The ABCM International Congress of Mechanical Engineering - COBEM takes place every two years in a Brazilian city. COBEM is the biggest and most traditional scientific event covering all fields of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering in Latin America, and it is promoted by the Brazilian Society of Engineering and Mechanical Sciences - ABCM.

The Congress aims at gathering specialists for an in depth discussion of the many aspects covered by this large branch of science and technology. Papers to be presented at COBEM are expected to focus on fundamental and applied issues, including computational, theoretical and experimental contributions, drawing upon the various branches of engineering science and the allied areas within applied mathematics, materials science and applied physics. Participants will have the opportunity to present and to discuss important issues in Engineering and Mechanical Sciences in the different Technical Sessions, Round Tables and Short Courses and will be exposed to new ideas and developments in different Invited Lectures.

The 23rd edition of COBEM will be held from December 6th to 11th , 2015, at the worldwide renowned city of Rio de Janeiro. Rio is the most visited city in the southern hemisphere, being widely known for its natural beauty, music, and famous landmarks. The state of Rio de Janeiro accounts for almost 20% of the nationwide scientific production and it is home of many of the largest universities in Brazil. More than that, the city of Rio de Janeiro is a synthesis of Brazil – a melting pot of different cultures and people from all corners of the country (and of the world).

The last edition of COBEM held in Rio de Janeiro was in 1989, about 25 years ago. During this period, the world (and this is particularly true for Brazil) has undergone remarkable political, economic and technological changes. Therefore, besides the scientific sections, the symbolic return of the congress to Rio after 25 years will be an opportunity to have special activities (round tables, plenary lectures) devoted to making a balance of these changes that call for a renewed understanding of this rapidly changing multipolar world.

The present edition of COBEM is organized by the Graduate Program in Mechanical Engineering of Universidade Federal Fluminense (Graduate Program Francisco Eduardo Mourão Saboya - PGMEC/UFF). The Congress will also be a special opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Program, which started its activities in 1995.

Science and Technology in a Changing World. More than a Congress theme, the goal is to propose a question and a challenge for the community of mechanical sciences and engineering: How science and technology can contribute to a more innovative, inclusive and sustainable world?

We are looking forward to meeting you in Rio.

Heraldo da Costa Mattos
Congress Chair
On Behalf of the Organizing Committee