Can you believe 2016 is almost here?
Regarding the ACerS Bulletin, 2016 has already begun—the first issue of the new year is now available online.
The cover story of the January/February 2016 issue is sure to propel the Bulletin into the new year. DARPA program manager Michael Maher writes about a new program that is aiming high to accelerate new materials development. Maher explains that developing and testing new materials is often a long and meandering path, which hinders incorporation of new materials into critical applications. As a response to this problem, DARPA’s Materials Development for Platforms program seeks to upheave the traditional innovation pathway with a fresh, application-driven approach.
Another feature article this month centers on an increasingly important topic—data management. Trevor Riley, engineering and emerging technologies librarian at Alfred University’s Scholes Library, provides some perspective on data management skills in the wake of federal mandates for open-access research data. Due to those rules, there’s a growing critical need within the research community for data literacy and management skills.
The new issue also provides readers the opportunity to get to know ACerS incoming president, Mrityunjay Singh. Learn a bit more about Singh and a glimpse into his big plans for the upcoming year in this short introduction. Plus, don’t miss a recap of the 117th annual meeting at MS&T15, where past president Kathleen Richardson reported on some good news about the Society.
Plus, this issue reveals a hidden gem—the Digital Library of Ceramic Microstructures, a University of Dayton Research Institute free online library with more than 900 ceramic material micrographs. The article, written by Chadwick Barklay, distinguished research scientist and group leader at the Institute, provides some background and context for the library. But be sure to check out some of the beautiful images online, too.
There’s lots more in store in this issue—Society news, new research, and meeting highlights and information just in time for the post-holiday meeting season—so open your issue today.
The current issue is free to all for a short time, but remember that all the valuable content in over ninety years of past issues of the ACerS Bulletin is free only to members—so considering joining us today!