The Inaugural CorMat Dinner Brings Corrosion and Materials Professionals Together
On 12th February 2026, a new milestone for collaboration across the corrosion and materials communities with the inaugural CorMat Dinner—an initiative jointly organised by the Wales and South-West Branch of the Institute of Corrosion and the Newport & Cardiff Materials Society (NCMS). The evening brought together professionals from across disciplines for an engaging night of networking, knowledge-sharing, and community building.
The event represented more than simply a dinner; it signalled
a renewed commitment to strengthening the links between corrosion specialists and materials scientists—two closely connected fields that benefit greatly from collaboration. By creating a shared forum for conversation, the CorMat Dinner aims to encourage the exchange of ideas, foster professional relationships, and promote cross-disciplinary learning within the engineering and materials sectors. The evening attracted a diverse group of attendees, including engineers, researchers, industry specialists, and early-career professionals. Conversations flowed easily as participants discussed emerging technologies, practical challenges in corrosion management, and opportunities for collaboration across academia and industry. The relaxed atmosphere, paired with excellent food and lively discussion, created the ideal setting for both professional engagement and social connection.
The organisers were particularly honoured to welcome two distinguished guests whose presence underscored the significance of the event. Among them was Yunnan Gao, President of the Institute of Corrosion, whose leadership continues to champion the advancement of corrosion science and professional development within the field. Also in attendance was Christine Blackmore, President of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3). Their participation helped highlight the importance of strengthening connections between professional institutions and technical communities.
Both guests expressed their support for initiatives that bring together professionals from related disciplines. In industries where materials performance and durability are critical—from infrastructure and energy to manufacturing and transportation—the integration of corrosion expertise with broader materials science knowledge is essential. Events like the CorMat
Dinner provide an important platform for encouraging these conversations. The success of the evening was the result of
the hard work and enthusiasm of the organising teams from both societies. Their efforts ensured that the event not only
ran smoothly but also created a welcoming and engaging environment for all attendees. The strong turnout and positive feedback demonstrated a clear appetite within the community for more opportunities to connect in this way.
Beyond the professional discussions, the evening also reminded attendees of the value of informal networking. Some of the most valuable insights and collaborations in engineering arise not only from conferences and technical papers but also from the conversations that happen around the dinner table. By bringing people together in a relaxed setting, the CorMat Dinner helped strengthen relationships that may well lead to future partnerships, projects, and innovations.
With such a successful launch, the organisers are hopeful that this inaugural gathering will become the first of many. The vision is for the CorMat Dinner to evolve into a regular event that continues to bring together corrosion and materials professionals from across the region and beyond.
If the enthusiasm of the first evening is any indication, the CorMat Dinner has already established itself as a valuable new addition to the professional calendar, one that celebrates collaboration, community, and the shared goal of advancing materials performance and corrosion management.
Stay Connected
The Wales and South-West Branch deliver a diverse
technical programme. Future events will be posted at: https://www.icorr.org/events/
To join, or to present to the branch, please contact:
swchair@icorr.org You can also keep up to date on events by visiting its LinkedIn page; https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12992293/
