THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF METALS • BHUBANESWAR CHAPTER
The Indian Institute of Metals - Bhubaneswar Chapter
AHSS Microstructure Crystal Specimen
THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF METALS • BHUBANESWAR CHAPTER
AHSS Microstructure Crystal Specimen
diamond 18th National Symposium Mar 28–29, 2026 • Hybrid confirmation_number 220 / 300 Seats (73% Full)

AHSS & Decarbonized Ironmaking

Bridging physical metallurgy, Hydrogen DRI kinetics, and industrial deployment across Eastern India.

Starts In:
--Days
:
--Hrs
:
--Mins
:
--Secs
how_to_reg Register as Delegate
location_on CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar schedule 09:00 – 17:30 IST sensors Interactive Hybrid
wallpaper

Executive Overview & Technical Scope

FOCUS 2026

The Indian steel ecosystem stands at a defining historical inflection point. Driven by ambitious infrastructure expansions and stringent global mandates under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), manufacturers are challenged to simultaneously lower emissions while manufacturing higher strength-to-weight structural materials.

The 18th National Symposium on Advanced High-Strength Steels & Decarbonized Ironmaking (AHSS-2026) assembles leading physical metallurgists, process modellers, plant heads, and academic luminaries to unpack the latest industrial pilot results. Special focus will be directed toward Hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron (H-DRI) reduction kinetics, transitioning blast furnace burdens using syngas injection, and precision thermomechanical rolling of 3rd generation dual-phase (DP) and martensitic sheet products.

Kinetics Benchmark 100% H₂ DRI Shaft gas utilization modeling with low-silica pellets.
Tensile Threshold 1180+ MPa Third-generation cold-formable automotive chassis grades.
Decarbonization -62% CO₂ Simulated emission abatement in hybrid blast furnace routes.
High precision metallurgical laboratory scanning electron microscope readout displaying microstructural phase transformation of advanced dual phase high strength steel, crisp lattice boundaries, crystalline structures with copper-tinted annotations in an industrial scientific facility.
Figure 1.0: EBSD phase mapping and grain boundary segregation in experimental DP1180 alloy. Source: CSIR-IMMT Phase Lab
RESEARCH PARADIGMS

Four Core Thematic Tracks

TRACK 01 thermostat

Hydrogen Reduction Kinetics & Shaft Furnace Dynamics

Thermodynamic modeling of pure H₂ and syngas reduction in vertical shaft retorts; sticking behavior of high-grade hematite pellets; kinetic barriers and mathematical modeling in shaft fluidization.

14 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
TRACK 02 grain

Microstructural Engineering of 3rd Gen AHSS & Formability

Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) treatment regimens, medium-Mn transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) architectures, crashworthiness, hole expansion ratios, and hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility.

19 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
TRACK 03 recycling

Slag Valorization & Zero-Waste Smelting in Eastern Minerals

Utilization of high-alumina iron ores typical of Odisha-Jharkhand mineral belts; chemical beneficiation of electric arc furnace (EAF) and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slags into geopolymers and structural aggregates.

11 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
TRACK 04 precision_manufacturing

Industry 4.0, Sensorics & Machine Learning in Hot Strip Mills

Computer vision online surface defect detection, digital twin simulations for run-out table laminar cooling controls, and ML-assisted predictive mechanical property forecasting in rolling plants.

16 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
DISTINGUISHED LECTURERS

Keynote & Plenary Speakers

Leading authorities from research bodies, premier institutes, and primary steel conglomerates.

Portrait of senior Indian metallurgy scientist in scholarly blazer with glasses and gray hair, sitting in front of a scientific library, warm lighting, authoritative academic portrait.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty

Chief Scientist, CSIR-IMMT Chairman, IIM Bhubaneswar Chapter
Plenary Keynote I:

"Decarbonization Pathways for Eastern Indian Steelmakers: Hydrogen Integration vs Direct Smelting Realities"

Expert in pyrometallurgy, plasma smelting, and mineral processing with 30+ years leading national mission projects.

Distinguished corporate technology leader Indian man in dark suit with tie, confident executive stance, laboratory facility blurred background, soft professional lighting.

Prof. Debashish Bhattacharjee

VP, Technology & New Materials Tata Steel Limited
Plenary Keynote II:

"Third-Generation AHSS Commercialization: Bridging Cold Workability and Press-Hardening Integrity"

Cambridge PhD alumnus; pioneered industrial implementation of complex-phase and martensitic steel coils for Tier-1 OEMs.

