The world’s premier gathering of mechanical and production engineers made history as it converged on Dublin for the 72nd CIRP General Assembly (GA). This week-long annual event, coordinated this year by the Irish CIRP members and the Irish Organising Committee, will open on Monday, 21st August, in the modern and vibrant University College Dublin (UCD) campus. With themes including Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within the manufacturing sector, this Assembly is poised to be a transformative and insightful experience.

‘The hosting of the CIRP General Assembly is an opportunity to promote Ireland’s success in high-technology manufacturing employment, as a share of total employment, it is now the highest in the EU, with 29% of manufacturing jobs in high-technology sectors, which is four times the EU average’, said Prof. Denis Dowling, who directs the I-Form Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, which is headquartered at University College Dublin (UCD). ‘As the world’s most prestigious organisation in production engineering, the hosting of the CIRP General Assembly will be an opportunity to highlight  the importance of manufacturing for the Irish economy, with the sector accounting for 37% of Irish gross domestic product.’ 

CIRP was founded in 1951 and this will be the first time that its General Assembly will be hosted in Ireland. The over 600 delegates in attendance include some of the most eminent figures in Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering from around the globe. With a history of shaping Advanced Manufacturing and Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I); including Artificial intelligence (AI) and Robotics, the CIRP community’s insights and findings inform decision-makers worldwide.

Underpinning the Assembly’s significance are the 11 distinct Scientific Technical Committees (STCs) that drive the discussion. The event will feature presentations of select papers submitted earlier in the year, destined for publication in the prestigious CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology

(CIRP-JMST).

“By choosing Ireland as the venue for this Assembly, we are highlighting not just the country’s breathtaking beauty, but also its exceptional contributions to high-technology manufacturing,” said Professor Nikos Papakostas, Chair of the Irish Organising Committee. “We are excited to host this diverse community of

experts and thought leaders, where transformative ideas will be shared and collaborations will take shape.”

Prominently, the Assembly’s focus on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) underscores the commitment of the CIRP community to shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for advanced manufacturing and engineering. This topic aligns seamlessly with Ireland’s growth into a European hub for global thinking and business opportunities. The country’s transition from a historically underprivileged state to a flourishing innovation centre resonates with the event’s emphasis on sustainability and progress.

Additionally, the Corporate Member’s Advisory Group, comprising industrial experts and representatives from leading companies, will contribute valuable insights to the discussions and attend technical presentations. This fusion of academic and industry expertise promises a rich and multidimensional exchange. Arriving from Belgium, the President of CIRP, Professor Bert Lauwers, will deliver the Presidential Address. Key speakers include Prof. Edmond Harty, President of Engineers Ireland, Founder of Innovalogix, Former owner, CEO, and Technical Director of Dairymaster and Mr Peter Earlie, Director of Trauma Advanced Operations & Divisional Operations Lead, Stryker.

The 72nd CIRP General Assembly offers a unique opportunity to delve into the latest advancements, breakthroughs, and strategies that are shaping the future of manufacturing. Industry leaders, engineers, scientists, and academics will convene to share their insights, contribute to discussions, and foster collaborations that will drive innovation and progress.

For more information about the event, key speakers and the program, please visit: cirp2023.org