“For leaders in the field of ceramics and glass, this is a unique opportunity to meet with colleagues from industry, government and academia to shape the future of the field. Participation and involvement in this congress is an important step toward creating a broad vision on a global scale,” said Dr. Stephen Freiman, 1st International Congress on Ceramics President.

Differing positions on the vast array of issues facing the ceramics community will be presented, discussed and incorporated into the global roadmap. Over 60 invited speakers have agreed to lead presentations on key topics facing business, research and technology interests in ceramics and glass.

The invited speakers are world-class experts in their area and will share their company or industry sector's vision of the future. Featured presentations from keynote speakers will be a highlight of this event. The keynote speakers are:

Joel P. Clark
Professor, Materials Systems and Engineering Systems, MIT
Dr. Clark's current research involves analysis of the relationship between technology and economics in materials industries.

Larry Hench
Professor, Imperial College of Science and Technology
Dr. Hench is recognized for numerous achievements, including the discovery of Bioglass®, the first man-made material to bond to living tissues.

Henry Kressel
CEO, Warburg Pincus LLC and Chairman of the Board of Sarnoff Corporation
Dr. Kressel's unique career includes 31 U.S. patents covering various electronic and optoelectronic devices, coupled with a distinguished track record of venture capital investment in materials-based, high-tech companies.

Joseph A. Miller, Jr.
CTO, Corning Incorporated
As Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Corning Incorporated, Dr. Miller has held a variety of positions in research and development, manufacturing, business and marketing.

Joel Moskowitz
Chairman, CEO and President, Ceradyne, Incorporated
Mr. Moskowitz is a co-founder of Ceradyne Inc., one of the world's fastest growing companies in advanced technical ceramic development and manufacturing.

Shigeki Suzuki
General Manager of Materials Engineering, Toyota Motor Company
Mr. Suzuki has over 25 years of experience at Toyota Motor Company with an extensive background in design, development and evaluation of rubber, plastic and paint materials.

There are a number of ways to participate in this global exchange and roadmap development. Individuals are encouraged to submit an abstract for a poster presentation prior to the December 19, 2005 deadline and there are opportunities to become a sponsor or exhibitor. Visit www.ceramics.org/meetings/icc to get more information, submit an abstract or to register for this event.

About The American Ceramic Society
The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) is a 107-year-old non-profit organization that serves the informational, educational, and professional needs of the international ceramics community. The Society's more than 8,000 members comprise a wide variety of individuals and interest groups that include engineers, scientists, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, students, marketing and sales professionals, and others in related materials disciplines. ACerS provides members and subscribers in 80 countries with access to periodicals and books, meetings and expositions, and online technical information. www.ceramics.org.