Current Research Trends in Energetic Materials

In the next few months, there will be several opportunities to become more aware of current research trends in energetic materials by attending international conferences. These conferences provide opportunities for both formal and informal discussions, and they can contribute considerably to the professional and personal development of those engaged in science and technology [1]. In addition, conferences can also allow validation of one's knowledge, or lack of knowledge, and they are a guard against misinformation that may arise when Artificial Intelligence (AI) is misused. Being up to date on research is particularly important in the area of energetic materials research and development (R&D). In many countries, as a result of the “Peace Dividend” [2], after 1989–91, there was a greatly reduced investment in energetic materials R&D, as well as in manufacturing capacity for energetic materials. The UK, for example, has had decades of decline in this area; however, there has now been a significant push to rebuild the UK's capabilities in energetic materials, from training the workforce in required science and technology skills to investing more in R&D, and growing manufacturing capability [3]. As the world becomes geopolitically more unstable and is particularly turbulent right now, countries look to improving their sovereign capabilities associated with energetic materials. There are different approaches to how the workforce can be trained and professionally developed, whether entirely in-house, or through external assistance and networking. To some extent, this depends on how much each nation or organization has already geared up with expertise, and how closely their R&D is guarded from dissemination. It is acknowledged that a lot of R&D can be difficult to publish in this area, but as Dr. Kirk Yeager observed in a PEP editorial, “foundational research upon which classified research is built is something that can be (and should be) shared” [4]. In particular, sharing knowledge facilitates improvements in the safe working practices of energetic materials. Expertise always takes time to develop, but the motivation to learn a new area is encouraged by attending conferences. Immersion in both formal and informal learning is accelerated, and networks can be initiated that lead to data sharing and collaboration. In addition, there is no better place to get feedback on one's knowledge than when presenting a paper at a conference. As with publishing, peer review encourages improvement, and “iron sharpens iron,” so we learn from each other. A further benefit to attending conferences is the grounding that one receives so that new knowledge can be validated and questioned face-to-face. In a world that is rapidly adapting to the considerable benefits of AI [5-7], generative AI is also becoming a means of promulgating convincing misinformation that challenges genuine science and technology [8]. To guard against misinformation in a world that seems overloaded with it, we need information we rely on to be validated. This validation is best done through open publishing and peer review in well-regarded journals such as Propellants, Explosives and Pyrotechnics, the official journal of the International Pyrotechnics Society. Conferences also have a role here as the formal and informal components of a conference educate scientists and engineers to make them less susceptible to misinformation. Recently, the 49th International Pyrotechnics Seminar in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, was unfortunately cancelled. Lack of conference papers was the underlying factor. Fortunately, the International Pyrotechnics Society is now partnering with the Fraunhofer ICT to hold the 49th International Pyrotechnics Seminar jointly with the 55th International Annual Conference of the ICT in Karlsruhe, Germany, 23–26 June, 2026 [9]. In addition, there will be a workshop on 23 June, the 20th Workshop on Pyrotechnic Combustion Mechanisms. The International Pyrotechnics Society has two awards available to pay the registration fees for the 55th ICT/49th IPS conference and workshop. The Frank Carver Bursary Award, honoring Dr. Frank Carver from the UK, and the Dr. Bernard E. Douda Young Scientist Award, honoring US Senior Pyrotechnics Scientist Bernie Douda. Please see the Fraunhofer 55th ICT website for details [9]. Personal connections at conferences are truly an investment in the future [1]. We hope that many of you will continue to be able to obtain the many benefits of conference attendance.