Abstract

The International Tribology Conference (ITC) was founded by the Japanese Society of Tribologists (JAST). The ITC was first held in Tokyo (1985) following the JSLE-ASLE International Lubrication Conference (1975). Following successful conferences in Nagoya (1990), Yokohama (1995), Nagasaki (2000), Kobe (2005), Hiroshima (2011), and Tokyo (2015), ITC 2019 will be held in Sendai, Japan. Tribology is the interdisciplinary study encompassing surface physics and chemistry, material science, and fluid dynamics. For this reason, an integrative approach is imperative to clarify issues related to tribology. Interdisciplinary studies and discussion on the future direction of various fields is heavily promoted. It is our hope that researchers would report the latest developments in their respective fields in a lively, stimulating and interactive environment. Active participation of young researchers, specifically students, is strongly encouraged.