The conference was co-organized by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, SINTEF and the main sponsor Hydro, with several representatives from SFI PhysMet as part of the local organizing committee. 

This INALCO 2026 conference brought together people from academia, industry and public sector for a three-day aluminium conference, having key-note speakers, workshops, technical sessions on recent research results, education activities, industry tours, posters, and not at least informal mingling and discussions. The technical program covered a broad specter of research activities related to aluminium, from atomic scale characterization and alloy design, via novel forming and joining methods, modelling and digital framework, recycling-friendly alloys and circularity to innovative applications and large structures. At the end of the conference optional guided tours to selected relevant laboratories at NTNU/SINTEF including laboratories for materials testing, characterization and manufacturing was offered, as well as to the newly opened Hangar bridge in Trondheim, an all-aluminium pedestrian bridge, where the bridge deck is made from 100% recycled aluminium sourced from the dismantled oil and gas platform Gyda from the Horth Sea. The social programme included a Nidaros Cathedral tour and organ mini-concert and a Gala dinner at Raddison Blu Royal Garden.

SFI PhysMet was very well represented at the Conference with (at least) 11 presentations directly related to SFI PhysMet activities. Congratulations to Astrid Marthinsen, SINTEF, Industry, Oslo, who was awarded the Best Paper Award for the paper:  Controlling Intermetallic Phase Formation in Al-Si-Mn-Mg-Fe Alloys: Role of Fe and Cooling Rate with Co-authors Kjersti Ellingsen, Ali Elashery, Sigurd Wenner, Vegar Øygarden and Arne Nordmark).