The Institute of Refractories Engineers (IRE) continues to make strong progress under the current presidency, with a focus on growing membership, enhancing technical training, and strengthening industry collaboration. Membership has increased steadily in recent years, supported by a successful corporate membership programme, well-attended events, and strong publishing revenues through the Institute’s partnership with the Foundry Trade Journal.

The Institute has welcomed new Council members and leadership appointments while continuing to recognise outstanding contributions through Fellowships. The Australia Branch remains a key contributor, driving membership growth, supporting young engineers, and strengthening international collaboration through reciprocal events.

Technical training remains central to the IRE’s mission, with successful conferences, technical days, and plans for new initiatives including a young engineers’ “Best Paper” competition. The Institute is also expanding partnerships with organisations such as Ceramics UK, ANFRE, and the BSI RPI/1 committee to promote knowledge sharing and professional development across the refractory industry.

Looking ahead to 2026/27, the Council’s priorities include increasing membership and advertising revenue, enhancing the events programme, improving the members’ area of the website, and developing stronger partnerships with related professional institutes.

Statement From IRE President Dominic Oates

When I took over as president I committed to continuing the great work of those that had gone before me and to:

• Increase Membership
• Uphold Fundamental Objectives of the IRE
• Increase Technical Training and Networking opportunities for our members

Current Status of the Institute of Refractories Engineers

Membership is growing steadily as can be seen in the membership figures for the last few years:             

• 2023    186      
• 2024    209
• 2025    222
• 2026    195 (Currently)

The corporate package initiative continues to be a success, with 26 current holders (see website). Events are well attended and easily cover their running costs. Publishing revenues have continued to be high, particularly since FTJ took over producing the journal.

The Council

The council currently comprises of 16 members.

• New Council Members:  Devdutt Shukla
• I would like to thank and congratulate Matthias Tiede on his acceptance and appointment as IRE Treasurer
• As is customary following a full term as President, Mike Lamkin has been made a Fellow of the IRE
• There have been no appointments of Honorary Members in the last period, suggestions for suitable candidates are welcomed and would be reviewed by council

Australia Branch

Australia continues to be a forward thinking and growing branch. Their Conference and training days continue to generate large attendance and a significant contribution to the IRE. Specifically, they encouraged young people to join the institute by sponsoring membership of 10 young people into the institute last year. We are fortunate enough to have three of their members on council, who continue to play an active part in shaping our Institute. Reciprocal visits to each others’ events continue to strengthen the relationships between the two branches.

Fundamental Objectives of the IRE

Raising standards and training in our field of science and technology

In November 2025 we held another well attended conference and training day. As an evolution of our annual technical evenings, in April this year we held an extended event – The Spring Technical Day.  with approx. 40 attendees in total. We will continue to run both the April and November events over the coming 12 months. This year’s conference is currently in planning and will feature some collaboration with Ceramics UK and a new section; ‘Best Paper’ competition for young people coming into the industry.

Promoting and maintaining the character, status and interest of our members

We have met with the equivalent institute in Spain and Portugal (ANFRE) and hope to establish stronger ties with other European equivalent institutes. We have started a dialogue with Ceramics UK, who are interested using our established training events to send their own members to. We have started to work with the BSI RPI/1 committee (Refractory products and materials)  and offered them space in our journal to update on latest news and share information. Furthermore Dave Bell, of the IRE Council has been accepted onto this committee.

Sharing insights, news and interesting ideas

We are entering into our 5th Year of partnership with Foundry Trade Journal in the publishing of our own journal. Over this period feedback on the journal has been overwhelmingly positive and we have been receiving increased revenues from the Publishing Licence Service for articles taken from our journal and used in industry. As a member you can access all past journals and news on the website.

Encouraging members to exchange information to benefit our industry and each other

Through an enhanced annual member offering we are further encouraging, the exchange of information within our industry:

• Spring Technical Day
• IRE Golf Day
• Conference & Training Day
• The IRE Journal
• The IRE Website – upgraded booking feature

We are always open to new suggestions on how to exchange information to benefit each other and ultimately the industry.

2026-2027

2026/2027 the council is focusing on:

• Increasing Membership and Advertising Revenue
• Building and improving the events package
• Improving the website and members area (get conference and training presentations on there)
• Collaborating with related Institutes

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