Events
Webinars
Recent Advances in Innovative Ignition Systems for Next-Generation Spark-Ignition Engines: From Light-Duty to Heavy-Duty Applications
July 8, 2026
12:00 PM Eastern Time
Register: Complimentary Webinar
The continued push toward higher specific power and thermal efficiency spark ignition (SI) engines, combined with an increasingly diverse fuel mix, is placing an unprecedented demand on ignition systems. High peak firing pressure and high compression ratios create unique challenges for achieving stable combustion in SI engines; problems relevant to a wide range for both light-duty and heavy-duty engines. This webinar explores the evolution of powertrain technologies and its impact on ignition system requirements for modern new generation SI engines. This includes recent advances in innovative ignition solutions, such as ion sensing and pre-chamber technologies. Emphasis is also placed on ignition system challenges introduced by alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, ammonia, and alcohol fuels, where the fuel properties fundamentally alter ignition system design constraints.
By combining insights from advanced experimental and simulation approaches, the webinar aims to equip engineers and researchers with the knowledge to understand how design and technology selection of innovative ignition systems can impact the performance of new gen SI engines from light to heavy duty applications
Speakers
Nathan Peters
R&D Technical Expert
DUMAREY USA
Noor Jariri
Head of Research & Development
Eldor Automotive Powertrain USA
Moderators
Cosmin Dumitrescu, PhD
Professor in the Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering Department
West Virginia University
Dr. Giacomo Belgiorno
Technology Area Leader for Combustion and Emissions in Advanced Engineering Department
DUMAREY Automotive Italia
Decarbonizing Large Engines: Real-World Progress with Methanol and Ammonia
June 16, 2026
12:00 PM Eastern Time
Register: Complimentary Webinar
The decarbonization of heavy-duty transportation and marine sectors presents unique challenges for internal combustion engines, particularly in large-bore applications where electrification remains difficult. This webinar explores advances in large-engine technologies using alternative fuels, focusing on methanol and ammonia.
Prof. Sebastian Verhelst will present results from the EU-funded FASTWATER project, examining methanol engine concepts demonstrated in marine vessels such as tugboats and pilot boats. His talk will cover the rationale behind these choices, engine performance, and key challenges related to installation, integration, and regulatory approval, along with ongoing research beyond the project.
Sotiris Topaloglou of WinGD will provide an industry perspective on ammonia-fueled two-stroke engines, focusing on the X-DF-A platform. He will discuss recent development progress, testing results, and key advancements enabling ammonia as a viable fuel for large marine engines.
Together, these presentations highlight how internal combustion engines are evolving to meet decarbonization goals in large-scale applications, providing both technical insight and practical experience toward the adoption of low-carbon fuels.
Speakers
Sotiris Topaloglou, PhD
Deputy VP R&D, Global Head of Testing and Validation
WinGD Ltd.
Sebastian Verhelst, PhD
Full Professor of Internal Combustion Engines
Ghent University
Moderator
Adam Klingbeil, PhD
Senior Engineer- Advanced Engine R&D
Wabtec Corporation
Dr. Adam Klingbeil is a Senior Engineer in the Advanced Engine Technologies group at Wabtec, where he focuses on large engine testing and combustion system development for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. With 18 years of industry experience, he has contributed to the development of key performance technologies used in Wabtec’s Tier 3, Tier 4, and NextFuel locomotives, and has been actively involved in the development of alternative fuel strategies for future locomotive platforms.
He holds a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Ph.D. from Stanford University, has authored more than 20 conference and journal publications, and is co-inventor on over 60 patents. Dr. Klingbeil is an active contributor within ASME and CIMAC.
Conferences
ASME DRIVN: The Global Transportation and Power Systems Summit
September 14 – 16, 2026
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Westin Southfield Detroit
ASME DRIVN (pronounced "driven") brings together engineers and researchers working across multiple modes of transportation, including land and sea, and encompassing all internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies and applications. ASME DRIVN is a technology-focused forum that features cutting-edge research papers, insightful technical presentations, engaging panel discussions with influential leaders, and recognition of innovators shaping the transportation landscape.
For longtime ICE Forward participants, much will feel familiar. You can continue submitting your work to the technical tracks you know and value. At the same time, ASME DRIVN expands the technical program to include electrification, safety, life-cycle analysis, and other emerging and established transportation topics, reflecting the evolving needs of modern mobility systems.
