Following the official announcement by the World Corrosion Organization (WCO), the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) is proud to announce that its President, Dr Yunnan Gao, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 World Corrosion Organization (WCO) Corrosion Awareness Honour, a major international recognition of his sustained leadership in promoting corrosion awareness, education, outreach and global collaboration.

This prestigious international honour recognises Dr Gao’s outstanding contribution to raising the profile of corrosion and corrosion protection across industry, academia, professional institutions and the wider engineering community. The award was established by the WCO in association with the European Federation of Corrosion (EFC) and the Chinese Society of Corrosion and Protection (CSCP) and recognises pioneering individuals who have made a substantial contribution to raising awareness of corrosion and corrosion protection among government, industry and the general public.

The official WCO announcement is available here: https://corrosion.org/Awards/Corrosion+Award+2026.html. 

Commenting on the award, Dr Gao said:

“I am truly honoured and deeply humbled to receive the WCO Corrosion Awareness Honour. I see this recognition not only as a personal honour, but also as recognition of the collective efforts of the many colleagues, volunteers, professional organisations and industry partners around the world who are working together to raise awareness of corrosion and promote better corrosion prevention and protection.”

“Corrosion has profound implications for safety, infrastructure resilience, sustainability and society. I firmly believe that increasing awareness and understanding of corrosion is essential if we are to prevent avoidable failures, protect our infrastructure and support a more sustainable future. I am particularly pleased that this WCO honour recognises the importance of awareness, education, collaboration and communication in achieving this goal.”

The Institute of Corrosion warmly congratulates Dr Yunnan Gao on this prestigious international recognition. His receipt of the WCO Corrosion Awareness Honour is a proud moment for ICorr and a reflection of the Institute’s continued commitment to advancing corrosion awareness, professional competence and international cooperation.

The award will be formally presented by WCO President Prof. En-Hou Han during the plenary session on the morning of Thursday 10 September 2026 at EUROCORR 2026 in Dublin, where ICorr looks forward to celebrating this important achievement with Dr Gao and colleagues from across the global corrosion community.

About the Institute of Corrosion

The Institute of Corrosion (ICorr), established in 1959, is the UK professional body dedicated to advancing the science, engineering and professional practice of corrosion prevention and control. Through its members, branches, technical divisions, training, publications and international partnerships, ICorr promotes professional competence, knowledge sharing and best practice in corrosion management for the benefit of industry, infrastructure and society. To find out more about ICorr, visit: https://www.icorr.org/.

ICorr joins international leaders in corrosion to advance AI-enabled corrosion education, international collaboration and the development of the next generation of corrosion professionals.

The President of the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr), Dr Yunnan Gao, represented the Institute at the 2026 Global Corrosion Science Summit, held in July 2026 at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), bringing together leading representatives of the international corrosion community to discuss the future of corrosion science, technology and professional education.

The high-level summit was jointly organised by the Chinese Society for Corrosion and Protection (CSCP), USTB’s National Materials Corrosion and Protection Scientific Data Center and National Center for Materials Service Safety. International participation included the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) and the Centre Français de l’Anticorrosion (CEFRACOR).

The summit focused on two important and closely connected themes: the future application of artificial intelligence (AI) in corrosion science and engineering, and the development and future direction of undergraduate corrosion education internationally.

ICorr contributes an industry and professional perspective

Dr Yunnan Gao, President of ICorr, participated in the discussions alongside Professor Li Xiaogang, President of CSCP; Alan Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of AMPP; and Professor Philippe Marcus, President of CEFRACOR.

The participation of the three major international corrosion organisations – AMPP, ICorr and CEFRACOR – provided an important opportunity to consider how corrosion education can better reflect the rapidly changing requirements of industry and the profession.

Speaking from the perspective of ICorr and the engineering profession, Dr Gao highlighted that corrosion is not simply a materials degradation issue. Effective corrosion management is fundamental to industrial safety, asset integrity, reliability and the safe operation of major engineering infrastructure.

He emphasised that the demand for appropriately trained corrosion and materials professionals is increasing as industries respond to energy transition, infrastructure development and the rapid growth of advanced manufacturing and high-technology engineering.

Dr Gao stressed that undergraduate corrosion education should therefore have a strong connection with real industrial engineering problems and practical case studies, supported by greater involvement from industry professionals and by internationally recognised professional certification and competency frameworks. Such an approach can help graduates develop the practical problem-solving capabilities required by industry while also strengthening their international professional competitiveness.

