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Cofrend Days 2026

COFREND Days 2026 is one of the largest international events dedicated to Non-Destructive Testing, bringing together the global NDT community for three days of scientific exchange, technical innovation, and industry networking. It will be held from 19 to 21 May 2026 at the Lyon Congress Center in Lyon, France, under the theme “NDT – See to Foresee.” The event is organized by COFREND (Confédération Française pour les Essais Non Destructifs), the French federation for NDT professionals, researchers, service providers, manufacturers, and educators. 

This edition is expected to attract around 3,000 participants, including industry practitioners, equipment suppliers, research institutions, universities, laboratories, and service providers from sectors such as aerospace, automotive, nuclear, petrochemical, rail, civil engineering, and more. Over 160 scientific and technical presentations will be delivered by experts on topics ranging from robotized NDT, digitalization, artificial intelligence, phased array imaging, to material characterization and corrosion monitoring. Poster sessions and doctoral competitions will offer opportunities for students and early-career researchers to present their work, and the prestigious COFREND Prize will be awarded. 

The event also features a large exhibition area with more than 90 exhibitors showcasing the latest NDT technologies, equipment, and solutions over a 5,000 m² space, enabling attendees to interact with suppliers and explore cutting-edge tools and methodology. An Open Day on 20 May will be dedicated to introducing students and job seekers to NDT professions, highlighting career paths and training opportunities in the field. Social activities such as a gala dinner and optional industrial site visits further enhance the experience. 

COFREND Days 2026 is not only a major technical conference but also a platform for fostering collaboration, advancing professional skills, addressing the future challenges of the NDT industry, and promoting the profession on an international scale.

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About COFREND

COFREND (Confédération Française pour les Essais Non Destructifs) is the principal French professional association dedicated to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT / END) and serves as the national reference body for the qualification and certification of NDT personnel. Established in 1967, COFREND brings together a wide-ranging community across the NDT sector—including industrial users, service providers, manufacturers, equipment distributors, research organisations, training institutions, and public authorities—to promote best practices and professional standards in the field. 

As an accredited certification body, COFREND operates under the French Accreditation Committee (COFRAC) according to ISO/IEC 17024, and administers certification programs based on international standards such as ISO 9712 for non-destructive testing personnel across multiple industry sectors including manufacturing, maintenance, rail, and metal products. It is also authorised by the French Ministry responsible for ecological and industrial policy to certify NDT personnel in accordance with relevant pressure equipment directives. 

COFREND is structured around dedicated competence hubs that manage professional organisation, certification and qualification, scientific and technical work, communications, events, and international outreach. The association’s governance includes a board of directors representing both corporate and individual members, supported by commissions and working groups that develop technical recommendations, certification schemes, and contribute to research and standardisation. 

In addition to its core role in professional qualification, COFREND actively facilitates events, conferences, technical seminars, and exhibitions that foster knowledge exchange, showcase innovations in NDT methodologies, support training and career development, and strengthen the global NDT community. With thousands of certified individuals and extensive industry engagement, COFREND plays a central role in advancing non-destructive testing excellence in France and internationally.

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