The US National Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics is held every four years under the auspices of the U.S. National Committee on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (USNC/TAM) to foster and promote the exchange of ideas and information among the various disciplines of the TAM community around the world, and to chart future priorities in mechanics related research, applications and education. Following the successful 17th USNC/TAM at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, the 18th USNC/TAM will be hosted by Northwestern University, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare from June 5 to June 9, 2018.