HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | MAY 2026 45 of surface film blistering as a key part of the reaction of aluminum with water vapor. New business development initiatives in the 1990s changed the negative perception of aluminum oxidation corrosion by introducing a positive intent to exploit these processes as surface engineering of aluminum. In recent years, developments have been mainly in the field of aluminum alloy formulation from end-of-life scrap sources. The latest advancements in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography have led to a greatly improved understanding of the nucleation and growth of cast microstructures, and of the precipitation hardening process. LEADERSHIP COLUMNS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK Shaping the Future of Materials Knowledge Technology is advancing faster than ever—and so is the demand for materials expertise that keeps pace with it. For materials scientists and engineers, staying current is not optional. The decisions you make depend on access to reliable, applicationready technical knowledge. That is a responsibility ASM International takes seriously. We recently added significant new resources to our content portfolio, including ASM Handbook, Volume 25A, Residual Stress Fundamentals; a special issue of the Journal of Thermal Spray Technology focused on environmental barrier coatings; and a series of Advanced Materials & Processes articles on systematic approaches to failure investigations. To find content aligned with your specific needs, we encourage you to explore our updated search tool at asminternational.org, thoughtfully designed to help you quickly locate the technical resources that matter most to your work. We are also taking a more intentional, data-driven approach to content development. By analyzing how our digital platforms are used, we can better understand what our community values and direct our resources accordingly, thus ensuring that what we produce delivers real impact. Your voice matters in this process. If you would like to help shape the future of materials knowledge—by identifying gaps, advising on topics, or contributing content—I welcome your involvement. Reach out to us at matinfo@asminternational.org to express your interest. Thank you for your continued commitment to this community and to the advancement of materials science. ASM President Elizabeth Hoffman, FASM elizabeth.hoffman@asminternational.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORNER Volunteer Leaders: Key to ASM Success In this issue, we are pleased to announce the nominees for ASM Vice President-Elect, Trustees-Elect, and Treasurer-Elect (see page 40). This annual process is a hallmark of ASM, reflecting the depth of leadership, professionalism, and commitment that define our community. Each nominee has stepped forward with a clear desire to serve the Society and its members, and we thank them for their willingness to lead. Volunteer leadership, and volunteerism itself, has always been essential to ASM’s success. Members who choose to volunteer gain far more than experience; they build lasting professional relationships, contribute to meaningful work, and help shape the future of the materials community. Just as importantly, ASM’s volunteer structure is supported by clear processes, engaged staff, and strong governance practices that ensure continuity, accountability, and collaboration. The collective impact of our volunteers goes well beyond individual roles, fostering innovation, informing policy, strengthening engagement, and sustaining the vibrant, professional culture of ASM. If you are considering volunteering, a great first step is completing the volunteer profile on ASM Connect or exploring posted volunteer opportunities. Our staff is In support of the 2026-2030 ASM Strategic Plan, four focus areas have been identified as actionable initiatives for the coming year. ASM President Ho man’s comments in this column relate to the Technical Content Roadmap Initiative. The content portfolio is managed by the ASM Content and Publishing Department. The full ASM Strategic Plan is available at asminternational. org/about-asm/strategicplan. Ho man Becker
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