Esteemed academic director Indian professor in formal attire with glasses, dignified smile, academic university courtyard background, natural daytime lighting.

Prof. B. S. Murty

Director & Metallurgical Luminary IIT Hyderabad
Plenary Keynote III:

"High-Entropy Alloy Intermetallics & Phase Boundary Toughening in Ultra-High Strength Steels"

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Laureate, world renowned expert in high entropy alloys and physical metallurgy kinetics.

Senior Indian metallurgist and research director in crisp formal white shirt and vest, experienced veteran engineer with calm focused expression in industrial auditorium background.

Dr. R. V. Ramna

Former Director of R&D, SAIL Utkal Metallurgical Advisory Board
Plenary Keynote IV:

"Operational Challenges in High-Volume Blast Furnace Burdening with Low Carbon Injection Rates"

42 years of operational blast furnace management; lead consultant on modernization across Rourkela and Bokaro steel plants.

SESSION CHRONOLOGY

Two-Day Programme Schedule

DAY 1 THEME: Fundamental Kinetics, H-DRI & Automotive Steel Architectures CSIR-IMMT Main Auditorium
08:15 – 09:30

Delegate Registration, Kit Distribution & Morning Fellowship Tea

Auditorium Foyer • Badge collection, conference proceeding kit and sponsor exhibition access.

Secretariat Desks
09:30 – 10:45

Inaugural Session & Presidential Address by IIM National Council

Lighting of Lamp, Welcome by Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty (Chairman BBS Chapter), Presidential remarks on 'Eastern India Steel Corridor Sustainability Matrix'.

Plenary Hall
11:00 – 13:00

Plenary Keynote Sessions I & II

Keynote addresses by Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty (CSIR-IMMT) and Prof. Debashish Bhattacharjee (Tata Steel) followed by an open audience Q&A moderated panel.

Plenary Hall
13:00 – 14:00

Conference Networking Lunch & Research Poster Preview

Executive Dining Hall & Exhibition Lawn. Display of 32 shortlisted student researcher poster presentations.

Executive Lawn
14:00 – 16:30

Parallel Technical Sessions: Track 1 & Track 2

Track 1: Shaft Furnace Kinetics in Seminar Hall A • Track 2: 3rd Gen AHSS Microstructures in Seminar Hall B. 12 oral research papers presented.

Halls A & B
19:00 – 21:30

Symposium Gala Dinner & IIM Fellowship Induction

Swosti Premium Grand Ballroom. Honoring veteran metallurgists and formal induction of newly recognized IIM Fellows.

Swosti Ballroom
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

Call for Papers & Manuscript Guidelines

menu_book

All presented research articles will be peer-reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Panel. Selected high-impact manuscripts will be invited for submission to a special dedicated issue of Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals (Springer Nature indexed, SCI impact factor 1.6).

Extended Abstract Deadline 15 Feb 2026 Extended from 30 Jan
Full Manuscript Due 05 Mar 2026 Standard IIM 6-Page format
Camera Ready Submission 18 Mar 2026 Includes final peer revisions
description
MS Word & LaTeX Template Pack Formatted specifically for AHSS-2026 technical submissions (ZIP, 1.1 MB).
CALENDAR HORIZON

More Upcoming Technical Events

Conferences, memorial lectures, and industry conclaves organized by the IIM Bhubaneswar Chapter.

View Complete Chapter Calendar arrow_forward
WORKSHOP April 18–19, 2026

International Workshop on Green Hydrogen in Blast Furnaces

Industrial trials, tuyere gas injection dynamics, and oxygen enrichment balances at large-scale integrated steel facilities.

Venue: Rourkela / Hybrid View Details chevron_right
MEMORIAL LECTURE May 14, 2026

Prof. P. K. Jena Memorial Lecture on Sustainable Minerals

Annual memorial address celebrating the vision of founding metallurgy pioneers in Odisha, honoring breakthrough mineral research.

CSIR-IMMT Main Campus View Details chevron_right
CONCLAVE July 24–25, 2026

Odisha Metallurgical Conclave 2026 (OMC-26)

Statewide summit bringing together state policymakers, mineral concession holders, DRI plants, and international technology vendors.

Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar View Details chevron_right
.Groups; 'class="' + ($m[1].Value -replace 'sm:px-6','') + 'px-4 sm:px-6 ' + ($m[2].Value.TrimStart()) + 'lg:px-12' + $m[3].Value + '"' >
diamond 18th National Symposium Mar 28–29, 2026 • Hybrid confirmation_number 220 / 300 Seats (73% Full)

AHSS & Decarbonized Ironmaking

Bridging physical metallurgy, Hydrogen DRI kinetics, and industrial deployment across Eastern India.

Starts In:
--Days
:
--Hrs
:
--Mins
:
--Secs
how_to_reg Register as Delegate
location_on CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar schedule 09:00 – 17:30 IST sensors Interactive Hybrid
wallpaper
THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF METALS • BHUBANESWAR CHAPTER
AHSS Microstructure Crystal Specimen
diamond 18th National Symposium Mar 28–29, 2026 • Hybrid confirmation_number 220 / 300 Seats (73% Full)

AHSS & Decarbonized Ironmaking

Bridging physical metallurgy, Hydrogen DRI kinetics, and industrial deployment across Eastern India.

Starts In:
--Days
:
--Hrs
:
--Mins
:
--Secs
how_to_reg Register as Delegate
location_on CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar schedule 09:00 – 17:30 IST sensors Interactive Hybrid
wallpaper

Executive Overview & Technical Scope

FOCUS 2026

The Indian steel ecosystem stands at a defining historical inflection point. Driven by ambitious infrastructure expansions and stringent global mandates under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), manufacturers are challenged to simultaneously lower emissions while manufacturing higher strength-to-weight structural materials.

The 18th National Symposium on Advanced High-Strength Steels & Decarbonized Ironmaking (AHSS-2026) assembles leading physical metallurgists, process modellers, plant heads, and academic luminaries to unpack the latest industrial pilot results. Special focus will be directed toward Hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron (H-DRI) reduction kinetics, transitioning blast furnace burdens using syngas injection, and precision thermomechanical rolling of 3rd generation dual-phase (DP) and martensitic sheet products.

Kinetics Benchmark 100% H₂ DRI Shaft gas utilization modeling with low-silica pellets.
Tensile Threshold 1180+ MPa Third-generation cold-formable automotive chassis grades.
Decarbonization -62% CO₂ Simulated emission abatement in hybrid blast furnace routes.
High precision metallurgical laboratory scanning electron microscope readout displaying microstructural phase transformation of advanced dual phase high strength steel, crisp lattice boundaries, crystalline structures with copper-tinted annotations in an industrial scientific facility.
Figure 1.0: EBSD phase mapping and grain boundary segregation in experimental DP1180 alloy. Source: CSIR-IMMT Phase Lab
RESEARCH PARADIGMS

Four Core Thematic Tracks

TRACK 01 thermostat

Hydrogen Reduction Kinetics & Shaft Furnace Dynamics

Thermodynamic modeling of pure H₂ and syngas reduction in vertical shaft retorts; sticking behavior of high-grade hematite pellets; kinetic barriers and mathematical modeling in shaft fluidization.

14 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
TRACK 02 grain

Microstructural Engineering of 3rd Gen AHSS & Formability

Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) treatment regimens, medium-Mn transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) architectures, crashworthiness, hole expansion ratios, and hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility.

19 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
TRACK 03 recycling

Slag Valorization & Zero-Waste Smelting in Eastern Minerals

Utilization of high-alumina iron ores typical of Odisha-Jharkhand mineral belts; chemical beneficiation of electric arc furnace (EAF) and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slags into geopolymers and structural aggregates.

11 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
TRACK 04 precision_manufacturing

Industry 4.0, Sensorics & Machine Learning in Hot Strip Mills

Computer vision online surface defect detection, digital twin simulations for run-out table laminar cooling controls, and ML-assisted predictive mechanical property forecasting in rolling plants.

16 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
DISTINGUISHED LECTURERS

Keynote & Plenary Speakers

Leading authorities from research bodies, premier institutes, and primary steel conglomerates.

