Founded in 1983 by Professors Norman Jones and Tomasz Wierzbicki, the conference series has long provided an international forum for advancing research in impact engineering, structural dynamics, and high-rate loading. Since then, its format has continuously evolved, with the current concept designed to reflect the needs of today’s scientific and industrial communities.

ICILSM now offers an intensive two-day technical program that enables focused scientific exchange while fitting more readily into the demanding schedules of participants, particularly those from industry. To improve accessibility for the international community, the conference is held annually and rotates geographically between Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

A standing organizing committee ensures continuity, cost-efficient planning, and moderate registration fees. At the same time, the scientific profile of the conference has been strengthened through its close connection with the International Journal of Impact Engineering and a single-session format that encourages broad participation in all presentations and discussions.

ICILSM also recognizes scientific excellence and service to the impact-engineering community. Four awards are presented annually on the recommendation of selection committees composed of Associate Editors of the International Journal of Impact Engineering.

Aims and scope: The scope and aims of ICILSM are closely aligned with those of the International Journal of Impact Engineering. The conference provides an international forum for presenting and discussing original research on the response of structures, components, and materials subjected to impact, blast, and other forms of high-rate loading. Topics of interest include the behaviour and failure of structures and materials under impact and blast loading; protective systems and energy-absorbing concepts; terminal ballistics; the dynamic deformation and failure of materials, including plasticity and fracture; stress-wave propagation; structural crashworthiness; high-rate mechanical and forming processes; and experimental, numerical, and measurement techniques for impact, blast, and high-rate loading. Contributions addressing related scientific and engineering challenges are also warmly welcomed.