International Congress on Fracture (ICF) and the International Fatigue (IFC)
Formed by the merger of the International Congress on Fracture (ICF) and the International Fatigue Congress (IFC)
It is my great pleasure to announce the merger of the two scientific societies, the International Congress on Fracture (ICF) and the International Fatigue Congress (IFC). Both societies are involved with structural integrity in the presence of cracks, in areas of interest including civil, mechanical, aerospace engineering, transportation, energy, electronics, medicine and more.
ICF was established in Sendai, Japan in 1965, under the chairmanship of Professor Takeo Yokobori. Since then, 15 conferences took place every four years. The 16th conference will take place in Melbourne, Australia, June 28 to July 2, 2027.
IFC was established in 1981 in Stockholm, Sweden through the initiative of Professor A.F. Blom of Sweden. The first congresses were hosted every three years until 2002, and then every four years until the 14th conference that took place in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, last June/July.
After considerable discussion, the ICF and IFC Councils have decided to merge the two congresses to better serve the international scientific community with conferences structured and organized every second year. ICF will be held every fourth year and IFC in the years between the successive ICFs. The name of the new organization is the International Congress on Fracture (ICF). The statutes of the merged organizations are written to create a seamless organization that is built upon the successes of both parent organizations. The updated Statutes and Bylaws of ICF were the product of hard work and dedication of Professors Krishnaswamy Ravi-Chandar, and Ashok Saxena on the side of ICF and Professors Gilbert Henaff and Anders Blom on the side of IFC to whom I am very appreciative. They were approved by the Executive Committees of both merged organizations and the ICF Council.
IFC15 will take place in 2029 and ICF17 in 2031. The venues of both conferences will be decided by the Council of the merged organization in Melbourne.
I am thrilled to welcome you to Melbourne − a city renowned for its culture, hospitality, and beauty − for what promises to be an exceptional event led by Professor Raj Das. Join us for inspiring discussions, meaningful collaborations, and unforgettable experiences.
I look forward to meeting you in Melbourne!
Emmanuel Gdoutos
Professor Emeritus – Academician
President, International Congress on Fracture
