It is a great honor to serve as your new vice president. I take on this role out of deep passion for our field and a commitment to advancing the collaboration that has defined IFHTSE since its founding in 1971. For decades, this federation has been a vital bridge connecting global professionals, and I am eager to carry forward its mission of knowledge sharing.
In the coming years, I will focus on three key priorities: First, I will strengthen our international conferences and congresses, ensuring they remain premier forums for exchanging cutting-edge ideas. Second, I will promote deeper synergy between researchers and industry, especially through initiatives focused on sustainability. Third, I will expand our outreach to nurture the next generation of professionals.
To our members: You can expect enhanced opportunities for connection and knowledge dissemination. I will listen closely to your needs, advocate for our field’s impact, and work to make IFHTSE an even more inclusive and supportive community.
Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and drive progress together. Thank you for your trust — I am excited for the journey ahead.
With sincere regards — Jianfeng Gu
Gu is the deputy president of IFHTSE’S member organization Chinese Heat Treatment Society (CHTS), a professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), and the director of Institute of Materials Modification and Modelling (IMMM) at SJTU.
Members in the news
Korean Society for Heat Treatment appoints new president
IFHTSE member association KSHT recently appointed Dr. Sang-Gweon Kim as its new president. He works at KITECH Research Institute. KSHT was founded in 1988 and has been a member of IFHTSE since then.
Conference Updates
7th Asian Conference on Heat Treatment and Surface Engineering
September 18-21, 2026
Chengdu, China
The 7th Asian Conference on Heat Treatment and Surface Engineering of Materials (7ACHTSE2026) will be in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, September 10-12, 2026. The conference will focus on the latest research progress, technological frontiers, and future trends in the field of material heat treatment and surface engineering and is committed to promoting deep integration and collaborative innovation in this field in the Asian region.
The Asian Conference on Heat Treatment and Surface Engineering of Materials (ACHTSE) is an important series of international conferences jointly initiated by China, Japan, South Korea, and other countries. It focuses on the latest research and developments in surface engineering and heat treatment.
Deadlines
Extended Abstracts/Full Papers submission: July 31, 2026.
Notification of Acceptance: August 5, 2026.
Early Bird Registration: August 31, 2026.
31st IFHTSE World Congress
October 13-15, 2026
Cologne, Germany
Organized by AWT – Arbeitsgemeinschaft Wärmebehandlung + Werkstofftechnik e. V., the 31st IFHTSE World Congress will be October 13-15, 2026, in Cologne, Germany, at the International Conference and trade fair. It will include three events: HK 2026, ECHT 2026, and the 31st IHTSE World Congress.
The largest European congress on topics of heat treatment and materials technology, manufacturing and process engineering in 2026 is organized in cooperation with the International Federation for Heat Treatment and Surface Engineering (IFHTSE) as well as the European heat treatment associations from France, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Benelux countries. Due to the expected number of lecture registrations, this will be a three-day event. The language of the conference will be English.
In addition to the extensive scientific and technical programs, attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience a major international exhibition and trade fair with about 150 exhibitors. Leading companies from around the world will present their latest developments in equipment, services, operating materials and other relevant technologies essential for the heat treatment and surface engineering industries. The exhibition will provide invaluable networking opportunities and foster collaborations between academia and industry.
Deadlines
Notification of abstract acceptance: May 15, 2026.
Deadline for proceedings manuscript(extended abstract 2-4 pages): July 15, 2026.
More info www.hk-awt.de
