Our Mission Statement
To advance the science of tribology and the practice of lubrication engineering in order to foster innovation, improve the performance of equipment and products, conserve resources and protect the environment.
Our Vision Statement
To be a leader in the global network of individuals, institutions, societies and corporate entities with a common interest in advancing the science of tribology and the practice of lubrication engineering.
Roots of the Organization
STLE is an individual membership society focusing on professional, technical and scientific issues and needs. It was founded on March 3, 1944, in Chicago as the American Society of Lubrication Engineers (ASLE). From these early days, into the 1980s, the organization’s primary audience was plant engineers in charge of lubrication for production equipment at major facilities like auto plants or steel mills. Major activities were technical conferences, peer-reviewed publishing and educational activities.
To adapt and reflect evolving market and audience needs, the organization’s membership voted in 1987 to change the name to the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE). This acknowledged a growing international participation and appealed to a more diverse audience that encompassed many aspects of engineering and tribology, as well as the traditional base of lubrication engineers and suppliers of liquid lubricants.
Today, STLE is the premier technical society serving the needs of more than 13,000 individuals and 250 companies and organizations that comprise the tribology and lubrication engineering business sector. STLE members are technical experts who research, develop and market the methods and products that make industry more successful and that enhance the well-being of people worldwide. Our members are employed by the world's leading corporations, academic institutions and governmental agencies dealing with science and technology. STLE supports these distinguished men and women with a variety of professional education and certification programs.
STLE is incorporated in the State of Illinois. Structure and governance procedures are defined in a Constitution and Bylaws, which have recently been updated and revised. In addition, a strategic plan directs the ongoing activities of the Society. Annual budget is approximately $3 million.
STLE’s elected leadership is provided by a 24-member Board of Directors. The President, who serves a one-year term, is the organization’s chief elected officer and the chairman of the Board of Directors.
Complementing and extending the work of the Board is an impressive volunteer network that includes hundreds of individuals serving in a variety of ways. This includes participation in one of 23 technical committees and councils, an administrative committee, serving as an associate editor or reviewer for the Society's journal publications or getting involved in Local Section activities.
Working in concert with the elected leadership and volunteers is a nine-person professional staff. This group operates from the Society’s 9,000 sq. ft. headquarters building located in Park Ridge, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The STLE staff has combined experience of more than 100 years in association and organization management.