The 42nd International Manufacturing Conference
Thursday 10th- Friday 11th September 2026
Co Hosted by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) &
School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering,
Queens University Belfast
Co Hosted by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) &
School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering,
Queens University Belfast
IMC42 provides a forum for professionals from academia, industry and government to network on major developments in manufacturing engineering research and education. Circumstances arising from significant global events spanning politics, the environment, socio-economic factors and global health now mean that the manufacturing sector needs to be better equipped to manage shock events. Solutions lie in technical and process-based innovations in manufacturing planning and execution as well as improved understanding of the broader supply chain. The theme for this year's conference is ‘Resilient Manufacturing: Technologies & Strategies for Operational Continuity in an Uncertain Operational Landscape’. However, the scope of the conference is extended to cover all aspects or manufacturing research and education.
The plenary sessions will begin at 10am on the 10th September at AMIC, Global Point, Newtownabbey followed by technical sessions and a tour of AMIC facilities in the afternoon.
The conference dinner will take place in Belfast on the evening of the 10th of September.
The main technical sessions will start at 9.30am on the 11th of September in the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Ashby Building, Stranmillis Road on the morning of 11th September. The conference will close with the awards ceremony at 2pm on the 11th September.
The IMC membership is unique in its affiliation of academics involved in manufacturing engineering education and research from Universities, Colleges and Research Centres throughout the island of Ireland.
IMC42 encourages submissions from all associated and supporting areas within Manufacturing and Education tracks, including, but not limited to, the following topics:
Sustainable and Energy Efficient Manufacturing
Advanced Robotics & Automation
Additive Manufacturing Processes
Subtractive Manufacturing Processes and Surface Engineering.
Forming and Joining Processes
Industry 4.0 and Digital Manufacturing
Machine Tool, Automation and Manufacturing System Design
Manufacturing and Engineering Management
Real-time quality monitoring
Generative AI applications in manufacturing
Supply chain design / modelling / simulation / & management
Contemporary Issues for Engineering Education
Pedagogical Approaches for AI in Engineering Education:
Industrial Training and Professional Development
Curriculum Design for Engineering Education
Education for Design Thinking, Problem Solving and Engineering Decision Making
Public Engagement and Outreach projects
Industry and Academia Collaborations (Undergrad, Postgrad Placements and Research Projects)
Engineering Education for Sustainable Development
AI-Enhanced Learning Platforms for Manufacturing
• Researchers and academics in manufacturing engineering and related fields
• Industry professionals, including manufacturing engineers, managers, and executives
• Technology providers and solution vendors
• Policymakers and government representatives
• Graduate students and early-career researchers