ICEM19 – The 19th International Conference on Experimental Mechanics (ICEM19), held in the historic city of Kraków, Poland, marked a significant milestone in the global advancement of experimental mechanics. Attracting over 800 researchers, scientists, and industry leaders from more than 50 countries, ICEM19 served as a melting pot of innovative ideas, emerging methodologies, and cross-disciplinary collaborations in material behavior, mechanical testing, structural analysis, and data-driven modeling. Spanning five days of plenary sessions, technical presentations, hands-on workshops, and poster exhibitions, the conference highlighted the transformative role of experimental mechanics in industries such as aerospace, biomedical engineering, automotive, and civil infrastructure. Hosted by the Polish Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (PTMTS) in collaboration with the European Society for Experimental Mechanics (EURASEM), ICEM19 was hailed as one of the most diverse and forward-looking editions in the event’s history.
ICEM19 at a Glance
Location: ICE Congress Centre, Kraków, Poland
Dates: July 14–19, 2025
Delegates: 800+ from 50+ countries
Sessions: 30+ technical tracks and keynote lectures
Awards: Best Paper, Young Researcher, Lifetime Contribution
Key Highlights of the Conference
1. Opening Ceremony & Welcome Addresses
The event commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony that featured addresses by distinguished dignitaries including:
- Prof. Andrzej Nowak (President, PTMTS)
- Dr. Isabella Frey (Chair, EURASEM)
- Prof. Krzysztof Kowal (Rector, AGH University of Science and Technology)
They emphasized the importance of experimental mechanics in solving contemporary engineering challenges, and the role of global partnerships in driving innovation.
2. Groundbreaking Keynote Sessions
ICEM19 featured 10 keynote presentations from world-renowned experts in experimental and applied mechanics. Notable talks included:
- Prof. Tarek El-Din, University of Toronto: “AI-Augmented Strain Field Measurements in Composite Materials”
- Dr. Marta Rizzo, Politecnico di Milano: “Biomechanical Testing Methods for Prosthetic Limb Optimization”
- Prof. Kenji Yamamoto, University of Tokyo: “Nano-Scale Experimental Methods in Future Energy Devices”
These sessions bridged the gap between fundamental research and industrial application, inspiring discussions on the next generation of testing tools and predictive models.
3. Technical Sessions Across Diverse Themes
Over 300 technical papers were presented across 30+ specialized tracks. Major themes included:
- Digital Image Correlation and Optical Metrology
- Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue Testing
- Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE)
- Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of Materials
- Experimental Mechanics in Additive Manufacturing
Special focus was also given to emerging topics such as:
- Soft robotics mechanics
- Machine learning in data acquisition
- Real-time structural health monitoring
4. Hands-On Workshops & Industry Demonstrations
Practical learning was a core part of ICEM19. Several interactive workshops were hosted by leading instrumentation companies such as:
- Instron: Advanced materials testing platforms
- LaVision: Real-time DIC and PIV systems
- HBM: Strain gauge applications and data acquisition tools
These sessions allowed early-career researchers and industry professionals to gain exposure to state-of-the-art tools in mechanical testing and diagnostics.
5. Young Researcher Engagement & Awards
A dedicated segment of the conference celebrated young talent through:
- Best Young Researcher Paper Award
- Poster Presentation Competitions
- Mentorship Networking Events
The aim was to create an inclusive platform that fosters early career development and encourages diversity in engineering research.
Broader Impact of ICEM19
Advancing Global Research Collaborations
The event catalyzed multiple collaborative initiatives, including multi-institutional projects on:
- High-temperature materials behavior
- Biomedical sensor reliability
- Fatigue failure modeling using AI
Positioning Kraków as a Research Hub
Kraków’s selection as the host city reaffirmed its status as a growing academic and technological hub in Central Europe. Institutions like AGH University and Cracow University of Technology showcased local innovations through lab visits and campus tours.
Future of Experimental Mechanics
ICEM19 laid the foundation for long-term partnerships and set a clear agenda for experimental mechanics research. Key takeaways pointed toward:
- Greater integration of AI and IoT
- A push toward sustainability and green testing materials
- Expansion of open-source platforms for test simulations and data sharing
Closing Ceremony & ICEM20 Announcement
The closing ceremony featured a formal handover to the organizers of ICEM20, to be hosted in Barcelona, Spain in 2027. Delegates expressed optimism about the future trajectory of experimental mechanics and the growing global community supporting it.
ICEM19 proved to be a landmark event for the experimental mechanics community. From insightful keynotes to interactive workshops and global networking, the conference not only highlighted the state-of-the-art but also illuminated the path forward. With technology evolving rapidly and industries demanding more precision and performance, events like ICEM will continue to shape the direction of mechanical science and innovation worldwide.
FAQs
1. What is ICEM19?
ICEM19 stands for the 19th International Conference on Experimental Mechanics, a global conference focused on material testing, structural analysis, and applied mechanics.
2. Where was ICEM19 held?
ICEM19 took place at the ICE Congress Centre in Kraków, Poland, from July 14 to 19, 2025.
3. Who were some of the keynote speakers?
Keynote speakers included Prof. Tarek El-Din, Dr. Marta Rizzo, and Prof. Kenji Yamamoto, covering topics like AI in mechanics and nano-scale testing.
4. What industries participated in ICEM19?
Industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and construction were represented through research presentations and corporate demos.
5. Where will ICEM20 be hosted?
The next edition, ICEM20, will be hosted in Barcelona, Spain, in 2027.