Portrait of senior Indian metallurgy scientist in scholarly blazer with glasses and gray hair, sitting in front of a scientific library, warm lighting, authoritative academic portrait.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty

Chief Scientist, CSIR-IMMT Chairman, IIM Bhubaneswar Chapter
Plenary Keynote I:

"Decarbonization Pathways for Eastern Indian Steelmakers: Hydrogen Integration vs Direct Smelting Realities"

Expert in pyrometallurgy, plasma smelting, and mineral processing with 30+ years leading national mission projects.

Distinguished corporate technology leader Indian man in dark suit with tie, confident executive stance, laboratory facility blurred background, soft professional lighting.

Prof. Debashish Bhattacharjee

VP, Technology & New Materials Tata Steel Limited
Plenary Keynote II:

"Third-Generation AHSS Commercialization: Bridging Cold Workability and Press-Hardening Integrity"

Cambridge PhD alumnus; pioneered industrial implementation of complex-phase and martensitic steel coils for Tier-1 OEMs.

Esteemed academic director Indian professor in formal attire with glasses, dignified smile, academic university courtyard background, natural daytime lighting.

Prof. B. S. Murty

Director & Metallurgical Luminary IIT Hyderabad
Plenary Keynote III:

"High-Entropy Alloy Intermetallics & Phase Boundary Toughening in Ultra-High Strength Steels"

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Laureate, world renowned expert in high entropy alloys and physical metallurgy kinetics.

Senior Indian metallurgist and research director in crisp formal white shirt and vest, experienced veteran engineer with calm focused expression in industrial auditorium background.

Dr. R. V. Ramna

Former Director of R&D, SAIL Utkal Metallurgical Advisory Board
Plenary Keynote IV:

"Operational Challenges in High-Volume Blast Furnace Burdening with Low Carbon Injection Rates"

42 years of operational blast furnace management; lead consultant on modernization across Rourkela and Bokaro steel plants.

SESSION CHRONOLOGY

Two-Day Programme Schedule

DAY 1 THEME: Fundamental Kinetics, H-DRI & Automotive Steel Architectures CSIR-IMMT Main Auditorium
08:15 – 09:30

Delegate Registration, Kit Distribution & Morning Fellowship Tea

Auditorium Foyer • Badge collection, conference proceeding kit and sponsor exhibition access.

Secretariat Desks
09:30 – 10:45

Inaugural Session & Presidential Address by IIM National Council

Lighting of Lamp, Welcome by Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty (Chairman BBS Chapter), Presidential remarks on 'Eastern India Steel Corridor Sustainability Matrix'.

Plenary Hall
11:00 – 13:00

Plenary Keynote Sessions I & II

Keynote addresses by Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty (CSIR-IMMT) and Prof. Debashish Bhattacharjee (Tata Steel) followed by an open audience Q&A moderated panel.

Plenary Hall
13:00 – 14:00

Conference Networking Lunch & Research Poster Preview

Executive Dining Hall & Exhibition Lawn. Display of 32 shortlisted student researcher poster presentations.

Executive Lawn
14:00 – 16:30

Parallel Technical Sessions: Track 1 & Track 2

Track 1: Shaft Furnace Kinetics in Seminar Hall A • Track 2: 3rd Gen AHSS Microstructures in Seminar Hall B. 12 oral research papers presented.

Halls A & B
19:00 – 21:30

Symposium Gala Dinner & IIM Fellowship Induction

Swosti Premium Grand Ballroom. Honoring veteran metallurgists and formal induction of newly recognized IIM Fellows.

Swosti Ballroom
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

Call for Papers & Manuscript Guidelines

menu_book

All presented research articles will be peer-reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Panel. Selected high-impact manuscripts will be invited for submission to a special dedicated issue of Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals (Springer Nature indexed, SCI impact factor 1.6).

Extended Abstract Deadline 15 Feb 2026 Extended from 30 Jan
Full Manuscript Due 05 Mar 2026 Standard IIM 6-Page format
Camera Ready Submission 18 Mar 2026 Includes final peer revisions
description
MS Word & LaTeX Template Pack Formatted specifically for AHSS-2026 technical submissions (ZIP, 1.1 MB).
CALENDAR HORIZON

More Upcoming Technical Events

Conferences, memorial lectures, and industry conclaves organized by the IIM Bhubaneswar Chapter.

View Complete Chapter Calendar arrow_forward
WORKSHOP April 18–19, 2026

International Workshop on Green Hydrogen in Blast Furnaces

Industrial trials, tuyere gas injection dynamics, and oxygen enrichment balances at large-scale integrated steel facilities.

