8 - 10 September 2026
Swansea Arena, Swansea, UK

Abstract submission deadline 30 March 2026

The 20th annual conference organised by the British Society for Strain Measurement will bring together leading international researchers from academia and industry to exchange ideas and showcase research and innovation in experimental mechanics. 

The conference will be chaired and organised by Professor Hari Arora, Swansea University, UK

Measurements Lecture
Professor Michael Sutton, University of South Carolina, USA

Plenary Lectures
Professor Caitríona (Tríona) Lally, Trinity College Dublin; Ireland
Professor Lizzy Cross University of Sheffield; UK

EMex26
The BSSM's Exhibition of Experimental Mechanics is the premier UK exhibition for manufacturers and suppliers of strain measurement and stress analysis equipment and will take place over three days on the 8 and 10 September 2026

Young Stress Analyst Competition
The YSA Competition is an opportunity to present research and meet Industry and academic experts.

Register and more information

23 - 25 Feb 2026
University of Bristol, UK

Registration deadline 15 January 2026

Aims of the workshop

Provide a working knowledge of a range of techniques to allow the most appropriate to be selected for specific applications.

Understand testing procedures and the adaptations required to utilise the techniques presented.

Apply modern full-field non-contact imaging techniques such as Thermoelastic Stress Analysis (TSA) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for materials characterisation and performance assessment.

Understand non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM) including application of ultrasound, thermography, acoustic emission (AE), eddy current, and X-ray.
Understand how the techniques can be combined with each other and with numerical models .

Be able to manipulate and interpret data from experimental techniques to provide a detailed understanding of structural performance of fibre reinforced polymer composites.

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The only independently recognised strain measurement certification scheme in the world running for over 30 years following ISO 9712: the International Standard for Nondestructive Testing. Remote exams available on request.

Courses also available in Belgium

Working with the strain gauge manufactures and experienced practitioners, we have also developed the Code of Practice for the Installation of Electrical Resistance Strain Gauges * and a Certification scheme to provide a complete skillset for precision strain measurement through a range of training courses and examinations for the certification of strain gauge personnel including: Technicians who install strain gauges, Designers who design instruments to measure load, Torque, Pressure, Distance etc and Engineers who use strain gauges for Stress Analysis

Level 1

Pre-Exam Seminar (Basingstoke) 4 February 2026 

Examination (Basingstoke) 18 February 2026 

Pre-Exam Seminar (Belgium) 1 July 2026

Examination (Belgium) 15 July 2026

Pre-Exam Seminar (Basingstoke) 30 September 2026

Examination (Basingstoke) 14 October 2026

Level 2

Strain Analysis Course (Sheffield) 8 - 11 June 2026

Pre-Exam Seminar (Sheffield) 12 June 2026

Examination (Sheffield) 23 June 2026

Strain Analysis Course (Sheffield) 19 - 22 October 2026

Pre-Exam Seminar (Sheffield) 23 October 2026

Examination (Sheffield) 3 November 2026

Level 3

Stress Analysis Course (Sheffield) 14 -16 September 2026

Pre-Exam Seminar (Sheffield) 17 September 2026

Examination (Sheffield) 29 - 30 September 2026

Register

Code of Practice for the Installation of Electrical Strain Gauges

An updated edition following an extensive review and consultation with experienced Practitioners to provide best practice guidelines for the installation of electrical resistance strain gauges. Discounted for BSSM Members and provided to delegates as part of some of our training courses. More 

Level 1 qualification providing a qualification for engineers and technicians involved in the installation of pre-wired strain gauges. Showing  the holder has demonstrated a high level of skill in making strain gauge installations and can install gauges that can be used with confidence to make accurate and reliable measurements. The certificate can be integrated into the quality systems of participating businesses and organisations allowing them to demonstrate the competence of their employees. More

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