Developing corrosion education for a changing industrial landscape

During the summit, USTB professors Dong Chaofang and Yan Yu presented the historical development of undergraduate corrosion education at the University and outlined proposals for its future development, including educational objectives, curriculum structure and future areas of focus.

The proposed programme aims to respond to the growing need for corrosion and protection expertise across sectors including energy, marine engineering, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and other major engineering industries. It also seeks to integrate materials science, corrosion science, engineering practice and artificial intelligence.

International experts provided feedback based on their experience of corrosion education and professional development in their respective countries. Discussions covered curriculum design, international cooperation, practical training, industry engagement and future career pathways for corrosion graduates.

Professor Philippe Marcus highlighted the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of corrosion engineering and the growing demand within European industry for highly skilled corrosion professionals who can address complex engineering challenges while working with advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and engineering applications.

Alan Thomas emphasised the importance of closer collaboration between universities, professional organisations and industry, including practical engineering experience, professional development and international opportunities for students. AMPP also indicated its willingness to support international technical exchange, education, resource sharing and cooperation.

International collaboration and opportunities for students

One of the significant outcomes of the summit was agreement among AMPP, CEFRACOR and ICorr to support the development of USTB’s proposed “Smart Corrosion Protection for Advanced Equipment” undergraduate programme.

The international organisations agreed in principle to contribute to the curriculum development process, support access to international internship opportunities, and explore the mutual recognition of professional corrosion engineering qualifications for graduates.

For ICorr, these developments are particularly important. The Institute has long recognised that the future strength of the corrosion profession depends not only on technical research, but also on establishing effective pathways through which students can progress from academic study into professional engineering practice.

International exposure, industry-based learning and recognised professional competency frameworks can help bridge the gap between university education and the practical responsibilities expected of corrosion professionals working on major assets.

AI and the future of corrosion engineering

A further central theme of the summit was the potential impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on corrosion science and engineering.

The participants recognised that AI has the potential to support areas such as corrosion monitoring, data analysis, prediction, materials development, integrity management and remaining-life assessment. However, the discussions also reinforced the importance of ensuring that AI is underpinned by sound corrosion science, engineering judgement and high-quality data.

For ICorr, this represents an important evolution rather than a replacement of fundamental corrosion engineering knowledge. Future corrosion professionals will increasingly need to combine a strong understanding of materials, electrochemistry, corrosion mechanisms and engineering integrity with capabilities in data science, digital technologies and AI.

The summit therefore highlighted the need for a new generation of corrosion engineers who can work across traditional disciplinary boundaries and apply both established engineering principles and emerging technologies to complex real-world problems.

Strengthening global cooperation in corrosion

The 2026 Global Corrosion Science Summit also represents a further step in the continuing international cooperation between ICorr and CSCP.

ICorr and CSCP have developed an increasingly close relationship through a series of joint initiatives, including the UK–China Corrosion Summit, international technical exchanges and wider collaboration on corrosion education, professional development and global corrosion awareness.

The Beijing summit builds on this relationship by bringing together leading corrosion organisations from China, the UK, France and the United States to consider common challenges facing the global corrosion profession.

The discussions demonstrated a shared understanding that corrosion is a global engineering challenge and that its effective management requires international cooperation in research, education, professional development, standards, engineering practice and knowledge exchange.

ICorr’s commitment to the next generation

Commenting on the summit, Dr Yunnan Gao said:

“The future of corrosion engineering depends on developing professionals who are able to combine fundamental corrosion science with practical engineering experience, digital technologies and an understanding of the needs of industry. International collaboration provides an important mechanism for sharing knowledge, developing educational programmes and creating opportunities for young engineers to build truly global careers.”

He added that ICorr is pleased to contribute its professional and industry experience to the development of future corrosion education and looks forward to working with its international partners to strengthen pathways from education to professional competence and ultimately to safe and reliable engineering practice.

The Institute of Corrosion welcomes the outcomes of the 2026 Global Corrosion Science Summit and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with CSCP, USTB, AMPP, CEFRACOR and other international partners in advancing corrosion science, professional education and the global corrosion engineering profession.

The Institute of Corrosion remains committed to connecting education, industry and professional development – helping to ensure that the corrosion engineers of tomorrow are equipped to meet the challenges of increasingly complex, digital and sustainable engineering systems.

The Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the 4th Middle East Asset Integrity Management Conference & Showcase (AIMCS EXPO 2026), taking place alongside the Upstream Digital Technology (UDT) Conference on 22–23 September 2026 at the Rixos Marina, Abu Dhabi.

