The 78th IIW Annual Assembly and International Conference, Genoa, Italy
The 78th International Institute of Welding (IIW) Annual Assembly and International Conference on Welding and Joining was held in Genoa, Italy, from 22 to 27 June 2025. Hosted by the Italian Institute of Welding (IIS), this globally significant event took place in a vibrant and inspiring setting.
A highlight of this year’s edition was the joint hosting of the IIW International Conference and the Giornate Nazionali della Saldatura (GNS) – Italy’s national welding days, which are held biennially and draw over 1,000 participants from across the country. This presented a unique opportunity to engage with the Italian welding industry and broaden international perspectives on welding and joining technologies.
Representing the Singapore Welding Society (SWS) at the event were Dr. John Pang, Dr. Sun Zheng, Mr. Sze Thiam Siong, and Mr. P. Radhakrishnan.
The Assembly opened on 22 June with an Extraordinary General Assembly (EGA), during which members reviewed and voted on proposed revisions to the IIW Constitution and Bye-Laws. Both sets of revisions were approved. The 2025 General Assembly (AGM) followed, covering key matters such as the President’s report, financial updates, Board renewals, and reports from the Technical Management Board (TMB) and the International Authorization Board (IAB). The AGM also included reviews of the past year’s activities and discussions on strategic directions moving forward.
The Opening Ceremony, held at the Opera Theatre Carlo Felice, featured an outstanding performance by a renowned Italian orchestra. During the ceremony, IIW presented its prestigious 2025 Awards, recognizing individuals for career achievements, outstanding technical contributions, and service to IIW and the welding community globally.
2025 IIW Awards for Career Achievements and Contributions:
- Fellow of the IIW Award
- Evgeny Paton Award
- Arthur Smith Award
- Yoshiaki Arata Award
- Thomas Medal
- Chris Smallbone Award
2025 IIW Awards for Outstanding Technical Achievement:
- Henry Granjon Awards (Category A, B, and D)
- Halil Kaya Gedik Award
- Welding in the World Best Paper Award
- Ugo Guerrera Prize
- Young Professional International Conference Online 2025 Award
These awards celebrate technical excellence, long-standing service, and the promising contributions of young professionals who are shaping the future of welding and joining.
Over the course of the week, more than 30 IIW technical commissions and working groups held meetings and seminars. The International Conference, themed “Hydrogen Applications and Energy Transition”, focused on the latest advancements in hydrogen production, storage, and utilization, with particular emphasis on materials, welding, and joining technologies. The program also explored integration with existing energy systems, regulatory and economic challenges, and future R&D directions.
Another notable feature of the event was the Symposium on Intelligent Welding Manufacturing, held on 22 June, where over 30 papers were presented. The symposium showcased recent advancements in intelligent welding systems and reinforced its growing significance in IIW Annual Assemblies.
Beyond the technical sessions, participants enjoyed a range of cultural and networking events. The Italian Evening at Palazzo Ducale provided a taste of Genoa’s history and charm, while the Gala Dinner, held aboard the Tolda Nave Blu near the Genoa Aquarium, offered a memorable evening with spectacular city and sea views.
IIW 2025 marked a record attendance in the history of the IIW Annual Assemblies. It was a well-organized and impactful event. On behalf of the Singapore Welding Society, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Italian Institute of Welding for hosting such a successful and inspiring event.
SWS delegates at the General Assembly
Performance at the opening ceremony
Italian Evening
Gala Dinner
International Conference and Italian National Welding Days