History

Origins and Founding

ICCM was founded in 1971 by Eraldus “Pete” Scala, a Professor of Metallurgical and Materials Sciences at Cornell University. Professor Scala recognised the need for an international forum to bring together researchers, engineers, and industry professionals working in the rapidly growing field of composite materials.

Growth and Global Reach

Following its inception, the ICCM rapidly expanded its influence. The first International Conference on Composite Materials (ICCM-1) was held in 1975, jointly in Geneva, Switzerland and Boston, USA. Since then, the conference has been held biennially, rotating across the globe to reflect its truly international character.

Legacy and Impact

The ICCM has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of composite materials research and development worldwide. Through its conferences, awards, and publications, it has fostered collaboration across continents and disciplines, contributing to major advances in aerospace, automotive, energy, and infrastructure applications of composite materials.

ICCM Executive Council at ICCM-14, San Diego, 2003
ICCM Executive Council at ICCM-14, San Diego, 2003. A remarkable historical photo from the 14th International Conference on Composite Materials (ICCM-14) held in San Diego in 2003 — showing the ICCM Executive Council at that time.
Back row (standing): Stephen Tsai (USA), Yasushi Miyano (Japan), Michael Wisnom (UK), Anoush Poursartip (Canada), Paul Lagace (USA), Viktor Verijenko (RSA), Albert Cardon (Belgium), Georges Verchery (France), Michael Martin (USA).
Front row (seated): Anthony Bunsell (France), Thierry Massard (France), Paul Smith (UK), Murray Scott (Australia), Ignaas Verpoest (Belgium), Thomas Hahn (USA).

Origins and Founding

ICCM was founded in 1971 by Eraldus “Pete” Scala, a Professor of Metallurgical and Materials Sciences at Cornell University. Professor Scala recognised the need for an international forum to bring together researchers, engineers, and industry professionals working in the rapidly growing field of composite materials.

Growth and Global Reach

Following its inception, the ICCM rapidly expanded its influence. The first International Conference on Composite Materials (ICCM-1) was held in 1975, jointly in Geneva, Switzerland and Boston, USA. Since then, the conference has been held biennially, rotating across the globe to reflect its truly international character.

Legacy and Impact

The ICCM has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of composite materials research and development worldwide. Through its conferences, awards, and publications, it has fostered collaboration across continents and disciplines, contributing to major advances in aerospace, automotive, energy, and infrastructure applications of composite materials.

ICCM Executive Council at ICCM-14, San Diego, 2003
ICCM Executive Council at ICCM-14, San Diego, 2003. A remarkable historical photo from the 14th International Conference on Composite Materials (ICCM-14) held in San Diego in 2003 — showing the ICCM Executive Council at that time.
Back row (standing): Stephen Tsai (USA), Yasushi Miyano (Japan), Michael Wisnom (UK), Anoush Poursartip (Canada), Paul Lagace (USA), Viktor Verijenko (RSA), Albert Cardon (Belgium), Georges Verchery (France), Michael Martin (USA).
Front row (seated): Anthony Bunsell (France), Thierry Massard (France), Paul Smith (UK), Murray Scott (Australia), Ignaas Verpoest (Belgium), Thomas Hahn (USA).