As one of the Middle East’s leading conferences dedicated to asset integrity and industrial innovation, AIMCS EXPO 2026 will bring together engineers, asset owners, operators, EPC contractors, inspection specialists, technology providers and industry leaders to explore the latest developments in asset integrity, reliability, inspection, corrosion management and digital transformation across the oil & gas, petrochemical, energy, utilities and industrial sectors.

The two-day programme will feature keynote presentations from senior industry leaders, alongside technical presentations, panel discussions and a comprehensive technology showcase. Delegates will have the opportunity to exchange knowledge, discover emerging technologies and network with professionals from across the global asset integrity community.

The conference will feature two dedicated technical streams:

• Asset & Pipeline Integrity – covering the latest approaches to asset reliability, inspection, monitoring, risk management and lifecycle optimisation for critical infrastructure.
• Well Integrity & Well Solutions – exploring best practices in well integrity assurance, intervention technologies, barrier management and operational performance.

As an event sponsor, the Institute of Corrosion is proud to support initiatives that promote technical excellence, knowledge sharing and professional collaboration across the global corrosion and asset integrity community. Events such as AIMCS EXPO play an important role in advancing best practice, encouraging innovation and addressing the evolving challenges facing critical infrastructure and energy assets.

Whether you are involved in engineering, inspection, maintenance, operations, asset integrity, digital transformation or executive leadership, AIMCS EXPO 2026 offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical insights from industry experts, explore the latest technologies and connect with peers from across the region and beyond.

Event Details

Dates: 22–23 September 2026
Venue: Rixos Marina, Abu Dhabi

For further information and to register, visit www.aimcsexpo.com or register directly at aimcsexpo.com/registrations.

ICorr looks forward to supporting AIMCS EXPO 2026 and welcomes members attending what promises to be an informative and engaging event dedicated to the future of asset integrity management and digital technologies.

ICorr is pleased to announce that C-Cube International has joined the Institute as a new Sustaining Member.

Photo: C-Cube International CEO, Mr Tje Wei Hu (Middle) and Wood PLC Engagement Lead, Mr George Winning (Right) with ICorr President Dr Yunnan Gao at AMPP Italy 2026, Genoa

C-Cube International B.V., founded in 2005 and headquartered in Delft, the Netherlands, is a technology company specializing in advanced sensor systems and data-driven solutions for monitoring coating degradation and corrosion on steel assets.

With more than 20 years of expertise, C-Cube supports asset owners, operators, and research organizations in assessing the condition and performance of protective coating systems. The company develops both handheld and permanently installed sensors that provide fast, reliable measurements of coating degradation and corrosion activity. Based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), an established laboratory technique for evaluating coating performance, C-Cube successfully translates high-quality electrochemical measurement methods into practical field applications.

C-Cube’s technologies enable precise condition assessments, support predictive maintenance strategies, and help extend the service life of critical infrastructure. Its solutions are applied across diverse sectors, including offshore wind, oil and gas, civil infrastructure, maritime, aviation, and academic research. By combining high-precision sensing with data analytics and predictive algorithms, C-Cube helps stakeholders make evidence-based maintenance decisions, reduce inspection and repair costs, and improve asset integrity management.

Having completed more than 2 million field EIS measurements and established partnerships in over 20 countries, C-Cube is recognized within the coating and corrosion community for its technical expertise, practical experience, and ongoing commitment to innovation. Through its advanced technologies and services, C-Cube contributes to the safer, more efficient, and more sustainable management of steel infrastructure worldwide.

Photo: Field Inspection using C-Cube’s Coating Quality Measurement (CQM)

Contacts
Email: th@ccube.nl
Website: https://www.c-cube-international.com/

Summary Report: Corrosion Challenges in CCUS Applications

Date: 24th April 2026 (Corrosion Awareness Day)
Venue: Sir William Henry Bragg Building, University of Leeds Theme: NetCorr – Corrosion Challenges in CCUS Applications

Introduction

The ICorr Corrosion Engineering Division (CED) Conference 2026, titled NetCorr – Corrosion Challenges in CCUS Applications, was held at the Sir William Henry Bragg Building at the University of Leeds on Corrosion Awareness Day 2026. The event brought together professionals from industry, academia, regulatory bodies, and research organisations to discuss one of the most pressing technical challenges associated with the energy transition: corrosion management within Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) infrastructure.