Venue: Rourkela / Hybrid View Details chevron_right
MEMORIAL LECTURE May 14, 2026

Prof. P. K. Jena Memorial Lecture on Sustainable Minerals

Annual memorial address celebrating the vision of founding metallurgy pioneers in Odisha, honoring breakthrough mineral research.

CSIR-IMMT Main Campus View Details chevron_right
CONCLAVE July 24–25, 2026

Odisha Metallurgical Conclave 2026 (OMC-26)

Statewide summit bringing together state policymakers, mineral concession holders, DRI plants, and international technology vendors.

Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar View Details chevron_right
.Groups; 'class="' + ($m[1].Value -replace 'sm:px-6','') + 'px-4 sm:px-6 ' + ($m[2].Value.TrimStart()) + 'lg:px-12' + $m[3].Value + '"' >

Executive Overview & Technical Scope

FOCUS 2026

The Indian steel ecosystem stands at a defining historical inflection point. Driven by ambitious infrastructure expansions and stringent global mandates under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), manufacturers are challenged to simultaneously lower emissions while manufacturing higher strength-to-weight structural materials.

The 18th National Symposium on Advanced High-Strength Steels & Decarbonized Ironmaking (AHSS-2026) assembles leading physical metallurgists, process modellers, plant heads, and academic luminaries to unpack the latest industrial pilot results. Special focus will be directed toward Hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron (H-DRI) reduction kinetics, transitioning blast furnace burdens using syngas injection, and precision thermomechanical rolling of 3rd generation dual-phase (DP) and martensitic sheet products.

Kinetics Benchmark 100% H₂ DRI Shaft gas utilization modeling with low-silica pellets.
Tensile Threshold 1180+ MPa Third-generation cold-formable automotive chassis grades.
Decarbonization -62% CO₂ Simulated emission abatement in hybrid blast furnace routes.
High precision metallurgical laboratory scanning electron microscope readout displaying microstructural phase transformation of advanced dual phase high strength steel, crisp lattice boundaries, crystalline structures with copper-tinted annotations in an industrial scientific facility.
Figure 1.0: EBSD phase mapping and grain boundary segregation in experimental DP1180 alloy. Source: CSIR-IMMT Phase Lab
RESEARCH PARADIGMS

Four Core Thematic Tracks

TRACK 01 thermostat

Hydrogen Reduction Kinetics & Shaft Furnace Dynamics

Thermodynamic modeling of pure H₂ and syngas reduction in vertical shaft retorts; sticking behavior of high-grade hematite pellets; kinetic barriers and mathematical modeling in shaft fluidization.

14 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
TRACK 02 grain

Microstructural Engineering of 3rd Gen AHSS & Formability

Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) treatment regimens, medium-Mn transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) architectures, crashworthiness, hole expansion ratios, and hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility.

19 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
TRACK 03 recycling

Slag Valorization & Zero-Waste Smelting in Eastern Minerals

Utilization of high-alumina iron ores typical of Odisha-Jharkhand mineral belts; chemical beneficiation of electric arc furnace (EAF) and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slags into geopolymers and structural aggregates.

11 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
TRACK 04 precision_manufacturing

Industry 4.0, Sensorics & Machine Learning in Hot Strip Mills

Computer vision online surface defect detection, digital twin simulations for run-out table laminar cooling controls, and ML-assisted predictive mechanical property forecasting in rolling plants.

16 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
DISTINGUISHED LECTURERS

Keynote & Plenary Speakers

Leading authorities from research bodies, premier institutes, and primary steel conglomerates.

Portrait of senior Indian metallurgy scientist in scholarly blazer with glasses and gray hair, sitting in front of a scientific library, warm lighting, authoritative academic portrait.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty

Chief Scientist, CSIR-IMMT Chairman, IIM Bhubaneswar Chapter
Plenary Keynote I:

"Decarbonization Pathways for Eastern Indian Steelmakers: Hydrogen Integration vs Direct Smelting Realities"

Expert in pyrometallurgy, plasma smelting, and mineral processing with 30+ years leading national mission projects.

Distinguished corporate technology leader Indian man in dark suit with tie, confident executive stance, laboratory facility blurred background, soft professional lighting.

