Program

August 30 (Monday)

  • Opening ceremony, Plenary Speech, General Presentations, Special Thematic Sessions, Workshop, Welcome Party

August 31 (Tuesday)

  • Plenary Speech, General Presentations, Special Thematic Sessions, Workshop

September 1 (Wednesday)

  • Plenary Speech, General Presentations, Special Thematic Sessions

September 2 (Thursday)

  • Plenary Speech, General Presentations, Special Thematic Sessions, Banquet

September 3 (Friday)

  • Plenary Speech, General Presentations, Special Thematic Sessions, Closing ceremony

Program in detail (tentative)

The Kitagawa Distinguished Plenary Lecture

Presented by Prof. Susumu Kitagawa (Kyoto University), Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2025

September 1, 2027 | Signature Event of NDT Next 2027

From groundbreaking discoveries in Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) to their impact on society, Prof. Kitagawa will share his vision for Smart innovation, Sustainable growth, and strategic Synergy across disciplines in shaping the future.

Prof. Susumu Kitagawa
©Kyoto University Institute
for Advanced Study

Special Thematic Sessions (tentative)

■ Academia NDT International

Academia NDT International is a global non-profit organization that brings together NDT researchers, to advance non-destructive testing through research, education, and innovation. Building on the scientific legacy of pioneers, it fosters collaboration, recognizes breakthroughs, and explores new frontiers in NDT for the benefit of the worldwide community.

Academia NDT International

■ TWI Ltd.

TWI Ltd. is a world-leading independent research and technology organization based in the UK, specializing in engineering, materials, welding, and non-destructive testing (NDT). It provides research, technical consultancy, training, and certification services to support industry innovation, safety, and asset integrity.

TWI Ltd

■ RCNDE (The Research Centre for Non-Destructive Evaluation)

RCNDE is a UK industry-university partnership advancing NDE research and industrial applications. Founded in 2003, it brings together leading universities and industry partners. The center conducts world-class research aligned with industry needs. Its goal is to improve safety, integrity, inspection, and quality control technologies.

RCNDE

■ SPRINT Robotics

SPRINT Robotics is a global, industry-led non-profit organization that accelerates the adoption of robotics and physical AI for the inspection, maintenance, and operation of critical infrastructure. It connects asset owners, service providers, and technology developers to improve safety, efficiency, and large-scale deployment of proven robotic solutions.

SPRINT Robotics

■ AWF (Asian Welding Federation)

AWF is a regional organization uniting welding associations across Asia to promote excellence in welding technology. AWF fosters collaboration, harmonizes standards, and supports professional training, research, and innovation to strengthen the region’s industrial growth and global competitiveness.

Asian Welding Federation

■ World Federation's / National Society’s

A platform for sharing and discussing outstanding technical strategies and innovative initiatives from the world Federations and Societies, fostering collaboration and the exchange of knowledge within the NDT community.

■ The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME)

The JSME was founded in 1897 to “advance science and technology and thereby contribute to the development of industries.” Today, its membership exceeds 34,000, making it the nation’s leading engineering society.

JSME

■ The 28th International Acoustic Emission Symposium (IAES-28)（August 30 - September 1, 2027）

IAES-28 will be held on August 30 to September 1, 2027, within NDT NEXT 2027. Since its first meeting in Tokyo in 1972, IAES has provided an international forum for acoustic emission researchers and engineers. Details are available on the IAES-28 website.

IAES-28

■ Long-span Steel Bridge Maintenance Workshop

This workshop provides a forum for sharing information on the current state of maintenance and management of long-span steel bridges, such as suspension and cable-stayed bridges, as well as advanced technologies in this field. Three leading experts will present keynote lectures on long-span bridge maintenance and management, followed by a technical tour of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, including access to the anchorage and main tower with panoramic views from 300 m above sea level.

Long-span Steel Bridge Maintenance Workshop

■ NDT-CE Infrastructure NDT

Discussing hot topics on disaster response and the NDT of concrete structures, together with state-of-the-art technologies being developed and promoted by ISO/TC 71, ISO/TC 135, ICNDT, and the IAEA.

■ Muon Science for Advanced Nondestructive Testing

They cover the potential of cosmic-ray muon science for investigating targets ranging from the Earth's interior to monumental structures such as the pyramids.

■ Japan–Germany Joint Session on Advanced Infrastructure NDT

Japan–Germany Special Session featuring internationally recognized experts leading the future of infrastructure inspection and monitoring.

WORKSHOP (Certification, Training and Standardization)

Internationally recognized experts who lead initiatives in NDT personnel qualification and certification, education and training, and standardization will come together for a two-day workshop as part of NDT NEXT 2027. With leadership experience spanning ISO and NDT societies and associations worldwide, they will share the latest developments, emerging challenges, and future directions in their respective fields.
This workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from the experts shaping the future of NDT and to exchange perspectives with peers from Japan and around the world. NDT professionals and all those involved in or interested in qualification and certification, education and training, or standardization are warmly invited to join us.

ASSOCIATED MEETINGS (ISO/TC 135, August 25 to 28, 2027)

Meetings of major international bodies, including ISO/TC 135(August 25 to 28,2027), ICNDT and APFNDT are expected to take place alongside the conference. Bringing together influential leaders, technical experts, and decision-makers from around the world, the event will serve as a premier platform for shaping the future direction of the global NDT community.

  • ISO
  • ICNDT
  • APFNDT

SOCIAL EVENTS

■ Welcome Reception（August 30）

Join fellow participants from around the world for an informal

■ Gala Dinner（September 2）Featuring the JSNDI 75th Anniversary Ceremony

We are delighted to invite all conference participants to the Gala Dinner. This special evening will bring together researchers, engineers, and professionals from around the world, providing an opportunity to enjoy fine cuisine, celebrate new connections and cherished reunions, and further strengthen the bonds of the global NDT community in an atmosphere of Kobe's renowned hospitality.
As part of the Gala Dinner program, a commemorative ceremony will be held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Japanese Society for Non-Destructive Inspection (JSNDI), the host organization of this event. It is our hope that this special occasion will contribute to the continued growth of the global NDT community and foster greater international collaboration and synergy. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with participants from Japan and across the world.