Fireside chat: Shaping the future of non-destructive testing and evaluation technologies
Innovate UK Business Connect (IUKBC), the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) and the UK Research Centre in Non-Destructive Evaluation (RCNDE) brought together industry, academia, technology providers and end users to explored how the UK NDT/NDE landscape should evolve over the next decade.
The workshop, held on 8 June 2026, brought together around 100 participants to share perspectives on the future of the sector and identify emerging opportunities, challenges and priorities.
Key themes
Discussions highlighted several priorities for the future of NDT/NDE, including:
- NDT as a capability-led discipline, not solely a technology challenge
- greater emphasis on lifecycle engineering assurance
- the importance of skills, collaboration and knowledge transfer
- the need for investment, validation and assurance pathways
- the strategic role of NDT in supporting UK industry, infrastructure and sustainability
From workshop insights to industry perspectives
The findings from the June workshop have since been explored further through a fireside chat, bringing together leaders from industry and research to reflect on the themes raised by participants and consider what they mean for the future of NDT/NDE.
Watch the fireside chat
Hear reflections on the workshop findings and future opportunities from leaders across industry and research. Download the presentation.
Contributors
Lorelei Gherman, Innovate UK Business Connect
Tim Barden, Rolls-Royce PLC
Caroline Bull, UK Research Centre in Non-Destructive Evaluation (RCNDE)
Ian Cooper, Retired industry expert
What’s next?
We welcome engagement from industry, academia, technology developers and end users as we work together to shape the future of NDT/NDE in the UK.
