HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JULY/AUGUST 2025 57 broad input across our committees, councils, chapters, and affiliates, is designed to elevate ASM’s role as a global convener, technical leader, and advocate for the materials community. We are asking ourselves tough but necessary questions: How do we serve members more effectively? How do we stay financially agile? And how do we expand our relevance in new and emerging sectors? I am particularly proud of the enthusiasm, initiative, and leadership demonstrated by our student members this year. From poster sessions to chapter-led events, they are not only absorbing knowledge—they are actively shaping the conversation. Their energy and vision continue to inspire our broader community. Recognizing the importance of supporting their journey, the ASM Board has recently approved a new Graduate Student Award— an important step toward further empowering the next generation of materials leaders and encouraging deeper engagement at the graduate level. At the same time, we continue to expand ASM’s educational offerings. Our staff and volunteers are working to deliver cutting-edge content that meets today’s workforce needs—from foundational metallurgy to advanced manufacturing and digital tools. These programs are equipping professionals at all levels to thrive in a rapidly changing materials landscape. Finally, ASM remains deeply committed to collaboration—across borders, industries, and disciplines. Whether through our growing global chapters, partnerships with national labs, or new initiatives in workforce development, we are building bridges that position ASM as a global thought leader in materials science and engineering. As we look ahead to the Fall Meeting in Detroit this October, I invite you to find ways to engage. Whether you attend in person, present your research, support a student, or simply connect with peers, your involvement shapes the strength and spirit of our Society. ASM International – The World’s Largest Materials Society. ASM President Navin Manjooran, FASM navin.manjooran@asminternational.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORNER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORNER Recognizing Achievement For more than 90 years, ASM International has proudly recognized individuals and organizations whose achievements drive progress in materials science and engineering. Progress is powered by people—visionary researchers, dedicated educators, groundbreaking innovators, and organizations that champion our shared mission. Recognizing achievement is more than a tradition— it is a reflection of ASM’s values. It strengthens our professional culture and ensures that contributions made in the lab, classroom, and field are celebrated and remembered. Award recipients represent the highest standards in technical excellence, service, and leadership. Their stories continue to inspire generations of engineers, scientists, educators, and innovators. ASM presents more than 20 awards each year, honoring technical achievements, research, teaching, development, and service to the Society’s mission. These awards are bestowed at the ASM Awards Dinner, highlighted on the ASM website, and featured in this issue of Advanced Materials & Processes (starting on page 51). These honors are more than accolades. They remind us of the incredible impact our community can have when we strive for excellence, support one another, and work together to advance materials science and engineering for the benefit of society. They also inspire the next generation to contribute boldly to the advancement of materials science and engineering. They celebrate not only achievement, but the shared commitment that moves our field—and our future—forward. For nearly 20 years, ASM has invited students to serve on the Board of Trustees. The 2025-2026 Student Board Members are announced in this issue of ASM News on page 55. While non-voting, student board members bring a vital perspective to ASM’s leadership process, one rooted in curiosity, emerging insight, and the evolving needs of the next generation. Their presence is not symbolic; it is strategic. By including students in governance, we create space for new ideas, challenge assumptions, and ensure that the future of materials science and engineering is shaped by those who will carry it forward. Student board members help us stay connected to the academic and early-career experience. They remind us that the journey into this profession is just beginning for many, and that our policies, programs, and initiatives must reflect both legacy and possibility. Their input strengthens our decision-making, infuses energy into our vision, and reinforces our commitment to building a Society that is dynamic, welcoming, and future-ready. Becker
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