The International
Conference of Metallurgy

ICM 2026

February 2–6, 2026 • UM6P, Benguerir, Morocco

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Abstract Submission Deadline

November 15th

Notification of Acceptance

November 30th

Early Registration

December 31st

Conference Dates

February 2–6, 2026

About the Conference

International Conference of Metallurgy (ICM 2026)

Advancing Metallurgical Research & Innovation

International Conference of Metallurgy (ICM 2026) is an international event dedicated to advancing research and innovation in the field of metallurgy. It brings together scientists, engineers, academics, and industry professionals from around the world to exchange knowledge, present recent developments, and explore the future of metallurgical science and technology.

ICM 2026 will take place at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco, one of the leading research institutions on the African continent. This edition represents a significant moment for the region, as it is among the first major international metallurgy events to be hosted in Morocco.

The Conference will place a strong emphasis on sustainable metallurgy and the latest advances in metallurgical processes and materials, covering four main thematic areas:

Sustainable steel industry
Design, processing, and characterization of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys
Computational metallurgy
Green steel

ICM 2026 aims to address both global and regional priorities in metallurgical development. By fostering open exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration, the event seeks to support the development of more sustainable and forward-looking practices across the international metallurgy community.

We invite participants from academia, industry, and public institutions to join us and contribute to shaping the future of the field.

Conference Topics

Toward a Sustainable Steel Industry: Progress and Challenges

This thematic session explores the progress of steelmaking and the major challenges and opportunities that lie ahead nationally and internationally with a focus on African market, along with the challenges facing its decarbonization. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between academia, R&D centers and industry along with the crucial role of policies and standards in supporting sustainable transformation.

Sustainable steel production: innovations in steel processing and performance
- Raw material base (ores, scrap, pig iron, ferroalloys) for steel, cast iron, and green metallurgy
- Innovative steel grades for sustainability (HSLA, AHSS, ...)
- Secondary Metallurgy: Modern Alloying, refining, and clean steel solution
- Advanced Thermo-Mechanical Processing: Enhancing efficiency and product quality (Continuous casting, Batch annealing, ...)
- Steel Surface Engineering: Coatings, Corrosion Resistance, and Wear Protection (Galvanization, Nitriding, etc....)
Advancing circularity in steel: optimizing scrap use, material efficiency, and environmental impact
- Intelligent scrap sorting and classification
- Design strategies for circularity: Alloy design compatible with recycling
- Process innovations for high-quality recycling (EAF, VIM, ..) and refining challenges of scrap
Policy, standards, and industry collaboration for decarbonization
- Alignment of national and international climate policies
- Carbon pricing and Emission Trading System (ETS)
- Standardization and certification schemes

Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Alloys for Advanced Applications

This thematic session focuses on innovative approaches to alloy design, microstructure engineering, and additive manufacturing, addressing key metallurgical challenges for advanced applications. It also highlights the selection and development of steel grades suited to the specific needs of Moroccan and broader African industry, focusing on emerging sectors and regional industrial demands.

Alloy design strategies for targeted performances
- Alloying strategies for tailored properties (corrosion and abrasion resistance, oxidation resistance, hydrogen embrittlement, etc.)
- Influence of alloying elements on microstructural formation and evolution
- New design strategies for novel alloys (e.g., HEA/MEA), and for advanced manufacturing processes such as AM
Microstructure Engineering for high performance alloys
- Microstructural evolution and degradation in extreme conditions (Offshore, Energy applications, Aerospace, Nuclear, etc.)
- Phase Transformations during heat treatments and joining processes (welding, brazing, etc.)
- Advanced microstructural and mechanical characterization techniques
Metallurgical challenges in additive manufacturing (AM)
- Microstructure evolution and phase transformation in additive processes
- Defects, porosity, and residual stresses: origins and control strategies
- Printability challenges in AM: Process control and alloy adaptation
Steel grades for advanced applications
- Steel for energy (GOES, NOES, ...)
- Steel for Defense (Ballistic and Armor steel)
- Steel for Automobile and Aeronautic industry
- Steel for Piping and Infrastructure

Computational Metallurgy

This session explores the growing role of computational tools in advancing metallurgical research and innovation. It covers data-driven approaches, including artificial intelligence for materials discovery and process optimization, as well as thermodynamic and kinetic simulations essential for understanding phase transformations. Emphasis is also placed on Multiphysics modeling of complex metallurgical processes and the multiscale simulation of microstructure evolution, enabling predictive insights across scales from atoms to components.