Prof. Debashish Bhattacharjee

VP, Technology & New Materials Tata Steel Limited
Plenary Keynote II:

"Third-Generation AHSS Commercialization: Bridging Cold Workability and Press-Hardening Integrity"

Cambridge PhD alumnus; pioneered industrial implementation of complex-phase and martensitic steel coils for Tier-1 OEMs.

Esteemed academic director Indian professor in formal attire with glasses, dignified smile, academic university courtyard background, natural daytime lighting.

Prof. B. S. Murty

Director & Metallurgical Luminary IIT Hyderabad
Plenary Keynote III:

"High-Entropy Alloy Intermetallics & Phase Boundary Toughening in Ultra-High Strength Steels"

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Laureate, world renowned expert in high entropy alloys and physical metallurgy kinetics.

Senior Indian metallurgist and research director in crisp formal white shirt and vest, experienced veteran engineer with calm focused expression in industrial auditorium background.

Dr. R. V. Ramna

Former Director of R&D, SAIL Utkal Metallurgical Advisory Board
Plenary Keynote IV:

"Operational Challenges in High-Volume Blast Furnace Burdening with Low Carbon Injection Rates"

42 years of operational blast furnace management; lead consultant on modernization across Rourkela and Bokaro steel plants.

SESSION CHRONOLOGY

Two-Day Programme Schedule

DAY 1 THEME: Fundamental Kinetics, H-DRI & Automotive Steel Architectures CSIR-IMMT Main Auditorium
08:15 – 09:30

Delegate Registration, Kit Distribution & Morning Fellowship Tea

Auditorium Foyer • Badge collection, conference proceeding kit and sponsor exhibition access.

Secretariat Desks
09:30 – 10:45

Inaugural Session & Presidential Address by IIM National Council

Lighting of Lamp, Welcome by Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty (Chairman BBS Chapter), Presidential remarks on 'Eastern India Steel Corridor Sustainability Matrix'.

Plenary Hall
11:00 – 13:00

Plenary Keynote Sessions I & II

Keynote addresses by Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty (CSIR-IMMT) and Prof. Debashish Bhattacharjee (Tata Steel) followed by an open audience Q&A moderated panel.

Plenary Hall
13:00 – 14:00

Conference Networking Lunch & Research Poster Preview

Executive Dining Hall & Exhibition Lawn. Display of 32 shortlisted student researcher poster presentations.

Executive Lawn
14:00 – 16:30

Parallel Technical Sessions: Track 1 & Track 2

Track 1: Shaft Furnace Kinetics in Seminar Hall A • Track 2: 3rd Gen AHSS Microstructures in Seminar Hall B. 12 oral research papers presented.

Halls A & B
19:00 – 21:30

Symposium Gala Dinner & IIM Fellowship Induction

Swosti Premium Grand Ballroom. Honoring veteran metallurgists and formal induction of newly recognized IIM Fellows.

Swosti Ballroom
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

Call for Papers & Manuscript Guidelines

menu_book

All presented research articles will be peer-reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Panel. Selected high-impact manuscripts will be invited for submission to a special dedicated issue of Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals (Springer Nature indexed, SCI impact factor 1.6).

Extended Abstract Deadline 15 Feb 2026 Extended from 30 Jan
Full Manuscript Due 05 Mar 2026 Standard IIM 6-Page format
Camera Ready Submission 18 Mar 2026 Includes final peer revisions
description
MS Word & LaTeX Template Pack Formatted specifically for AHSS-2026 technical submissions (ZIP, 1.1 MB).
THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF METALS • BHUBANESWAR CHAPTER
AHSS Microstructure Crystal Specimen
diamond 18th National Symposium Mar 28–29, 2026 • Hybrid confirmation_number 220 / 300 Seats (73% Full)

AHSS & Decarbonized Ironmaking

Bridging physical metallurgy, Hydrogen DRI kinetics, and industrial deployment across Eastern India.

Starts In:
--Days
:
--Hrs
:
--Mins
:
--Secs
how_to_reg Register as Delegate
location_on CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar schedule 09:00 – 17:30 IST sensors Interactive Hybrid
wallpaper

Executive Overview & Technical Scope

FOCUS 2026

The Indian steel ecosystem stands at a defining historical inflection point. Driven by ambitious infrastructure expansions and stringent global mandates under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), manufacturers are challenged to simultaneously lower emissions while manufacturing higher strength-to-weight structural materials.

