Government Innovation in Advanced Materials at SAMPE 2026
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Technical sessions designed to support mission readiness, certification, and scalable deployment
SAMPE 2026 in Seattle will bring together leaders from government agencies, national laboratories, academia, and industry to advance the development and implementation of next-generation materials and manufacturing technologies.
A number of technical sessions and co-located programs at the conference will focus specifically on government research initiatives, certification pathways, and collaborative programs that help transition emerging materials and processes into operational systems.
From FAA certification research to Air Force materials innovation and Department of Energy initiatives, these sessions highlight how public-sector programs are driving progress in advanced materials and manufacturing.
FAA Joint Advanced Materials & Structures (JAMS) Technical Review
SAMPE 2026 will host the Joint Advanced Materials & Structures Center of Excellence (JAMS) Technical Review, providing a forum for collaboration among government researchers, academic institutions, and industry partners.
The review includes contributions from the Center of Excellence for Composites and Advanced Materials (CECAM)Â at Wichita State University and the Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials in Transport Aircraft Structures (AMTAS)Â at the University of Washington.
Fourteen technical presentations will address key topics including:
Material characterization and control
Additive manufacturing
Resin-infused composites
Discontinuous fiber composites
Joining technologies
The sessions provide insight into research priorities and certification challenges that impact the broader aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.
Session Schedule
Tuesday, April 28 | 1:00–5:00 PM
Wednesday, April 29 | 9:00–11:00 AM
Thursday, April 30 | 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
CMH-17: The Global Reference for Composite Materials Data
SAMPE 2026 will also feature presentations connected to the Composite Materials Handbook-17 (CMH-17), the internationally recognized reference for composite material properties and testing methodologies.
The handbook supports the standardization of engineering data development processes related to testing, data reduction, and reporting for both current and emerging composite materials.
Seven presentations will explore topics related to data development methodologies, property characterization, and evolving standards for advanced composite materials.
Session Time
Wednesday, April 29 | 2:00–5:00 PM
AFRL COASTER Program: Materials and Manufacturing Innovation
Researchers associated with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s COASTER program will share insights from a multi-year research initiative focused on advanced materials and processes for aerospace systems.
The Composites, Adhesives, Specialty Technologies, and Elastomers Research (COASTER) program was a $55 million research effort led by the University of Dayton Research Institute in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate.
The program explored technologies designed to:
Improve mission readiness
Reduce lifecycle and production costs
Enhance system safety
Advance testing methodologies
Accelerate the transition of materials technologies into operational use
Presentations will include examples from Air Force platforms such as the B-2, F-22, F-35, F-16, B-1, C-5, and C-130, along with discussions of new testing protocols, manufacturing techniques, and materials characterization approaches.
Session Time
Wednesday, April 29 | 9:30–11:00 AM
ITAR-Focused Technical Presentations
SAMPE 2026 will also include a series of technical presentations related to defense and government programs conducted under ITAR considerations.
These presentations are organized in collaboration with The Composites Consortium (TCC)Â and managed by Advanced Technology International (ATI).
Topics will include:
Materials for extreme environments
High-rate manufacturing
Additive manufacturing
Defense and government composite programs
These sessions provide insight into emerging technologies being explored across defense and government materials programs.
DOE Leadership in Polymer Composites
The U.S. Department of Energy will lead a panel discussion on innovation in polymer composites and advanced manufacturing.
The session will examine the role of DOE’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) in advancing materials research and accelerating the development of next-generation manufacturing capabilities.
Panelists will discuss:
Emerging national priorities for polymer composites
Harsh-environment materials development
Advanced manufacturing processes
Opportunities for collaboration between industry, academia, and national laboratories
Session Time
Wednesday, April 29 | 9:30–11:00 AM
The Composites Consortium (TCC) Partner Presentations
SAMPE 2026 will also host presentations from The Composites Consortium (TCC), bringing together industry, government, and research partners to share insights on advanced composite technologies.
Session Time
Thursday, April 30 | 9:30 AM–3:00 PM, by invite only.
Advancing Collaboration Across Government, Industry, and Academia
By convening government agencies, research institutions, and industry leaders in one place, SAMPE 2026 provides a unique environment for collaboration across the advanced materials ecosystem.
These sessions highlight how partnerships between public and private organizations help accelerate the development, certification, and deployment of materials technologies that support aerospace, defense, energy, and manufacturing innovation.
Join the Conversation at SAMPE 2026
SAMPE 2026
Seattle Convention Center
April 27–30, 2026