Thermodynamic and kinetic simulations
- Kinetic Modeling of Phase Transformations and Diffusion
- Atomic-scale simulations (DFT, MD, …) for thermodynamic modeling of alloys
- Development and validation of thermodynamic databases for emerging or complex alloys.
Modelling microstructure evolution across multiple length scales
- Microstructure modeling of crystalline materials at all length and time scales
- Bridging of models across length and time scales
- Modeling of crystal plasticity and dislocation microstructures of materials
Multiphysics Modeling of metallurgical processes
- Numerical Simulation of Heat and Mass Transfer in Steelmaking and Casting
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in Ladle and Converter Metallurgy
- Process Digital Twins for Real-Time Monitoring and Control
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Metallurgy: Data-Driven Approaches
- Artificial intelligence for materials design and discovery
- AI-Based Microstructure Recognition and Analysis
- AI for accelerating computational metallurgy

Green Steel and decarbonization: Current Innovations and Future Directions

This thematic session focuses on green steel industry through the integration of renewable energy sources, valorization of by-products for gas capture, and of green energy strategies. It aims to explore how green hydrogen, and biomass can replace fossil fuels, how emitted gases can be captured and reused, and how novel materials and process improvements can enhance energy efficiency. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of technologies and approaches that reduce the carbon footprint and improve the overall sustainability of steel production while aligning with global climate objectives.

Green Energy Strategies for Sustainable Steelmaking
- Advancements in CO2 capture materials
- Materials for CO2 conversion processes
- Shaft furnace process integration
- Integration of Green Hydrogen in Direct Reduction Processes (DRI)
- Use of Biomass and Biogenic Carbon Sources
Valorization of Steelmaking by-products for Gas Capture
- Slag valorization for sustainable infrastructure and Environmental Remediation (in cement and concrete, in seawater treatment, ...)
- Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and techno-economic analysis of slag valorization
- Recycling and Valorization of Metallurgical Dust
- Strategies for waste heat recovery and value addition

Scientific Committee

Pr. Benoît Appolaire

Université de Lorraine, Institut Jean Lamour

Computational metallurgy – France

Pr. Yann Le Bouar

Université Paris-Saclay, ONERA, CNRS, LEM

Physical metallurgy & microstructure modelling – France

Pr. Jonathan Cormier

CNRS–Univ. de Poitiers–ISAE-ENSMA, Institut Pprime

mechanical behavior of metallic alloys in severe working conditions – France

Pr. Marco Salvalaglio

TU Dresden, Institute of Scientific Computing & DCMS

Computational materials science & applied mathematics – Germany

Pr. Vladimir Esin

Université de Lorraine, Institut Jean Lamour

Solid-state diffusion-controlled phase transformations – France

Pr. Sébastien Allain

IJL / École des Mines de Nancy

phase transformations and mechanical properties in steels, and large-scale instruments – France

Pr. Mustafa Benyoucef

Université Cadi Ayyad, FST Marrakech

Micro-mechanical behavior of materials – Morocco

Pr. Johan Jacquemin

UM6P, MSN Department

Metallurgical thermodynamics – Morocco

Pr. Brahim Boubeker

UM6P, MSN Department

Metallurgy expert – Morocco

Pr. Youssef Samih

UM6P, MSN Department

Microstructure micro-analysis of metallic alloys – Morocco

Dr-Ing. Outhmane Siar

UM6P, MSN Department (ex-ArcelorMittal)

Welding of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) – Morocco

Venue

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is dedicated to applied research and innovation, with a strong focus on Africa. Its founding campus in Benguerir, near Marrakech, is at the heart of the Mohammed VI Green City, enabling the university to shine nationally, continentally, and internationally. More than a traditional academic institution, UM6P is a platform for experimentation and a vibrant community that students call "the school of life."

Materials Science & Nanotechnology (MSN) Department

The MSN Department at UM6P is a leader in advanced materials research, innovation, and education. With a focus on metallurgy, nanotechnology, and sustainable materials, MSN drives scientific discovery and industrial solutions for Morocco, Africa, and beyond. The department fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and research centers, empowering the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Accommodation

Experience comfortable and modern accommodation during the ICM 2026 at the UM6P Campus. Our housing facilities offer a perfect blend of comfort and convenience for all attendees.