The world’s leading experts, representatives of industry and academia are gathering in Salzburg to shape the future of welding, joining technologies and education. 79. The IIW 2026 Annual Meeting is the next step in building global cooperation based on innovation, knowledge exchange, and partnerships between science and industry.
From 12 to 17 July 2026, the historic city of Salzburg, Austria, is hosting the 79th Annual Assembly of the International Institute of Welding (IIW). The event brings together representatives from 40 countries as well as experts committed to advancing global science, technology, education and industrial applications in the field of welding and related processes. Among the participants is Michał Kubica, DEng, Head of the Certification Centre Department at the Łukasiewicz – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology, representing the Institute at this prestigious international event.
This year’s meeting represents another significant milestone in advancing global cooperation in science, technology, education and innovation in welding and joining technologies. The meeting in Salzburg provides a unique platform for exchanging knowledge and experience, presenting the latest research achievements, and building long-lasting partnerships between academia, industry and training organisations.
For the first time, the IIW Annual Assembly is being held in a new format designed to strengthen collaboration and connections between industry and research organisations. Greater emphasis has been placed on practical applications of welding technologies, technical visits and industry roundtable discussions, enabling direct knowledge sharing and exchange of experience among participants from around the world.
Education, training, qualification and certification in welding and related technologies continue to be key pillars of IIW’s activities. These areas play a vital role in integrating and strengthening the global welding community while addressing the needs of modern industry and rapidly evolving technologies.
The programme of the 79th IIW Annual Assembly includes a wide range of specialist events, including:
- Meetings of the 19 IIW Technical Commissions:
- C-I Additive Manufacturing, Surfacing, and Thermal Cutting
- C-II Arc Welding and Filler Metals
- C-III Resistance Welding, Solid State Welding and Allied Joining Processes
- C-IV Power Beam Processes
- C-V NDT and Quality Assurance of Welded Products
- C-VI Terminology
- C-VII Microjoining and Nanojoining
- C-VIII Health, Safety and Environment
- C-IX Behaviour of Metals Subjected to Welding
- C-X Structural Performances of Welded Joints – Fracture Avoidance
- C-XI Pressure Vessels, Boilers and Pipelines
- C-XII Arc Welding Processes and Production Systems
- C-XIII Fatigue of Welded Components and Structures
- C-XIV Education and Training
- C-XV Design, Analysis, and Fabrication of Welded Structures
- C-XVI Polymer Joining and Adhesive Technology
- C-XVII Brazing, Soldering and Diffusion Bonding
- C-XVIII Quality Management
- C-XIX Physics of Welding
- Meetings of the International Authorisation Board (IAB) Working Groups:
- IAB-A – International Authorisation Board – Group A
- IAB-B – International Authorisation Board – Group B
- IAB-MM – International Authorisation Board Members Meeting
- IAB-ASS – International Authorisation Board Assessors
The programme also features:
- IIW Symposium on Intelligent Manufacturing
Scalable and Applicable AI Empowered Advancements
focusing on the application of artificial intelligence in intelligent manufacturing, as well as the - international conference:
Metal Additive Manufacturing – Materials, Processes and Component Performance
addressing advances in additive manufacturing technologies, innovative materials, manufacturing processes and the performance evaluation of additively manufactured components.
One of the highlights of the event was the IIW General Assembly, bringing together representatives of all IIW member countries. Delegates from 40 countries participated in discussions on the future direction of IIW and the development of international cooperation in welding and joining technologies.
The event is also attended by representatives of Poland, contributing to the international exchange of knowledge and experience in welding science and technology. 79. The 79th IIW Annual Assembly 2026 provides an outstanding opportunity for meaningful discussions, the presentation of groundbreaking research and the strengthening of ties within the global welding community. The event reaffirms a shared vision of a stronger and more interconnected future based on collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange in international science, technology, education and the application of welding and related processes.
The organisers also emphasise the invaluable contribution of the Austrian IIW Member Societies – SZA and ÖGS – together with the Local Organising Committee, whose commitment has created an environment that fosters even closer cooperation between research, education and industry, further strengthening the global IIW community.
