IAES-28

In June 2026, I succeeded Professor Hirokazu Moriya of Tohoku University as Chair of the AE and Acoustic Technologies Division of the Japanese Society for Non-Destructive Inspection (JSNDI). It is my great pleasure that IAES-28, the 28th International Acoustic Emission Symposium, will be held in Kobe.

IAES is a long-established international symposium that brings together researchers, engineers, and students in the field of acoustic emission (AE) from Japan and around the world. Over the years, it has provided a valuable forum for presenting and discussing research findings and practical technologies, while fostering lasting professional and personal relationships among its participants.

IAES-28 will be held as part of NDT NEXT 2027, a major international event jointly organized by the Asia Pacific Federation for Non Destructive Testing (APFNDT) and JSNDI. The event will bring together not only specialists in AE and acoustics, but also researchers, engineers, and industry professionals involved in a wide range of nondestructive testing and evaluation technologies. Experts in standards and codes, certification, education, and professional training, as well as those engaged in research, development, and practical applications, are expected to attend from around the world.

A major exhibition on nondestructive testing will also be held at the international exhibition hall adjacent to the conference venue. This will provide an excellent opportunity to see the latest inspection equipment and related technologies firsthand, and to learn about current technological developments and the needs of industry. For IAES participants, it will also offer opportunities to establish new collaborations and explore research possibilities beyond the traditional boundaries of AE.

At the same time, we intend to preserve the friendly and welcoming atmosphere that has always been one of the defining features of IAES, where participants can interact closely and engage in open and candid discussions. In addition to the official NDT NEXT events, we are planning the traditional IAES Banquet for IAES participants. We hope that it will provide a characteristically IAES occasion for reuniting with long-standing colleagues in the AE community and for fostering interaction across generations and national borders.

Following the reorganization of the academic divisions within JSNDI in 2026, the former AE Division began its activities under the new name of the AE and Acoustics Division. While continuing to build upon the knowledge and technologies developed in the field of AE, we are expanding our scope to encompass a broader range of research and technologies related to acoustics. We are also working to encourage researchers and engineers from new fields to participate in our activities. We hope that IAES-28 will symbolize an important new step in this development.

Kobe, the host city, is an international port city surrounded by the sea and mountains. It is known for its open waterfront scenery, distinctive international character, and popularity among visitors from around the world. In addition to the scientific and technical exchange at the symposium, we hope that you will enjoy the city, culture, and cuisine of Kobe. We warmly invite researchers and engineers in AE and acoustics, those who have not previously attended IAES, and students and early-career researchers who will lead the next generation to join us in Kobe.

We look forward to welcoming participants from around the world and sharing with you an occasion for lively discussion and warm interaction.