Follow Anthony Setiadi and his thoughts on EUROCORR 2026
Arriving at Eurocorr at the Dublin Convention Centre, my first thought was simply: what a fantastic event this is.
The scale of the conference was impressive, with parallel sessions running throughout the day covering such a wide range of topics across corrosion science and engineering. There really was something for everyone, whether you were a student, researcher, engineer or industry professional.
With so many interesting sessions happening at the same time, the Eurocorr app quickly became my essential companion for planning the day and finding my way between rooms. It was a great way to make sure I didn’t miss the talks that were particularly relevant to me. The quality of the presentations was excellent, and the Q&A sessions afterwards were equally engaging. Credit must go to both the presenters for sharing their knowledge so openly and to the organisers for putting together such a comprehensive programme.
It was particularly encouraging to see so many ICorr Sustaining Member companies represented. Having the opportunity to speak with representatives from these companies, I could really see how passionate they are about our industry and, importantly, how keen they are to engage with the next generation. The Careers Fair was a great example of this. Many of the companies had stands where students could come along, ask questions about the industry and find out more about the skills and qualities that employers are looking for. I think initiatives like this are incredibly important.
One of the things that ICorr is keen to promote is greater engagement between our members and younger people who may be considering a career in corrosion. We need to inspire the next generation to join our industry and help build the talent pool that will be needed to take on the important challenges ahead. And those challenges are significant. Corrosion has an enormous economic impact, estimated at around 3% of global GDP, as well as important environmental consequences. As we move towards greener technologies and look for ways to extend the life of critical infrastructure, understanding and managing corrosion will become increasingly important. Bringing talented young people into our industry is therefore not just desirable, it is essential.
This year, EUROCORR also incorporated ICorr’s Corrosion Science Symposium, organised by our Corrosion Science Division. It was great to see the latest research being presented and to experience the enthusiasm of those working at the forefront of corrosion science. The strong attendance continued throughout the afternoon, right up until the closing sessions at 6pm, with some talks attracting such large audiences that they were standing room only.
Another highlight of my EUROCORR day is our president Yunnan Gao receiving his 2026 World Corrosion Organization (WCO) Corrosion Awareness Honour. This is a huge honour for both Yunnan and ICorr, and it makes me incredibly proud to be part of an Institution that makes such a real difference.
Of course, a conference is not just about presentations and technical discussions. One of the things I enjoy most is the opportunity to meet people, reconnect with colleagues and make new connections. The Conference Networking Dinner at the Guinness Storehouse was certainly a memorable way to finish the day. The venue was fantastic, the food and drinks were excellent, and, most importantly, the people were wonderful. There were plenty of lively conversations throughout the evening — some about corrosion, some about the industry, and plenty about everything else.
Before I knew it, my day at Eurocorr had come to an end, and it was time to prepare for my flight home the following morning. Looking back, I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend Eurocorr and to support ICorr and our members. It was a fantastic experience and a great reminder of just how much knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm exists within our industry.
To join ICorr’s global community of corrosion experts, visit https://www.icorr.org/join-the-institute/
For more information on ICorr, email: admin@icorr.org
For more information on EUROCORR, visit: https://eurocorr.org/
