HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JULY 2026 49 showcase the close integration of experimentation, modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI) for accelerated materials R&D to meet the increasing needs for advanced materials. They also illustrate the significance and impact of interdisciplinary collaborations in bringing new approaches to metals research. FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK ASM’s Next Chapter: Putting Our Data to Work At ASM International, we have always believed that materials knowledge exists to be used—to solve problems, accelerate discovery, and advance the field we love. That belief is what drives one of our most exciting strategic priorities for 2026: the AI & Partnerships Initiative. If you have attended a Society or Technical Committee meeting recently, you may already be familiar with Mat-E, ASM’s AI-powered materials science assistant. Unlike general-purpose AI tools, Mat-E is built entirely on ASM’s own curated data—the same trusted content you and I have relied on for decades. It answers real materials questions with real ASM International knowledge, and it links users directly to source materials for deeper exploration. It is not just a chatbot. It is a domain expert, and it is ours. ASM International staff have been deliberate in how they have developed it, seeking early guidance from our Affiliate Society leaders and Technical Committee volunteers—the people who know our members’ needs best. Their input has shaped what Mat-E is today, and their continued engagement will shape what it becomes. Alongside Mat-E, ASM International is actively cultivating strategic partnerships with research institutions, engineering firms, and technology companies that share our commitment to accuracy and trust. Our approach here is equally deliberate. LEADERSHIP COLUMNS Our bot and ASM’s curated data provide “Insight Materialized” for the materials science community. Together, we are embracing the future of materials science—where innovation and technology come together to empower our community. For the latest information on Mat-E, including updates on availability and launch plans, I encourage you to visit Mat-E.org. Questions about the initiative are also welcome at AI@asminternational.org—we would love to hear from you. The future of materials intelligence is something ASM International is uniquely positioned to lead. I look forward to building it with you. ASM President Elizabeth Hoffman, FASM elizabeth.hoffman@asminternational.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORNER Governance for the Future Strong governance is rarely the most visible aspect of an organization, but it is among the most important. It provides the framework that allows volunteers, staff, and leaders to work effectively together in support of ASM’s mission. One of the most important initiatives undertaken by the Board in recent years was the establishment of the Governance Committee in 2025. Charged with reviewing, modernizing, and synchronizing ASM’s governance documents, the committee has spent many months carefully evaluating our governing framework to ensure it reflects both current practice and the future needs of the Society. As organizations evolve, governance documents must evolve as well. New technologies, changing volunteer structures, legal requirements, and emerging best practices all create the need for periodic review. The Governance Ho man 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 AI & Partnerships Initiative. The Mat-E tool is managed by the ASM Content and Publishing Department. The full ASM Strategic Plan is available at asminternational.org/ about-asm/strategicplan. Becker Of cial ASM Annual Society Meeting Notice The Annual Society Meeting of members of ASM International will be held on: Monday, September 28 | 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Quebec City Convention Centre The purpose of the ASM Annual Society Meeting is the election of officers for the 2026-2027 term and transaction of other Society business.
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