About the
US National
Combustion Meeting
Advancing combustion science.
Building community.
Fostering connections.
The U.S. National Combustion Meeting brings together researchers, students, engineers, and industry professionals from across the country to share discoveries, exchange ideas, and shape the future of combustion science and technology.
Held every two years, the USNCM is organized by the three U.S. Sections of the Combustion Institute (the Eastern States, Central States, and Western States sections). Since 1999, the meeting has provided a national forum for technical exchange, collaboration, mentoring, and community building across the combustion field.
What is the USNCM?
A multidisciplinary scientific meeting centered on the fundamentals and applications of combustion, reacting flows, fire, fuels, energy conversion, propulsion, emissions, and related fields.
The meeting creates a space where established researchers and the next generation of scientists and engineers can:
Share: Present new research and emerging ideas.
Discuss: Exchange perspectives across disciplines and institutions.
Connect: Build collaborations with researchers in academia, government, and industry.
Grow: Create opportunities for students and early-career researchers to develop professionally.
Discover: Explore new directions in combustion science, energy, sustainability, and safety.
USNCM by the Numbers
500+
ATTENDEES
from across academia, industry, and government
200+
TECHNICAL PRESENTATIONS
in oral, interactive, and poster formats
3
FULL DAYS
of science, networking, and community
50%
STUDENT PARTICIPATION
showcasing the future of combustion research
WHO ATTENDS THE USNCM?
STUDENTS
Share your work, meet future collaborators, find mentors, and explore career options
ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS
Exchange new research, develop collaborations, and connect across disciplines
INDUSTRY
Discover emerging technologies, recruit talent, and build academic-industry partnerships
GOVERNMENT & NATL LABS
Connect basic research with national priorities, applications, and emerging challenges.
NEW FOR BOULDER
More ways to connect than ever before.
The Boulder meeting will indroduce expanded interactive presentations (learn more here), dedicated industry programming, mentoring and career spaces, and opportunities to connect technical sessions with the research community throughout the Colorado Front Range.
OUR VALUES
SCIENTIFIC EXCELLENCE
A rigorous forum for high-quality combustion research
MEANINGFUL INTERACTION
Programming designed to encourage discussion and collaboration
COMMUNITY
A welcoming environment for students, established researchers, industry, and new members of the field.
CONNECTION ACROSS SECTORS
Opportunities for meaningful interaction among academia, government, national labs, and industry.
HOSTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER
The 15th USNCM brings the national combustion community to the foot of the Rocky Mountains.
With the University of Cololorado Boulder as its academic partner and the Limelight Boulder as its conference home, the meeting will combine technical programming with opportunities to connect with researchers, laboratories, industry partners, and the broader Front Range scientific community.
Meet the Leadership Team
Nicole Labbe
Conference Chair/Host
University of Colorado
Oversees overall planning and delivery of the meeting, including venue coordiation, attendee experience, partnerships, and conference operations.
Bret Windom
Conference Co-Chair
Colorado State
Supports overall conference planning and coordination across the organizing committee.
Bihter Padak
Program Chair
U California Irvine
Leads development of the scientific program, including technical sessions, abstract review, and featured speakers.
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Peter Hamlington
University of Colorado
John Hewson
Sandia
Erica Belmont
Wyoming
Greg Rieker
University of Colorado
Kyle Niemeyer
Oregon State
Mike Meehan
Sandia
John Daily
University of Colorado
Sara McAllister
U.S. Forest Service
Michael Knadler
U.S. Airforce Academy
Greg Hampson
University of Colorado
Rajavasanth Rajasegar
Colorado School of Mines
Shashank Yellapantula
NLR
David Lignell
BYU
Rodger Cornell
Army
PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
Person 1
Institution