KIIT School of Mechanical Engineering Organizes International Conference on Material Processing and Characterization

heSchool of Mechanical Engineering, KIIT Deemed to be University, successfully organized the18^th International Conference on Material Processing and Characterization (ICMPC 2026)from6^th to 8^th August 2026. The conference brought together academicians, scientists, researchers and industry professionals from India and abroad for technical deliberations on emerging developments in materials, advanced processing and manufacturing technologies, material characterization, modelling and simulation, and performance evaluation. The conference provided a multidisciplinary platform for presenting recent research findings, exchanging technical knowledge and exploring emerging directions in materials engineering and manufacturing.

ICMPC is an established international conference series that has previously been organized in association with leading institutions in India and overseas, includingVictoria University, Australia; IIT Indore; NITTTR Chandigarh; Northumbria University, UK; and Curtin University, Malaysia, among others.KIIT-DU, Bhubaneswar, was selected to host its 18th edition, providing an academic and research ecosystem supported by advanced laboratories, modern research facilities and multidisciplinary expertise.

Theinaugural ceremony commenced with the welcome address byDr. Diptikanta Das, Convener, ICMPC 2026. Prof. Raju K.D., Pro-Vice Chancellor, KIIT-DU, presided over the ceremony and felicitated the Guest of Honour,Prof. Kuan-Wei Lee, I-Shou University, Taiwan. Prof. Swadesh Kumar Singh, Founder and Convener of ICMPC, andDr. B. Surekha, Dean, School of Mechanical Engineering, KIIT-DU, addressed the delegates, highlighting the importance of collaborative research and technological advancements in materials and manufacturing. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks byDr. Bijaya Bijeta Nayak, Co-Convener, ICMPC 2026.

A major highlight of ICMPC 2026 was its series of keynote and technical sessions, which facilitated discussions on contemporary research challenges and advances in material processing, characterization and manufacturing technologies. The keynote speakers includedProf. Kuan-Wei Lee, I-Shou University, Taiwan; Dr. Prudvireddy Paresi, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Prof. Ing. Prashanth Konda Gokuldoss, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia; Dr. Ajai Kumar Sahani, DRDO, Dehradun; Prof. Sushanta Kumar Panda, IIT Kharagpur; Prof. Akhilendra Singh, IIT Patna; Prof. Anand Parey, IIT Indore; Prof. Nitin Muttil, UPES, Dehradun; Dr. Anil Kumar Chaubey, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar; Dr. Manoj Kumar Gupta, formerly of IPR, Gujarat; and Prof. Ashok Kumar Sahoo, KIIT-DU, Bhubaneswar. The technical interactions enabled researchers to share methodologies, experimental findings and computational approaches while encouraging interdisciplinary exchange and potential research collaborations.

Thevaledictory ceremony held on 7^th August 2026 was presided over byProf. Ashok Kumar Sahoo, Director, R&D (Technology), KIIT-DU. Dr. Ajai Kumar Sahani, Scientist ‘G’ & Group Director, Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), DRDO, Dehradun, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, whileDr. Gyanesh Tripathi, General Manager, Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), New Delhi, was the Guest of Honour.Prof. Purna Chandra Mishra, Dean (Research), School of Mechanical Engineering, KIIT-DU, addressed the gathering.Best Paper Presentation Awardswere presented in recognition of noteworthy research contributions, and the ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by the Conference Convener.

During the conference, the distinguished guests and delegates also visited the KIIT, KISS and KIMS campuses, gaining an insight into the academic, research, healthcare and social initiatives of the institutions. They appreciated the vision and contributions of Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT, KISS & KIMS, and his sustained efforts towards education, healthcare and social transformation.

Through its keynote lectures, technical presentations and research interactions, ICMPC 2026 provided an effective forum for disseminating contemporary research, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and strengthening academic and research collaborations among participating institutions and researchers.