The conference focused on the integrity, reliability, and long-term operational challenges associated with dense-phase CO2 systems, impurity management, corrosion testing methodologies, materials selection, and the practical realities of deploying CCUS at industrial scale.

The event was organised by the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) Corrosion Engineering Division in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering and the University of Leeds.

Conference Overview

The conference attracted 54 registered professionals from across the corrosion, energy, integrity management, and materials engineering sectors. The programme included:

• 7 technical presentations
• 1 industry panel discussion
• 3 laboratory and facility tours
• Representatives from industry, academia, research institutions, and regulatory bodies
• Attendance from ICorr leadership, including the ICorr President, Vice President, and Past President

The event theme, “Corrosion Challenges in CCUS Applications”, highlighted the critical role corrosion science and engineering will play in enabling safe and sustainable Net Zero infrastructure.

Photo 2: Danny Burkle (ICorr CED Chair, Cortest)Introducing This Year’s Theme.

Sponsors and Supporters

The conference was supported by the following organisations:

• Cortest
• Intertek CAPCIS
• Industrial Coatings Inspectors Global Ltd
• Corrocoat
• OGC Energy
• University of Leeds

Additional support and partnership were provided by:

• Institute of Corrosion (ICorr)
• Royal Academy of Engineering

The conference organisers acknowledged the importance of sponsor support in enabling technical collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional networking within the corrosion engineering community.

Photo 3: ICorr CED Conference 2026 Sponsors.

Opening Remarks

The conference opened with a welcome from Danny Burkle (ICorr CED Chair, Cortest), followed by remarks from ICorr President Yunnan Gao.

Danny framed the day’s theme by emphasising that CCUS corrosion is not simply a materials problem – it is a chemistry, flow, and systems problem. He highlighted real-world failures including the 2020 Denbury Gulf Coast pipeline rupture and delays to the Gorgon CCS project caused by corrosion risk.

A key message throughout the opening session was that corrosion engineering is central to the successful deployment of CCUS, hydrogen, offshore renewables, and geothermal technologies. The audience was reminded that while corrosion failures within CCUS infrastructure may currently appear infrequent, the consequences can be significant, including pipeline failures, loss of containment incidents, and project delays.

Speakers emphasised that corrosion is not simply a materials challenge, but also a societal and infrastructure challenge linked directly to safety, environmental protection, and the wider energy transition.

The conference also recognised Corrosion Awareness Day 2026, reinforcing the importance of raising awareness of corrosion prevention and the value corrosion professionals bring to society and industry.

Photo 4: A welcome from our ICorr President, Yunnan Gao.

Technical Programme Summary

Photo 5: ICorr CED Conference 2026 Speakers.

CCUS – The Big Picture Problem

Danny Burkle (Cortest) opened the technical programme with an overview of the wider corrosion challenges associated with CCUS deployment. The presentation explored the scale of infrastructure required for Net Zero ambitions and highlighted the operational risks associated with transporting and storing dense phase CO2.

Real-world examples of failures, pipeline ruptures, and containment incidents were discussed to demonstrate that corrosion risk in CCUS systems is already becoming an operational reality. The presentation also emphasised the importance of understanding when and where corrosion mechanisms become critical, rather than simply whether corrosion can occur.

Key challenges identified:

• Impurity chemistry: Parts-per-million levels of SOx, NOx, O2, and H2S can form strong acids.
• Phase behaviour: Stratified flow creates localised attack at low points.
• Non-linear corrosion: Small condition changes can trigger large jumps in corrosion rates.
• Testing gaps: No standardised methodology; results vary by an order of magnitude between labs.

Managing Corrosion Risk in CCS Infrastructure

Chris Scales (HSE Energy Division) discussed the importance of integrity management, regulation, and risk assessment within future CCS infrastructure.

The presentation highlighted the challenges associated with scaling up CCUS infrastructure while maintaining safe operation and regulatory compliance. The role of industry standards, inspection methodologies, and operational monitoring was discussed alongside the need for practical approaches to corrosion management within emerging CCS projects.

Chris outlined the new regulatory framework under the Carbon Capture, Utilisation, Storage and Offshore Hydrogen Production Regulations 2026, effective 6 April 2026. CCS projects now require formal safety cases demonstrating risks are managed to levels “as low as reasonably practicable” (ALARP).

He emphasised:

• CO2 is heavier than air – releases offshore will slump rather than disperse.
• Joule-Thomson cooling during depressurisation creates structural risks.
• Corrosion management is a critical element in safety case acceptance.
• Operators must engage early with regulators during design phases.

