Following the pioneering work of L. M. Kachanov in 1958, the theory of damage mechanics has made significant progress and established itself capable of solving a wide range of engineering problems. Damage mechanics is now a clearly identified scientific discipline focused on studying the effects of various nano, micro and macro defects on the behaviour of materials, bridging the gap between the well-established fields of continuum inelastic deformations and the classical fracture mechanics with growing macroscopic cracks. The main objective of the conferences series, International Conference on Damage Mechanics (ICDM), is to bring together leading educators, researchers, scientists, engineers and other practitioners to discuss and exchange ideas on recent advances in the field of damage mechanics. On the foundation of the International Journal of Damage Mechanics (IJDM), this conference series aims to become the premier international forum on damage mechanics research dissemination.

The ICDM series, initially held every three years, was revised to be held every two years following the success of the earlier gatherings. ICDM1 took place in Belgrade, Serbia (June 25-27th, 2012), followed by ICDM2 in Troyes, France (July 8-11th, 2015), ICDM3 at Tongji University, Shanghai, China (July 4-6th, 2018) and ICDM4 at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA (May 15-18th, 2023). All four conferences attracted researchers and engineers from nearly 50 countries.

The Fifth International Conference on Damage Mechanics (ICDM5) will be held at National University of Singapore, Singapore on 16 Jul (Wed) - 18 Jul (Fri), 2025. This event will be a forum to present the newest findings and to depict the future development in damage and failure mechanics.