The International Symposium on Current Challenges of Wind Energy Development: Materials Science and Structural Aspects, organised by Leon Mishnaevsky Jr. from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Dr Alexandros Antoniou from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), took place last week, 13th-15th May in Athens.

Over the course of three days, the symposium brought together experts from around the globe to address the pressing issues in wind energy development. It included ten sessions, encompassing 36 presentations that delved into various aspects of materials science and structural engineering pertinent to wind energy. More than 40 participants from diverse international backgrounds engaged in the event, contributing to a vibrant exchange of knowledge and ideas.

A highlight of the symposium was Dr Wei Tan's invited talk on 'Failure Modelling of Composite Materials under Extreme Loading or Environmental Conditions.' Dr Tan's presentation was met with great enthusiasm, sparking insightful discussions and receiving very positive feedback from attendees.

The symposium provided a valuable platform for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to discuss advancements, share research findings, and explore collaborative opportunities in the field of wind energy. The organisers, Mishnaevsky and Dr Antoniou, expressed their gratitude for the active participation and the high level of discourse, which they believe will significantly contribute to the advancement of wind energy technologies.

Looking ahead, the success of this symposium sets a strong precedent for future events aimed at tackling the evolving challenges in renewable energy development.