ASNT Newsroom

(Columbus, Ohio) More than 150 industry leaders and technical experts from the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), ASTM International, and the American Welding Society (AWS) gathered at AWS headquarters in Miami, Florida, for the first-ever NDT Week 2026. Held 18–23 January, the four-day collaborative event focused on a singular, driving theme: “Together, We Set the Standard.”

As the nondestructive testing (NDT) industry undergoes rapid evolution, this historic gathering brought together the three premier standards organizations. The goal was to navigate critical topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), shifting workforce needs, and the future trajectory of inspection technologies.

“Innovation in our industry doesn't stand still, and neither can standards and certification,” said Neal Couture, FASAE, CAE, ASNT Chief Executive Officer. “By working together, the NDT community ensures that standards and certification remain relevant, credible, and aligned with how the work is evolving in the field. This collaboration allows us to keep pace with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.”

At NDT Week 2026, the future of NDT wasn’t just discussed; it was shaped. Committees worked deeply on key action items including method and program alignment, supporting exam development, and long-term strategy.

A major focus of the week was the integration of Artificial Intelligence into established standards.

“These are the discussions that move the industry forward,” said Paul Lang, ASNT Chief Global Strategy Officer. “We need to accelerate standardizing this fast-moving technology to create a solid regulatory framework companies can lean on. Investing in our people means staying aligned with where the industry is headed and how we can keep raising the bar.”

The week was anchored by keynote sessions from two thought leaders exploring the impact of AI on asset integrity and inspection:

• Lennart Schulenburg, CEO of VisiConsult X-ray Systems & Solutions, delivered the keynote “AI in NDT – Chance or Disruption?” Schulenburg addressed how standards may begin as theory but quickly become the practical foundation of the industry, especially as AI and digital inspection continue to evolve.

• Kelly P. Caillier, MBA, CRE, Founder & CEO of KDC Reliability, presented “Overcoming Uncertainty: Augmenting Asset Integrity Inspection Strategies and Insights with Artificial Intelligence.” With 29 years of leadership experience and a patent-pending neural network (RM-23), Caillier shared insights on calculating effectiveness in asset integrity systems.

The collaboration between ASNT, ASTM, and AWS at NDT Week 2026 reinforces a unified commitment to building the expertise that keeps quality and consistency front and center for the global NDT community.

About ASNT 

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, Washington, DC, and Chennai, India. 

Media Contact: 

Garra Liming 

Director, Public Relations & Government Affairs 

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) 

614-274-6003; gliming@asnt.org

(Columbus, Ohio) The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) recently convened senior executives from across the nondestructive testing (NDT) ecosystem for its inaugural ASNT Thought Leaders Summit, held in Miami, Florida. The invite-only gathering brought together leaders from organizations that use and supply NDT products and services for candid discussions on workforce disruption, artificial intelligence, and economic uncertainty.

Designed as a facilitated executive convening rather than a traditional technical conference, the Summit focused on peer-level dialogue and strategic insight. Discussions were conducted under Chatham House Rules, creating a trusted, non-competitive environment that encouraged open exchange on shared challenges facing the industry.

“The goal was not to arrive at immediate solutions, but to create space for meaningful conversation among leaders navigating these issues in real time,” said Neal Couture, CEO of ASNT. “The discussions reinforced how critical it is to stay ahead of workforce sustainability concerns, emerging technologies, and broader economic pressures impacting NDT.”

Key themes included the effects of demographic shifts and workforce availability on inspection capacity and infrastructure integrity, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in inspection reliability and decision-making, and how economic volatility is influencing capital investment and long-term planning.

Participants noted the value of engaging with peers outside of traditional commercial settings and highlighted ASNT’s role as a neutral convener for industry-wide executive dialogue.

The Thought Leaders Summit represents a new engagement model for ASNT, complementing its established leadership in certification, standards, and technical education. ASNT plans to build on insights from the inaugural Summit as it continues to expand executive engagement and thought leadership initiatives in support of advancing the science and practice of nondestructive testing.

About ASNT 

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, Washington, DC, and Chennai, India. 

Media Contact: 

Garra Liming 

Director, Public Relations & Government Affairs 

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) 

614-274-6003; gliming@asnt.org

As we kick off 2026, the momentum behind the ASNT Foundation has never been stronger. The generosity, engagement, and enthusiasm of our community continue to inspire me—and they’re setting us up for a meaningful, mission-driven year ahead. With application deadlines approaching for annual funding opportunities and a major industry research report set to be released soon, this year promises to bring new insights, a broader reach, and a deeper impact across the NDT profession.

While our scholarship and grant program remains consistent in structure, last year brought a significant and exciting shift: all ASNT Foundation scholarships, grants, and fellowships were opened to anyone with an interest in NDT—regardless of geographic location.

This expanded eligibility reflects our commitment to supporting global education and professional development. Whether someone is just getting started in NDT, advancing their credentials, researching new technologies, or strengthening educational programs, our funding opportunities are now accessible to the broader international NDT community.

Funding opportunities include:

• Student Scholarships for NDT-related academic programs and training

• Professional Development Scholarships for NDT technicians advancing their skills

• Faculty and Program Grants supporting curriculum and training needs

• Student Travel Grants enabling participation in conferences and educational events

• Graduate Research Fellowships supporting emerging research and innovation

No matter where applicants live, if they are committed to NDT, they are welcome to apply by 31 January 2026.

Economic Impact of NDT Study: Findings Coming Early 2026

One of the most anticipated developments this year is the release of the newest Economic Impact of NDT in the United States report, supported by the ASNT Foundation. This study—scheduled for publication in early 2026—will provide a comprehensive look at:

• Detailed market sizing across NDT equipment, services, and software

• Segmentation by end-user verticals and technologies, providing a clear picture of how NDT is applied across industries such as energy, aerospace, infrastructure, manufacturing, and others

• Qualitative insights into application trends, showing how conventional and emerging NDT methods remain relevant across different sectors

• A US state-by-state analysis of end-user industries and inspection technologies, revealing how NDT demand is distributed geographically across the country

These insights offer an invaluable understanding of where NDT is growing, where workforce needs are greatest, and which technologies are driving demand. The findings will help shape workforce development strategies, guide policymakers in understanding the broader economic and workforce implications of technological advancements in NDT, and inform educational programs.

Keep an eye on the ASNT Foundation’s newsroom for the official release date and to get your copy.

Let’s Make 2026 a Defining Year

As we begin this new chapter, I’m grateful for everyone who continues to champion and support the ASNT Foundation—donors, volunteers, partners, and the NDT professionals who make this field extraordinary.

If you or your organization are inspired to strengthen NDT education, research, or workforce development, this is a perfect moment to join us. Together, we can uplift talent, drive innovation, and ensure a strong, resilient future for the NDT community—worldwide.

Heather Cowles, CAE, CVA, is the executive director of the ASNT Foundation. She can be reached at foundation@asnt.org.