A Fresh Start for ASSESS in 2025

5-minute read

2025 marks a new chapter for the ASSESS Initiative, with a refreshed vision, renewed outlook, and a stronger-than-ever commitment to advancing engineering simulation.

This year, we’re shifting our focus toward direct action, launching a series of projects that will progress throughout the year, and presenting the results at the 2026 ASSESS Summit in Atlanta, Georgia.

Following the 2025 Summit, we compiled a longlist of potential project ideas based on discussions and community input. We then asked the community to prioritise the list — and they responded. Based on that valuable feedback, we’re excited to announce the following projects:

• AI Ready
  Identifying the essential steps every simulation-driven engineering organisation should take to prepare to be ready to exploit emerging AI and ML methods.
• Data-Driven Simulation Benchmarks
  Testing and evaluating data-driven modelling tools using benchmark cases inspired by the NAFEMS archive.
• Simulation Supporting Certification – State-of-the-Art Review
  Conducting a cross-industry review of how simulation is currently used in the certification process, highlighting both successes and challenges.
• Requirements for Interoperability
  Defining generic interoperability requirements and assessing how well existing standards meet them.

If you’re part of our community and would like to contribute to these projects actively, please register your interest using the form below.

New Focus Area: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

In response to the growing interest and rapid developments in AI and ML for engineering simulation, we’re excited to launch a new dedicated theme on this topic — effective immediately.

The newly formed ASSESS AI & ML Theme Committee will explore how data-driven modelling can complement and enhance traditional physics-based simulation. The committee will discuss:

• Confidence in data-driven models
• Outlining the organisational steps required for adoption
• Identifying high-value application areas

If you’re a NAFEMS member or plan to attend the 2026 ASSESS Summit and want to join this committee, please email me directly at assess@nafems.org.

Note: Committee membership will be limited to ensure focus and impact. We’re looking for individuals with relevant expertise, influence within their organisations, and experience applying AI and ML to engineering simulation.