ICorr President Visits the University of Manchester to Inspire the Next Generation of Corrosion Professionals
Dr Yunnan Gao, President of the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr), visited the University of Manchester on 26 June 2026 to engage with engineering students and introduce the opportunities available through ICorr membership, professional development, and involvement in the global corrosion community.
Following the successful collaboration between ICorr and the University of Manchester, Dr Gao was invited to deliver a presentation entitled:
“Meet the ICorr President – How the Institute of Corrosion Can Help UoM Students Develop Their Careers”
The event was hosted at the Engineering Building, University of Manchester, and was attended by students with an interest in corrosion, materials engineering, and related disciplines. The session provided an opportunity for students to learn more about the role of ICorr, its activities, and how involvement with the professional body can support their academic journey and future careers.
The visit followed Dr Gao’s earlier engagement with the University of Manchester, where he met with ICorr Scholarship recipient students and discussed the importance of supporting young engineers entering the corrosion profession. The combined activities reflect ICorr’s ongoing commitment to encouraging student participation, developing future corrosion specialists, and strengthening links between academia and industry.
During the presentation, Dr Gao introduced ICorr’s mission and role in advancing corrosion prevention, management, and engineering excellence. Key topics covered included:
- The role of ICorr in supporting the corrosion profession in the UK and internationally
- The benefits and opportunities available through free ICorr student membership
- Career development pathways, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and routes towards professional registration
- Young engineer initiatives, mentoring opportunities, and professional networking
- ICorr’s engagement with international corrosion organisations and global activities, including collaboration with partners in China
- The importance of building professional networks and engaging with the wider corrosion community at an early stage of career development
The presentation was followed by an interactive discussion with students, allowing attendees to explore career opportunities in corrosion engineering, current industry trends, and the skills required to develop successful careers in this important field.
Dr Gao said:
“It was a great pleasure to return to the University of Manchester and meet with students who are interested in corrosion and materials engineering. Developing the next generation of corrosion professionals is a key priority for ICorr. Through student membership, professional networking, mentoring, and engagement with the wider corrosion community, we hope to provide students with the support and opportunities they need to build successful careers.”
The session received very positive feedback, with strong student engagement and interest in becoming involved with ICorr. Students were encouraged to take advantage of ICorr’s free student membership scheme, which provides access to professional networks, technical knowledge, events, and opportunities to connect with corrosion professionals across industry and academia.
The University of Manchester has a long-standing reputation for excellence in engineering, materials science, and corrosion research. Through continued collaboration with universities such as Manchester, ICorr aims to strengthen the connection between education, research, and industrial practice, ensuring that future engineers are equipped with the knowledge and professional networks needed to address corrosion challenges worldwide.
ICorr would like to thank Dr Beatriz Mingo, Professor Dirk Engelberg, and colleagues at the University of Manchester for their support in organising the event and for their continued engagement in promoting corrosion awareness and professional development among students.
Photo: Dr Yunnan Gao, President of the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr), with University of Manchester students following his presentation “Meet the ICorr President – How the Institute of Corrosion Can Help UoM Students Develop Their Careers” on 26 June 2026.
