This August, Dubrovnik will once again welcome the international scientific community as the host of the 9th International Conference on Structural Integrity and Durability (ICSID 2026) and the accompanying Summer School on Fatigue and Fracture Modelling and Analysis. Taking place from 10 to 14 August 2026 at the Akademis Academia, the event will bring together leading researchers, engineers and industry professionals from around the world to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration and explore the latest advances in structural integrity, fatigue and fracture mechanics.
Organised by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture of the University of Zagreb, ICSID 2026 will be held in a hybrid format, enabling both in-person and virtual participation and making cutting-edge scientific discussions accessible to an even broader international audience.
A Global Platform for Scientific Excellence and Innovation
ICSID has been established as an important international forum dedicated to the characterisation, analysis, prediction and assessment of the fatigue and fracture behaviour of structural materials and engineering components. The 2026 edition will showcase the latest scientific developments while encouraging dialogue between academia, industry and government institutions working on some of today's most complex engineering challenges.
The conference programme will cover a broad range of topics, including artificial intelligence in structural integrity analysis, advanced testing and evaluation techniques, finite element methods, durability and life extension of engineering structures, hydrogen embrittlement, additive manufacturing, multiscale materials modelling, reliability assessment, non-destructive evaluation and many other emerging areas shaping the future of engineering.
The scientific programme will feature six distinguished plenary speakers: Robert M. McMeeking, Jacques Besson, Shan-Tung Tu, Sabrina Vantadori, Siegfried Schmauder and Liviu Marsavina. Their keynote lectures will cover cutting-edge topics including solid-state lithium-ion batteries, fracture mechanics, structural integrity in harsh environments, sustainable materials, multiscale modelling and the assessment of 3D-printed components, reflecting the latest developments in structural integrity and durability research.
Alongside the main conference, the two-day Summer School will provide graduate students, early-career researchers and industry professionals with valuable insights into the fundamentals of fracture mechanics, fatigue modelling and advanced numerical and experimental methods used in the assessment of damaged structures.
Collaboration Beyond the Lecture Hall
One of the key strengths of ICSID 2026 lies in its commitment to fostering international collaboration. In addition to the scientific programme, the conference will feature several specialised symposia dedicated to lightweight materials, engineering material behaviour and structural integrity within the context of Industry 5.0, creating opportunities for focused discussions among experts from different disciplines.
Networking will extend well beyond the conference sessions. Delegates will enjoy a carefully designed social programme that includes a welcome reception, conference dinner, guided sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik and numerous informal networking opportunities. These experiences encourage meaningful professional connections while allowing participants to discover the city's unique cultural heritage and Mediterranean lifestyle.
