On 8 December 2025, the annual M2i Community Conference took place at Sports Centre Papendal in Arnhem. More than 225 professionals and researchers gathered to discuss material science and present their work. For the first time, the M2i GGS research team participated in this vibrant community event. Their presence added fresh energy to the day’s scientific and technical exchange.

A Full Day of Program Highlights
The day began with a warm welcome over coffee and registration, setting the stage for a packed schedule of talks and sessions.
The conference kicked off with a plenary session. Allard Castelein, Special Representative for Critical Materials Strategy, delivered the first keynote on ‘Critical materials for a resilient economy’.  Followed by, Pieter Kuiper (ARN/GGS), who offered insights on ‘Recovering scrap qualities and quantities needed for green steel production’

Thematic Sessions
Following lunch and a lively poster session, visitors participated in different parallel thematic sessions.

  • Enlighten
  • Performance Prediction
  • Corrosion & Electrochemistry
  • Materials for Defense (4TU.HTM)
  • Modelling of Materials
  • Sustainable Steel
  • Rolling contact fatigue and lubrication
  • Machine Learning & Autonomous Labs (4TU.HTM)

These sessions offered a  blend of technical depth and practical relevance and researchers were able to give  insight information about their projects.

Poster Sessions
During the day  poster sessions took place as well— vibrant discussion took place where researchers pitched their projects, answered questions, and made new connections, leading to enthusiastic feedback during the Poster Award Ceremony later in the evening, hosted by Barry Fitzgerald.

A Thoughtful Close and Networking
The program ended with an impressive final keynote by Navied Tavakolly (KIA‑CE), who highlighted ‘The indispensable role of materials science in the circular transition’. The day closed with discussions over drinks and dinner.

For M2i Community only
The presentations of the day can be found on our M2i Intranet (login first).