The International Conference on Manufacturing Research (ICMR) is a major event for academics and industrialists who are engaged in manufacturing research. Held annually in the UK (except 2018 in Sweden) since the late 1970s, the conference is renowned as a friendly and inclusive platform that brings together a broad community of researchers who share a common goal: developing and managing technologies and operations that are key to sustaining the success of manufacturing businesses. For over two decades, ICMR has been the main manufacturing research conference organized in the UK, successfully bringing researchers, academics and industrialists together to share their knowledge and experiences. Initiated as a National Conference by the Consortium of UK University Manufacturing and Engineering (COMEH), it became an International Conference in 2003.

COMEH is an independent body established in 1978. Its main aim is to promote manufacturing engineering education, training and research. To achieve this, the Consortium maintains a close liaison with government bodies concerned with the training and continuing development of professional engineers, while responding to the appropriate consultative and discussion of documents and other initiatives. COMEH is represented on the Engineering Professor’s council (EPC) and it organizes and supports manufacturing engineering education research conferences and symposia. Hosts for National Conferences on Manufacturing Research (NCMR) have been:

1985 Nottingham

1986 Napier

1987 Nottingham

1988 Sheffield

1989 Huddersfiled

1990 –

1991 Hatfield

1992 Central England

1993 Bath

1994 Loughborough

1995 De Monfort

1996 Bath

1997 Glascow Caledonian

1998 Derby

1999 Bath

2000 East London

2001 Cardi

2002 Leeds Metropolitan

In 2002 the conference was accorded the title International (ICMR) to reflect the current trends in manufacturing engineering and to promote the exchange of research and engineering application experiences internationally. The ICMR, has since its introduction, incorporated the NCMR. The 17th ICMR incorporates the 34th NCMR. The host universities for ICMR have been:

2003 Strathclyde

2004 Sheffield Hallam

2005 Cranfield

2006 Liverpoor John Moores

2007 Leicester De Montfort

2008 Brunel

2009 Warwick

2010 Durham

2011 Glascow Caledonian

2012 Aston

2013 Cranfield

2014 Southampton Solent

2015 Bath

2016 Loughborough

2017 Greenwic

2018 Skövde, Sweden

2019 Queen’s University Belfast