The “ICCECIP 2026 — 8th International Conference on Central European Critical Infrastructure Protection” will be held this year within the framework of the Hungarian Science Festival, in in-person format, at Óbuda University, Bánki Donát Faculty of Mechanical and Safety Engineering, on 12–13 November 2026.

Our era is characterised by rapid technological development and digitalisation. Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of everyday life and is increasingly and rapidly integrated into research and innovation, including critical infrastructure protection. In the development of autonomous systems, digital and materials science research are closely intertwined. Digital control systems are used to operate real-world devices. These autonomous vehicles are manufactured using advanced materials developed by materials scientists, including shape-memory materials, superconducting materials, high-strength, low-density materials, and composites.

The utilisation of renewable energy sources requires advanced energy supply and storage systems, the optimisation and research of which are of paramount importance. The control and monitoring of smart homes, factories, machines, and equipment rely on digital tools to ensure efficient information flow. Modern society increasingly demands a digital way of life, supported by digital infrastructures that enable everyday administration, banking transactions, education, healthcare, public administration, and transportation. Information and communication systems are also integral parts of cyberspace. Consequently, cyberspace has become a component of critical infrastructure and must be protected not only through cybersecurity measures but also by physical means. As a result, technological developments aim not only at protecting military facilities but also at providing comprehensive protection for society as a whole.

The motto of this year’s conference is:

“State-of-the-Art Technological Solutions in Critical Infrastructure Protection.”

The primary objective of the conference is to emphasise the unity of the Central European region and to provide a professional forum that enables researchers from all over the world—experienced experts, early-career researchers, and PhD students alike—to present their latest research results to the scientific community and the wider public. Our countries are connected by a shared historical and cultural heritage, as well as by centuries of cooperation that have shaped a standard development trajectory and laid the foundations for future shared goals and collaborations.

Furthermore, ICCECIP 2026 aims to promote dialogue and cooperation among researchers and engineers working in various scientific disciplines who share a common interest in critical infrastructure protection. The conference will provide an opportunity to present recent achievements, explore emerging trends, and identify future research directions in this dynamically developing field. The programme will include oral presentations and poster sessions, offering a platform for initiating and strengthening collaborative research projects.