Are Current CO2 Specifications Realistic?

Steve Paterson (Arbeadie Consultants) delivered a presentation focused on CO2 specifications and impurity management within CCS projects.

A major topic of discussion throughout the conference was the balance between operational practicality, economic viability, and corrosion risk reduction. The presentation explored whether current impurity specifications are achievable for emitters and whether overly restrictive specifications could negatively impact project viability.

Discussions during both the presentation and panel session highlighted:

• The importance of understanding impurity interactions.
• No universal agreement exists on safe impurity limits.
• The challenge of controlling oxygen and acidic species.
• The need for alignment between emitters, transport operators, and storage operators.
• Lessons being learned from global CCS projects such as Northern Lights and ADM.
• Concerns around the gap between design assumptions and operational reality.
• Round-robin testing across laboratories is needed to validate results.

The audience discussion demonstrated strong industry interest in how specifications will evolve as projects move from design into long-term operation.

CO2 Capture and Conditioning

George Winning (Wood PLC) explored impurity reactions, CO2 conditioning, and the importance of understanding changing CO2 streams from different emitters.

The presentation discussed:

• Different capture technologies (amine absorption, physical solvents, membranes, cryogenic) produce different impurity profiles.
• Pre-treatment and post-treatment add costs that must be balanced against specifications.
• Chemical treatments such as scavenging and inhibition show promise for upset conditions.
• Online monitoring at ppm levels presents practical challenges. • Challenges associated with developing standardised specifications.

Reference was made to Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) focused on impurity specifications and corrosion risk management.

A recurring theme was that future CCS networks will require collaboration between emitters, transport operators, regulators, and researchers to ensure specifications remain technically achievable while maintaining infrastructure integrity.

Corrosion Testing Challenges in CCUS

Richard Barker (University of Leeds) from the University of Leeds discussed corrosion mechanisms and testing challenges associated with CO2 -rich environments.

The presentation focused on:
• Electrochemical behaviour in CO2 systems.
• Localised corrosion risks.
• Scale formation and breakdown.
• The complexity of reproducing realistic service environments within laboratory testing.
• The need for representative testing methodologies for CCS applications.

Richard described the challenges of laboratory testing in supercritical CO2:

• Impurity depletion in closed systems produces misleading integrated measurements.
• Water splashing during pressurisation and condensation during depressurisation create artefacts.
• Absorption/desorption on infrastructure creates lag times.

The session reinforced the importance of high-quality experimental work in understanding corrosion mechanisms and supporting future material selection and design decisions. Leeds is developing continuous-injection infrastructure to support improvement in testing methodologies in this area.

Autoclave vs Full Ring Pipe Testing

Paul Wood (Intertek Capcis) compared autoclave testing with full ring pipe testing methodologies. Paul presented comparative testing, examining pipe-section versus autoclave tests for shut-in pipeline conditions. Autoclave tests produced corrosion rates ten times higher than pipe-section tests due to different solution volume-to-surface-area ratios. The waterline region showed the highest attack rates (0.96 mm/year), while submerged regions showed minimal corrosion.

The presentation explored the advantages and limitations of different testing approaches, particularly in relation to:

• Simulating realistic operating conditions.
• Reproducing flow and stress conditions.
• Scaling laboratory results to field performance.
• Understanding material performance under dense phase CO2 conditions.

The discussion highlighted the importance of selecting appropriate test methodologies depending on the specific corrosion mechanism and operational scenario being assessed.

Standardised Test Methodology for Dense Phase CO2

Shravan Kairy (NPL) from the National Physical Laboratory
(NPL) presented work focused on standardised corrosion testing methodologies for dense phase CO2 systems.

Shravan addressed the need for standardised test methodology. Literature data shows order-of-magnitude variation in reported corrosion rates for identical conditions, largely due to procedural differences. He emphasised the need for consistency and repeatability across corrosion testing programmes to improve data quality, comparability, and industry confidence.

NPL’s validated methodology includes:

• Gradual pressurisation (40 minutes) with stirring for rapid impurity
• System dilution before depressurisation to avoid water condensation
• No corrosion detected when water remains below solubility
• NPL aims to publish a Good Practice Guide by 2027 and draft international standards by

The session highlighted the growing importance of collaborative testing frameworks as CCS infrastructure expands globally.

Facility Tours

Following the morning technical sessions, attendees participated in laboratory and facility tours hosted by the University of Leeds.

