Engineering the Future Navy: what to expect at INEC/iSCSS 2026
November 2026 sees the return of the IMarEST’s International Naval Engineering Conference and International Ship Control Systems Symposium (INEC/iSCSS). Here’s a taster of what's to come this Autumn...
Described as “one of the reference international conferences for naval engineering and ship control systems”, the 2026 International Naval Engineering Conference and International Ship Control Systems Symposium(INEC/iSCSS) bring together a highly international audience of researchers, scientists, engineers, industry representatives, government bodies, navies and institutional stakeholders.
This year held in Edinburgh on November 10-12, the event, now in its 18th iteration, has particular relevance to the development of control, automation and autonomy technologies for shipboard systems, according to iSCSS Vice Chair and Associate Professor at the University of Genoa, Michele Martelli.
“One of its main strengths is precisely this ability to place academia, research centres, companies, ministries and public institutions in the same forum, allowing them to discuss emerging technologies, operational requirements and scientific advances from complementary perspectives,” says Professor Martelli.
More than 300 participants from 25 countries are expected in 2026 to feature in a programme that will include about 100 scientific presentations covering the latest research, applications and technological developments. “It will also feature invited speakers of international ministries, senior industry figures, researchers and academics from a wide range of countries,” he says.
Neil McCallum, INEC Chairman and Senior Naval Advisor, National Armaments International at the Ministry of Defence, says that INEC serves a wider portfolio ranging from the technical and regulatory to personnel issues.
“The conferences attract a range of speakers from serving naval personnel, industry providers and academia,” says McCallum. “The blend of speaker is most important, providing breadth of discussion and different viewpoints.”
The first keynote speakers to be announced include Rear Admiral Rachel Durbin, AM, CSC, RAN, and Captain Mo Magzoub OBE, of the Royal Navy.
Durbin's keynote speech will focus on the Australian perspective of the changing maritime strategic environment and its implications for naval engineering, shipbuilding and sustainment.
“Australia is undertaking one of the most significant periods of naval modernisation in its history,” says Rear Admiral Durbin. “With the introduction of new surface combatants, conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines through AUKUS, and substantial investment in sovereign industrial capability.”
A key challenge is balancing capability, affordability and speed of delivery, while also modernising at an unprecedented pace and ensuring platforms remain adaptable throughout their service lives.
“The conference themes provide an excellent opportunity to discuss how navies, industry and academia must work together to meet increasingly complex operational demands in rapidly evolving environments,” says Rear Admiral Durbin. “They also highlight the importance of engineering excellence, innovation and strong partnerships in delivering a capable and resilient navy that is fit for the challenges ahead.”
“INEC and iSCSS have consistently provided an outstanding forum for bringing together naval operators, engineers, industry leaders and researchers from across the globe.”
Durbin says that one of the greatest benefits of these conferences is the opportunity to share lessons learned and practical experience. “Whether discussing platform design, sustainment, emerging technologies, workforce development or infrastructure, delegates can gain insights from programs and initiatives that may have direct relevance to their own organisations.”
Martelli adds that an important aim of the conference is to support young professionals and early-career researchers. “This includes dedicated opportunities for younger contributors, such as student pitches and awards for outstanding work by authors under 35,” he explains. “In addition, using more interactive formats, such as digital poster sessions, will make technical communication more direct and encourage stronger engagement between presenters and the audience.”
The INEC/ISCSS conference will be held in Edinburgh, at the John McIntyre Conference Centre, University of Edinburgh, from 10 to 12 November 2026.
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Image: Aerial view of naval ship. Credit: Shutterstock
