Four intensive days of great discussions at the EWSHM 2024 in Potsdam have passed rather quickly.  Six keynote speeches by SHM personalities from Germany, Korea and France and the 370 specialist presentations that followed provided important impetus for scientists and SHM practitioners from 32 countries.

The lecture programme, the excursions to the ILA and BAM as well as the demonstrator session provided exclusive and, above all, practical insights into the latest findings and developments in the field of SHM.

Looking back, the 450 participants had a very interesting time in Potsdam, with plenty of opportunities for professional exchange and networking.

Many thanks to everyone who attended the EWSHM and congratulations to the winners of the SHM Awards, which were presented and awarded at the conference evening in the Tipi:

• The "SHM Person of the Year" award is given to scientists* who have made important and outstanding contributions to society in the field of SHM. This year's winner was Prof. Eleni Chatzi from ETH Zurich.
• The Achenbach Medal was awarded to Dr. Soman Rohan, a young researcher from Gdansk, for his outstanding contributions in the field of SHM over the past ten years.
• The third award, which was at least announced that evening, was the Student Paper Award. From the papers and posters submitted by students, the Scientific Committee selected the 11 best, which will now be published on NDT.net. The best paper will then be honored at the EWSHM 2026.

Congratulations and see you at the EWSHM 2026 in Toulouse!