The tours were split into four groups and included three parallel activities:

1. Bragg analytical facilities tour
2. Virtual corrosion laboratory tour – Overview of corrosion research programmes.
3. Chemistry corrosion laboratory tour focused on CCUS research featuring the new continuous-injection reactor infrastructure under development.

The tours provided attendees with direct insight into ongoing corrosion and materials research activities being carried out within the university. Delegates were able to view analytical equipment, discuss experimental methodologies, and gain a better understanding of the practical research supporting future CCUS deployment.

The facility tours were particularly well received as they allowed attendees to connect the technical presentations with real-world experimental work and infrastructure.

The Bragg Centre highlighted access schemes through the Henry Royce Institute, including SME access and the Royce Industrial Collaboration Programme.

Panel Discussion Highlights

The conference concluded with an open panel discussion involving Steve Paterson, George Winning, and Richard Barker. The discussion encouraged audience participation and focused on several key themes:

• The realism and practicality of current CO₂ impurity
• The gap between design assumptions and operational
• Monitoring and controlling impurities during
• Lessons from existing global CCS
• Material selection
• The balance between risk reduction and economic
• The need for industry collaboration and knowledge

The panel format created valuable interaction between industry, academia, and delegates, with open discussion around both technical and commercial challenges facing the CCUS sector.

Networking and Exhibiting

Throughout the day, delegates had multiple opportunities to network with fellow corrosion professionals, researchers, equipment suppliers, and industry representatives during registration, refreshments, lunch, and between technical sessions

The conference environment encouraged open discussion and collaboration across industry, academia, and regulatory organisations. Sponsors and supporting organisations also showcased their capabilities and services, allowing attendees to discuss current projects, technical challenges, testing approaches, and future collaboration opportunities linked to CCUS and corrosion management.

Tribute and Reflection

During the conference, attendees also took part in a moment of reflection following the recent passing of Charles Watkinson, CEO of Corrocoat.

A tribute recognised his more than 50 years of contribution to corrosion engineering, coatings technology, and the wider corrosion industry.

Colleagues reflected on his leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing corrosion protection technologies globally. The tribute served as a reminder of the long-standing expertise and dedication within the corrosion engineering community.

Conclusion

The ICorr CED Conference 2026 successfully brought together leading experts from across the corrosion and CCUS sectors to discuss the technical, operational, and strategic challenges associated with corrosion management in dense phase CO₂ infrastructure.A consistent theme throughout the day was the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, regulators, and research organisations. Speakers highlighted that achieving safe and reliable CCUS deployment will require not only advances in materials and testing, but also practical alignment between specifications, operations, monitoring, and long-term integrity management.The event provided attendees with valuable technical insight, networking opportunities, and direct engagement with current research and industrial practice. Through both the technical presentations and facility tours, the conference reinforced the critical role corrosion science and engineering will play in supporting the global energy transition and future Net Zero infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

1. Specifications are not Systems must be designed assuming off-spec conditions will occur.
2. Water location matters more than concentration. Acid formation occurs at phase boundaries, cold spots, and low points – not
3. Testing standardisation is urgent. Without reproducible methods, material selection decisions cannot be made with
4. Regulation is now formal. UK CCS projects require accepted safety cases; corrosion management is central to these.
5. Collaboration is essential. No single organisation has all the answers; shared data and aligned methodologies are needed.

Key Conference Statistics

• 54 registered professionals
• 7 technical talks
• 6 sponsors and supporters
• 3 facility tours
• 1 open panel discussion
• Hosted at the University of Leeds on Corrosion Awareness Day 2026

Acknowledgements

The event was organised by Dr Danny Burkle (CED Chair) CEDchair@ icorr.org with support from Joshua Owen and the Bragg Centre team at the University of Leeds. Special thanks to Stephanie Foster for venue coordination and to all sponsors whose support made the event possible. Next Major Event: EUROCORR Dublin 2026, Convention Centre Dublin, 6–10 September 2026. See: Registration – Eurocorr 2026 to register advance interest. CED will also present at the ICorr National AGM to be held at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in London on Wednesday 18th November 2026, which will feature the Paul McIntyre award ceremony which recognises a senior corrosion engineer who has not only made significant technical contributions, but has also championed European collaboration and international standards – reflecting the values and legacy of the late Professor Paul McIntyre.

Report prepared by Danny Burkle. Photograph captured by Chijioke Godwins.

CED DIVISION: Danny Burkle (Chair), Email: cedchair@icorr.org