By Sarah Bagnall
In 2024, the Institute of Corrosion took a significant step toward expanding its reach 
and promoting the importance of corrosion prevention in the Wales and South-West region of the UK.
With the establishment of the Wales and South-West Regional Branch, ICorr aims to foster greater collaboration and knowledge sharing within this vital area of engineering.
The formation of this regional branch reflects a growing need to address corrosion-related challenges in industries such as petrochemical, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and marine, which are particularly prevalent in the coastal and industrial regions of Wales and the South-West. The new branch will provide a platform for professionals to gather, exchange ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of corrosion issues, as well as cutting-edge strategies for prevention.
Key Events Held in 2024
Throughout 2024, the Wales and South-West Regional Branch hosted a series of events in cities such as Bristol, Port Talbot, Swansea, and Southampton. These gatherings served as key opportunities for local industry leaders, engineers, and academics to meet, learn, and discuss the latest advancements in corrosion science and technologies. Topics covered included innovative corrosion prevention methods, case studies, and industry best practices aimed at enhancing durability and reducing costs.
In addition to technical presentations and workshops, these events featured networking opportunities, allowing members to connect with peers and potential collaborators. This helped foster a sense of community within the region, strengthening relationships among professionals working in similar fields.
Looking Ahead: Events in 2025
Building on the success of 2024, the Wales and South-West Regional Branch will continue its mission to promote the understanding and prevention of corrosion. With events 
planned across the region in locations such as Pembroke, 
Cardiff, Plymouth, Southampton, and Swansea, the branch will ensure its activities are accessible to a wide range of professionals. By rotating event locations, ICORR hopes to reach even more individuals and organisations that may benefit from greater awareness and understanding of corrosion issues and prevention techniques.
These upcoming events will also offer valuable opportunities for learning and collaboration, featuring expert speakers and interactive sessions. The regional branch is committed to addressing the diverse needs of the region.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
The Wales and South-West Regional Branch of ICORR also aims to work alongside other professional organisations in the region, such as the Southern Joint Branch of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
By working together with these groups, ICORR seeks to broaden the scope of its events and initiatives, offering a more interdisciplinary approach to corrosion prevention and management. This collaboration will help facilitate knowledge transfer across industries, bringing together professionals from different sectors who may face similar corrosion-related challenges. Additionally, these partnerships will support the development of innovative solutions to complex problems, ultimately advancing the field as a whole.
For more information, contact swchair@icorr.org 
You can also keep up to date on events by visiting our LinkedIn page; https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12992293/ and our Website page www.icorr.org/wales-and-south-west-branch/please scroll down to Local Technical Programme 
for Past presentations.
Photo: Delegates at the 2024 Bristol Event.
Photo: Delegates at the 2024 Port Talbot Event that launched the Branch.
