HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | SEPTEMBER 2026 61 LEADERSHIP COLUMNS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK Re ections on Membership As my term as President of ASM International comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the profound changes shaping our world. In an era where information is just a few keystrokes away, some may wonder about the continued value of membership in a technical society. I want to assure you that the value of our ASM community has never been greater. Your membership is more than access to information— it is an invitation to engage, collaborate, and grow alongside peers who share your passion for materials science and engineering. I encourage you to make the most of your membership by connecting with fellow members, whether through in-person conferences, educational courses, or by contributing to and using our rich array of content platforms including journals, handbooks, and more. Innovation thrives at the intersection of diverse ideas and experiences. The exchange of knowledge with experts and colleagues not only advances our technical understanding but also provides invaluable insights into the business and practice of our profession. No matter your area of interest, there is always something new to discover—if you take the opportunity to engage. Recognizing the need to evolve and serve you better, ASM International has focused on four key initiatives during my presidency: Membership Value, Technical Content Roadmap, AI and Strategic Partnerships, and Education Partnership Expansion. These initiatives are designed to enhance your experience, foster networking, and streamline access to information in our rapidly changing world. In this issue, you will find updates on the progress and achievements in each of these areas, reflecting our ongoing commitment to providing you with increased value and relevance. Thank you for your continued engagement and support. It has been an honor to serve as your president. ASM President Elizabeth Hoffman, FASM elizabeth.hoffman@asminternational.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORNER Strengthening Our Society When I returned to serve as ASM’s executive director two years ago, my primary objective was clear: Restore the fundamental strengths of ASM International so the Society would be well positioned for the future. Like many organizations, ASM had experienced significant disruption in the years following the pandemic. While our mission had never wavered, we needed to rebuild organizational capacity, reinforce our financial footing, and ensure we could continue serving the materials community for decades to come. Today, I am pleased to say that we have made meaningful progress, much of it through our Society Initiatives for 2026. I encourage you to read the related progress update from ASM President Elizabeth Hoffman starting on page 26. Together, our volunteers, Board of Trustees, and professional staff have focused on strengthening the core of ASM. We have improved our financial position, modernized critical business systems, enhanced member services, expanded technical and educational offerings, and continued to invest in the programs and events that bring our global materials community together. These may not be the most visible accomplishments, but they are the essential building blocks of a stronger, more resilient Society. As the Society has grown stronger, we have also begun investing in new opportunities that reflect ASM’s enduring commitment to advancing materials science and engineering. One example is the creation of the ASM International Student Support Fund. Established by the Board of Trustees in July, the fund will provide a permanent source of support to help students engage with ASM through scholarships, travel assistance, educational experiences, and other opportunities. Investing in students is one of the most meaningful actions we can take for the future of the Society. Another exciting development is ASM’s inclusion in the NSF NEO-SMART initiative. While still in its early stages, this collaborative effort has the potential to expand ASM’s impact through strategic partnerships and reinforce our leadership within the broader materials ecosystem. (See page 5 for more details.) I would also like to congratulate the 2026 Class of ASM Fellows highlighted at the start of this installment of ASM News. Fellowship is among the Society’s highest honors, recognizing individuals whose technical excelHo man In support of the 2026-2030 ASM Strategic Plan, four focus areas were identified as actionable initiatives for the past year. ASM President Ho man’s comments in this column relate to the Membership Value initiative. The full ASM Strategic Plan is available at asminternational.org/about-asm/strategicplan. Becker
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