ICMCTF 2023 will have eight technical symposia A through H centred around the surface engineering topics high temperature coatings, hard coatings, tribology, functional thin films, coatings for biomedical and health care applications, as well as advanced characterisation for these. Within three additional topical symposia, challenges within the areas of batteries and hydrogen applications, sustainable surface solutions, printed and flexible thin film technologies are addressed. The opening plenary talk on Monday morning is given by Professor Li-Chyong Chen, Director of the Center of Atomic Initiative for New Materials (AI-MAT), National Taiwan University, Taiwan, on ‘Recent Trends in Artificial Photosynthesis: Atomistic/Surface Design and Probing of Nano-photocatalysts’.

In addition to the technical program, the Conference features a two-day industrial exhibition, Tuesday and Wednesday, showcasing the latest in equipment, materials and services used for the deposition, monitoring, and characterisation of coatings and thin films. The Exhibition is open to the public. An educational program of Short Courses and Focused Topic Sessions (FTS) will be offered throughout the week.

Each year, the R.F. Bunshah Award Laureate, the Bill Sproul Award winner and three outstanding Graduate Student Award winners are celebrated during a special convocation late Wednesday afternoon, followed by a festive buffet reception in the evening.

ICMCTF will again publish excellent scientific and technical work in peer-reviewed  issues of the two Elsevier journals Surface and Coatings Technology (SCT) and Thin Solid Films (TSF), so we strongly encourage all authors to submit manuscripts for consideration by May 5, 2023.

The Town and Country Resort Hotel and Convention Center, located in sunny San Diego of Southern California, will be the official conference venue, providing a relaxed atmosphere for discussion and networking among attendees.