The 18th National Symposium on Advanced High-Strength Steels & Decarbonized Ironmaking (AHSS-2026) assembles leading physical metallurgists, process modellers, plant heads, and academic luminaries to unpack the latest industrial pilot results. Special focus will be directed toward Hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron (H-DRI) reduction kinetics, transitioning blast furnace burdens using syngas injection, and precision thermomechanical rolling of 3rd generation dual-phase (DP) and martensitic sheet products.

Kinetics Benchmark 100% H₂ DRI Shaft gas utilization modeling with low-silica pellets.
Tensile Threshold 1180+ MPa Third-generation cold-formable automotive chassis grades.
Decarbonization -62% CO₂ Simulated emission abatement in hybrid blast furnace routes.
High precision metallurgical laboratory scanning electron microscope readout displaying microstructural phase transformation of advanced dual phase high strength steel, crisp lattice boundaries, crystalline structures with copper-tinted annotations in an industrial scientific facility.
Figure 1.0: EBSD phase mapping and grain boundary segregation in experimental DP1180 alloy. Source: CSIR-IMMT Phase Lab
RESEARCH PARADIGMS

Four Core Thematic Tracks

TRACK 01 thermostat

Hydrogen Reduction Kinetics & Shaft Furnace Dynamics

Thermodynamic modeling of pure H₂ and syngas reduction in vertical shaft retorts; sticking behavior of high-grade hematite pellets; kinetic barriers and mathematical modeling in shaft fluidization.

14 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
TRACK 02 grain

Microstructural Engineering of 3rd Gen AHSS & Formability

Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) treatment regimens, medium-Mn transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) architectures, crashworthiness, hole expansion ratios, and hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility.

19 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
TRACK 03 recycling

Slag Valorization & Zero-Waste Smelting in Eastern Minerals

Utilization of high-alumina iron ores typical of Odisha-Jharkhand mineral belts; chemical beneficiation of electric arc furnace (EAF) and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slags into geopolymers and structural aggregates.

11 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
TRACK 04 precision_manufacturing

Industry 4.0, Sensorics & Machine Learning in Hot Strip Mills

Computer vision online surface defect detection, digital twin simulations for run-out table laminar cooling controls, and ML-assisted predictive mechanical property forecasting in rolling plants.

16 Technical Submissions Details arrow_forward
DISTINGUISHED LECTURERS

Keynote & Plenary Speakers

Leading authorities from research bodies, premier institutes, and primary steel conglomerates.

Portrait of senior Indian metallurgy scientist in scholarly blazer with glasses and gray hair, sitting in front of a scientific library, warm lighting, authoritative academic portrait.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty

Chief Scientist, CSIR-IMMT Chairman, IIM Bhubaneswar Chapter
Plenary Keynote I:

"Decarbonization Pathways for Eastern Indian Steelmakers: Hydrogen Integration vs Direct Smelting Realities"

Expert in pyrometallurgy, plasma smelting, and mineral processing with 30+ years leading national mission projects.

Distinguished corporate technology leader Indian man in dark suit with tie, confident executive stance, laboratory facility blurred background, soft professional lighting.

Prof. Debashish Bhattacharjee

VP, Technology & New Materials Tata Steel Limited
Plenary Keynote II:

"Third-Generation AHSS Commercialization: Bridging Cold Workability and Press-Hardening Integrity"

Cambridge PhD alumnus; pioneered industrial implementation of complex-phase and martensitic steel coils for Tier-1 OEMs.

Esteemed academic director Indian professor in formal attire with glasses, dignified smile, academic university courtyard background, natural daytime lighting.

Prof. B. S. Murty

Director & Metallurgical Luminary IIT Hyderabad
Plenary Keynote III:

"High-Entropy Alloy Intermetallics & Phase Boundary Toughening in Ultra-High Strength Steels"

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Laureate, world renowned expert in high entropy alloys and physical metallurgy kinetics.

Senior Indian metallurgist and research director in crisp formal white shirt and vest, experienced veteran engineer with calm focused expression in industrial auditorium background.

Dr. R. V. Ramna

Former Director of R&D, SAIL Utkal Metallurgical Advisory Board
Plenary Keynote IV:

"Operational Challenges in High-Volume Blast Furnace Burdening with Low Carbon Injection Rates"

42 years of operational blast furnace management; lead consultant on modernization across Rourkela and Bokaro steel plants.