International ICE Forward Symposium
June 3 – 5, 2026
Bologna, Italy
Recent Advances in Innovative Ignition Systems for Next-Generation Spark-Ignition Engines: From Light-Duty to Heavy-Duty Applications
July 8, 2026
12:00 PM Eastern Time
Register: Complimentary Webinar
The continued push toward higher specific power and thermal efficiency spark ignition (SI) engines, combined with an increasingly diverse fuel mix, is placing an unprecedented demand on ignition systems. High peak firing pressure and high compression ratios create unique challenges for achieving stable combustion in SI engines; problems relevant to a wide range for both light-duty and heavy-duty engines. This webinar explores the evolution of powertrain technologies and its impact on ignition system requirements for modern new generation SI engines. This includes recent advances in innovative ignition solutions, such as ion sensing and pre-chamber technologies. Emphasis is also placed on ignition system challenges introduced by alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, ammonia, and alcohol fuels, where the fuel properties fundamentally alter ignition system design constraints.
By combining insights from advanced experimental and simulation approaches, the webinar aims to equip engineers and researchers with the knowledge to understand how design and technology selection of innovative ignition systems can impact the performance of new gen SI engines from light to heavy duty applications
Speakers
Nathan Peters
R&D Technical Expert
DUMAREY USA
Noor Jariri
Head of Research & Development
Eldor Automotive Powertrain USA
Moderators
Cosmin Dumitrescu, PhD
Professor in the Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering Department
West Virginia University
Dr. Giacomo Belgiorno
Technology Area Leader for Combustion and Emissions in Advanced Engineering Department
DUMAREY Automotive Italia
Decarbonizing Large Engines: Real-World Progress with Methanol and Ammonia
June 16, 2026
12:00 PM Eastern Time
Register: Complimentary Webinar
The decarbonization of heavy-duty transportation and marine sectors presents unique challenges for internal combustion engines, particularly in large-bore applications where electrification remains difficult. This webinar explores advances in large-engine technologies using alternative fuels, focusing on methanol and ammonia.
Prof. Sebastian Verhelst will present results from the EU-funded FASTWATER project, examining methanol engine concepts demonstrated in marine vessels such as tugboats and pilot boats. His talk will cover the rationale behind these choices, engine performance, and key challenges related to installation, integration, and regulatory approval, along with ongoing research beyond the project.
Sotiris Topaloglou of WinGD will provide an industry perspective on ammonia-fueled two-stroke engines, focusing on the X-DF-A platform. He will discuss recent development progress, testing results, and key advancements enabling ammonia as a viable fuel for large marine engines.
Together, these presentations highlight how internal combustion engines are evolving to meet decarbonization goals in large-scale applications, providing both technical insight and practical experience toward the adoption of low-carbon fuels.
Speakers
Sotiris Topaloglou, PhD
Deputy VP R&D, Global Head of Testing and Validation
WinGD Ltd.
Sebastian Verhelst, PhD
Full Professor of Internal Combustion Engines
Ghent University
Moderator
Adam Klingbeil, PhD
Senior Engineer- Advanced Engine R&D
Wabtec Corporation
Dr. Adam Klingbeil is a Senior Engineer in the Advanced Engine Technologies group at Wabtec, where he focuses on large engine testing and combustion system development for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. With 18 years of industry experience, he has contributed to the development of key performance technologies used in Wabtec’s Tier 3, Tier 4, and NextFuel locomotives, and has been actively involved in the development of alternative fuel strategies for future locomotive platforms.
He holds a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Ph.D. from Stanford University, has authored more than 20 conference and journal publications, and is co-inventor on over 60 patents. Dr. Klingbeil is an active contributor within ASME and CIMAC.
Conferences
ASME DRIVN: The Global Transportation and Power Systems Summit
September 14 – 16, 2026
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Westin Southfield Detroit
ASME DRIVN (pronounced "driven") brings together engineers and researchers working across multiple modes of transportation, including land and sea, and encompassing all internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies and applications. ASME DRIVN is a technology-focused forum that features cutting-edge research papers, insightful technical presentations, engaging panel discussions with influential leaders, and recognition of innovators shaping the transportation landscape.
For longtime ICE Forward participants, much will feel familiar. You can continue submitting your work to the technical tracks you know and value. At the same time, ASME DRIVN expands the technical program to include electrification, safety, life-cycle analysis, and other emerging and established transportation topics, reflecting the evolving needs of modern mobility systems.
International ICE Forward Symposium
June 3 – 5, 2026
Bologna, Italy