About COM 2026
Gain valuable knowledge and professional development hours by attending this conference.
Lukas Bichler
Conference Chair
Professor, UBC
A message from the Chair
Welcome to COM 2026 – 65th Conference of Metallurgy and Materials
Calgary, Alberta | August 17–20, 2026
It is our great pleasure to welcome you to COM 2026, the 65th Conference of Metallurgy and Materials, hosted in Calgary, Alberta. This international forum brings together leaders and experts from industry, academia, and government to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and explore the future of materials and metallurgical sciences.
Over the course of four days, participants will enjoy a technical program showcasing the latest advances in materials science, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and sustainability, alongside sessions reflecting on the rich history of Canada’s metallurgical industry. These discussions will not only highlight past achievements but also address the pressing challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
A particular highlight of COM 2026 will be the Factory of the Future Symposium, dedicated to exploring cutting-edge advances in digitalization, artificial intelligence, and trends in next-generation engineering applications. This symposium will demonstrate how innovation is reshaping industries and redefining the role of materials and manufacturing in a rapidly evolving world.
COM 2026 is also committed to supporting the next generation of professionals. Students and early-career participants are invited to take advantage of tailored networking events and numerous opportunities to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and build relationships that will support their future careers.
We look forward to welcoming you to Calgary for COM 2026 and to an inspiring and impactful conference experience.
Sincerely,
Lukas Bichler, COM 2026 Chair
Organizing Committee
Lukas Bichler
Conference Chair
Professor, UBC
Niels Verbaan
Conference Secretary
Director, SGS
Sidney Omelon
Student Activities Chair
Professor, McGill University
Symposium Chairs
Metallurgy Symposium Chairs
Jafar Safarian, NTNU
Mansoor Barati, UofT
Leili Tafaghodi, McMaster University
Ahmed Tiamiyu, University of Calgary
Abdallah Elsayed, University of Guelph
Konstantinos Korgiopoulos, Kingston Process Metallurgy
Joseph Kish, McMaster University
Materials Symposium Chairs
Laurie Reemeyer, Resourceful Pathways
Britt MacKinnon, Hatch
Sima Ahmad Alidokht, MUN
Mohsen Mohammadi, University of New Brunswick
Xiaolei Wang, UAlberta
Mike Johnson, SGS Canada Inc.
Samaneh Shahgaldi, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Show Management
Brigitte Farah, Managing Director
Victoria Di Woo, Digital Design Specialist
Simone Florence, Event and Office Coordinator
Brigitte Farah, Managing Director
Victoria Di Woo, Digital Design Specialist
Janice Burke, Editorial Coordinator
Simone Florence, Event and Office Coordinator