SESSION CHRONOLOGY

Two-Day Programme Schedule

DAY 1 THEME: Fundamental Kinetics, H-DRI & Automotive Steel Architectures CSIR-IMMT Main Auditorium
08:15 – 09:30

Delegate Registration, Kit Distribution & Morning Fellowship Tea

Auditorium Foyer • Badge collection, conference proceeding kit and sponsor exhibition access.

Secretariat Desks
09:30 – 10:45

Inaugural Session & Presidential Address by IIM National Council

Lighting of Lamp, Welcome by Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty (Chairman BBS Chapter), Presidential remarks on 'Eastern India Steel Corridor Sustainability Matrix'.

Plenary Hall
11:00 – 13:00

Plenary Keynote Sessions I & II

Keynote addresses by Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty (CSIR-IMMT) and Prof. Debashish Bhattacharjee (Tata Steel) followed by an open audience Q&A moderated panel.

Plenary Hall
13:00 – 14:00

Conference Networking Lunch & Research Poster Preview

Executive Dining Hall & Exhibition Lawn. Display of 32 shortlisted student researcher poster presentations.

Executive Lawn
14:00 – 16:30

Parallel Technical Sessions: Track 1 & Track 2

Track 1: Shaft Furnace Kinetics in Seminar Hall A • Track 2: 3rd Gen AHSS Microstructures in Seminar Hall B. 12 oral research papers presented.

Halls A & B
19:00 – 21:30

Symposium Gala Dinner & IIM Fellowship Induction

Swosti Premium Grand Ballroom. Honoring veteran metallurgists and formal induction of newly recognized IIM Fellows.

Swosti Ballroom
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

Call for Papers & Manuscript Guidelines

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All presented research articles will be peer-reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Panel. Selected high-impact manuscripts will be invited for submission to a special dedicated issue of Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals (Springer Nature indexed, SCI impact factor 1.6).

Extended Abstract Deadline 15 Feb 2026 Extended from 30 Jan
Full Manuscript Due 05 Mar 2026 Standard IIM 6-Page format
Camera Ready Submission 18 Mar 2026 Includes final peer revisions
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MS Word & LaTeX Template Pack Formatted specifically for AHSS-2026 technical submissions (ZIP, 1.1 MB).
CALENDAR HORIZON

More Upcoming Technical Events

Conferences, memorial lectures, and industry conclaves organized by the IIM Bhubaneswar Chapter.

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WORKSHOP April 18–19, 2026

International Workshop on Green Hydrogen in Blast Furnaces

Industrial trials, tuyere gas injection dynamics, and oxygen enrichment balances at large-scale integrated steel facilities.

Venue: Rourkela / Hybrid View Details chevron_right
MEMORIAL LECTURE May 14, 2026

Prof. P. K. Jena Memorial Lecture on Sustainable Minerals

Annual memorial address celebrating the vision of founding metallurgy pioneers in Odisha, honoring breakthrough mineral research.

CSIR-IMMT Main Campus View Details chevron_right
CONCLAVE July 24–25, 2026

Odisha Metallurgical Conclave 2026 (OMC-26)

Statewide summit bringing together state policymakers, mineral concession holders, DRI plants, and international technology vendors.

Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar View Details chevron_right
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CALENDAR HORIZON

More Upcoming Technical Events

Conferences, memorial lectures, and industry conclaves organized by the IIM Bhubaneswar Chapter.

View Complete Chapter Calendar arrow_forward
WORKSHOP April 18–19, 2026

International Workshop on Green Hydrogen in Blast Furnaces

Industrial trials, tuyere gas injection dynamics, and oxygen enrichment balances at large-scale integrated steel facilities.

Venue: Rourkela / Hybrid View Details chevron_right
MEMORIAL LECTURE May 14, 2026

Prof. P. K. Jena Memorial Lecture on Sustainable Minerals

Annual memorial address celebrating the vision of founding metallurgy pioneers in Odisha, honoring breakthrough mineral research.

CSIR-IMMT Main Campus View Details chevron_right
CONCLAVE July 24–25, 2026

Odisha Metallurgical Conclave 2026 (OMC-26)

Statewide summit bringing together state policymakers, mineral concession holders, DRI plants, and international technology vendors.

Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar View Details chevron_right