

Mission

The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) is an independent intergovernmental organisation. It is the only one in the world to gather scientific and technical knowledge in every sector of refrigeration. 

Founded in 1908, it has developed a worldwide network of leading experts.

The IIR is committed to disseminating knowledge of refrigeration to improve the quality of life for all, while respecting the environment and taking into account economic imperatives.

The IIR has resolutely stepped up its efforts to become a major global player taking action to implement sustainable refrigeration in all its uses. This is evidenced by the report on the IIR's 2021 actions according to the UN Sustainable Development Goals available below.

Early 19^th century – The early 19^th century witnessed a sharp increase in the demand for natural ice during the summer months, particularly among breweries producing lager. In order to meet demand, suppliers began looking for alternative ways of producing ice artificially.

1835 – Although Oliver Evans was the first to document the cycle, it was Jacob Perkins, an American working in England, who first patented a machine based on the vapour-compression cycle.

1855 – The first compression machines that proved to be successful on an industrial scale were developed by James Harrison, a Scotsman who had emigrated to Australia. Harrison’s machines revolutionised the industrial refrigeration sector and were capable of producing ice or cooling brine (a secondary refrigerant).

1859 – Frenchman, Ferdinand Carré, invented the first absorption machine which, after some adjustments, became one of the best-selling refrigerators.

1885 – This absorption machine was later replaced by a much simpler vapour-compression refrigerator, invented by French engineer Charles Tellier, that is still used today.

1877 – Low-temperature science also progressed. The last quarter of the 19^th century witnessed the liquefaction of each of the permanent gases in turn.

1908 – The rapidly growing, global industry and scientific quest for absolute zero lead to the 1^st International Congress of Refrigeration held in Paris, France, at the Paris-Sorbonne University in October 5-10, 1908, which welcomed over 5,000 participants.

1909 – From this first Congress, the International Association of Refrigeration was born on January 25, 1909, formed by delegates from 35 countries.

1920 – June 21, 1920 the association was reorganised and officially titled the International Institute of Refrigeration – IIR, Institut International du Froid – IIF, in French.

1954 – 1956 – Due to the changing global political environment, the IIR Statutory Bodies were defined by an International Agreement signed on December 1, 1954 and General Regulations for the Application of the International Agreements signed on November 20, 1956.

Present – Since then, the IIR has been operating at its headquarters based in Paris (France) and has become the leading world organisation for expertise on refrigeration. The Institute has continued to run the International Congress of Refrigeration every four years since its inauguration and has now expanded its conference series portfolio covering a vast variety of refrigeration topics. Working alongside governments, today the IIR remains committed to promoting knowledge on refrigeration for sustainable development, and continues to provide key services to disseminate information on associated technologies to all stakeholders (companies, universities, professionals...).

Didier Coulomb

Director General

Communication and conferences

Deonie Lambert - Communications and Development Manager

Gerard Billong - Communications and Development Assistant

Nathalie de Grissac - Translator

Scientific and Technical Information Department (STID)

Jean-Luc Dupont - Head of the STID, Director of publications

Monique Baha - Scientific writer

Aurélie Durand - Information specialist

Nolwenn R-Jourdren - Information specialist, webmaster