Executive Leadership Forum

Featuring Industry, Academia & Government Executive Perspectives

Monday, September 28, 2026 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Room 308B

Chair: Dr. Navin Manjooran, Chairman, Solve | Immediate Past President, ASM International

Join ASM International for the second annual Executive Leadership Forum at IMAT 2026, bringing together influential leaders from industry, academia, and government to explore the future of materials science, engineering, technology, and manufacturing. 

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, this forum will highlight how collaboration across these sectors is accelerating innovation, shaping policy, advancing research, and driving commercialization in an increasingly complex global landscape. 

Through a series of engaging panel discussions, attendees will gain valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the materials community and discover how strategic partnerships are helping shape the future of the profession. 

What to Expect: 

• Insights into emerging materials technologies and their impact across industries 

• Perspectives on sustainability, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and global competitiveness 

• Discussions on research funding, public policy, and innovation strategies influencing the materials ecosystem 

• Real-world examples of successful collaboration between industry, academia, and government organizations 

• Executive-level conversations focused on addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the materials community 

Be part of this important dialogue and connect with leaders who are helping define the future of materials innovation. 

Don’t miss this premier leadership event at IMAT 2026 – where collaboration drives innovation and ideas become impact. 

Check back soon for the full speaker lineup and program details! 

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Materials Research and Journal Publications

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 9:10 – 10:30 a.m. | 309AB

Chair: Dr. Elizabeth Hoffman, Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) | President, ASM International

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping both how materials research is conducted and how it is published. In this 90-minute moderated panel, editors of ASM journals — joined by a graduate student researcher navigating these tools firsthand — will discuss what they are seeing in submitted manuscripts, the policies and ethical considerations surrounding AI in research, manuscript preparation, and peer review, and the implications for authors, reviewers, and the scientific record moving forward. The session will conclude with open audience Q&A. Whether you are an author, reviewer, or simply watching this transformation unfold, this conversation will offer a candid, practical look at research publishing in the age of AI.

Check back soon for the full speaker lineup and program details!