Werkstoffprüfung conference 2025 in Dresden

The mechanical testing community gathered in Dresden for the 43rd "Materials Testing 2025" (Werkstoffprüfung 2025) conference to discuss current developments and challenges in materials characterization. With over 180 participants, the two-day event impressively demonstrated the dynamic and diverse nature of this field. Featuring 72 presentations and six plenary lectures, the program offered deep insights into a broad spectrum of topics—ranging from high-temperature applications and implant testing to multiscale approaches.

The Mechanical Behavior of Materials Lab was prominently represented at the event. Prof. Dr. Benoit Merle delivered a plenary lecture on thin-film mechanics, bridging the gap between classical macroscopic testing and the characterization of highly advanced and complex material systems. A central takeaway from his talk was that, although experimental measurement techniques at the microscale differ fundamentally from classical methods, the underlying concepts of materials mechanics remain largely identical.

Another major highlight of the conference was the panel discussion titled, "No Competitive Electronics Without Materials Testing." The panel connected the growing demands of the semiconductor industry with traditional testing disciplines, highlighting key future directions for testing procedures. Prof. Merle co-moderated this forward-looking discussion alongside Prof. Frank Walther (TU Dortmund).

We extend our sincere thanks to the DGM (German Society for Materials Science) and especially to Prof. Dr. Martina Zimmermann for the invitation and the excellent organization of this highly successful and inspiring conference.