3rd Young Researchers Competition
Join the premier research competition for young scientists in the foundry industry. Present your innovative research and compete for prizes up to €8,000.
The Top 10 researchers will be invited to the World Foundry Conference 2026 in Türkiye to present their work in front of a large audience. The Top 3 will receive their awards live on stage.
- Prize Pool
- €14,000
- Online Event
- June 8-9
- Final Awards
- Türkiye
- Topics
- 3
Watch Our Trailer
Get a glimpse of what awaits you at the 3rd Young Researchers Competition.
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How It Works
From submission to awards - your journey to the World Foundry Conference in Türkiye.
Phase 1
Submit Your Abstract
Submit an abstract and a 2-minute video presentation by March 31, 2026.
Phase 1
Jury Selection
A jury of professors and industry professionals reviews all submissions and selects the Top 20.
Phase 2
Detailed Presentation
The Top 20 submit a 15-minute video explaining their research in detail. These are presented at the online conference on June 8–9, 2026 and evaluated by the jury to select the Top 10.
Phase 2
Live Finals in Türkiye
The Top 10 are invited to Türkiye to present live. The winners are announced on stage.
Who Can Participate?
Profile of Authors to Submission
Graduate Students
Enrolled in Masters courses directly related to the metal casting and metal-mechanical industry at the time of the abstract submission deadline.
PhD Students
Enrolled on their first PhD course at the time of the abstract submission deadline.
Early Career Professionals
Working at companies, universities, research centers or knowledge centers.
Under 35
All candidates must be under 35 years old.
Research Topics
Submit your research in one of these three focus areas.
Casting Solutions
High-quality cast components are characterized by reliability, long service life, multifunctionality, and complete recyclability. There is a constant demand for high-quality casting materials, highly efficient casting processes, and intelligent designs that combine different functions. Market trends are driving specific developments in areas like E-mobility structural castings and green energy components. Produced with lower energy consumption, a reduced CO2 footprint, and less waste.
Digital Methods / Engineering
The progress of digital methods is a key topic of research and development in manufacturing, with a need to improve their application across many areas of the casting process. Examples include data-driven analysis and quality assurance, data-based models to optimize machine control, and the use of artificial intelligence for design and process optimisation. Key challenges for the casting industry are the robustness of sensors to generate and gather data, the reliability of systems, and the large variety of factors that influence quality.
Circular Economy / Sustainable Foundry
The casting process is one of the most effective ways to get from primary material to a final product with the lowest possible energy input, enabling the recycling and re-use of metal alloys. High-quality recycling of mixed scrap and end-of-life components poses new challenges for the entire process chain. Foundries face demanding tasks in the transformation towards climate neutrality, including securing CO2-neutral energy sources and meeting increasing requirements for lifecycle assessments.
Key Dates
Mark your calendar for these important milestones.
Phase 1 Deadline
Submit your abstract and 2-minute video presentation.
Jury Review
The jury evaluates all Phase 1 submissions and selects the Top 20 participants.
Phase 2 Deadline
Top 20 submit their detailed 15-minute video presentations.
Online Conference
The Top 20 presentations are shown at the online conference. The jury selects the Top 10.
Live Finals in Türkiye
Top 10 present their research live. Winners are announced on stage.
Prizes & Awards
Total prize pool of €14,000 for the top researchers.
1st Place
€8,000
Present at World Foundry Conference
2nd Place
€4,000
Present at World Foundry Conference
3rd Place
€2,000
Present at World Foundry Conference
Top 10 Finalists
All Top 10 researchers will be invited to Türkiye to present their research live at the World Foundry Conference (October 19-21, 2026). (Accommodation and travel will be paid by sponsors).
Conference Gallery
Highlights from previous Young Researchers Competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the competition.
More Questions?
Feel free to reach out to us at wfoyrc@thewfo.com
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