[Image above] Credit: Jonathon Foreman
The Journal of the American Ceramic Society has published the most important fundamental research in ceramic and glass sciences for more than 100 years. As we continue into the next 100 years, we remain committed to bringing to light impactful work from researchers, both established and emerging.
In 2022, we launched the JACerS 2nd Century Trailblazers initiative. The aim of this initiative is to recognize the accomplishments and promise of early-career researchers by drawing international attention to their work.
The inaugural Trailblazers program was a great success, with 46 articles published in the March 2024 issue of JACerS. In addition, many 2nd Century authors became more engaged with the journals, the Society, and the ceramics and glass community overall. For example, Xufei Fang, the inaugural 2nd Century Trailblazer awardee, led a recently published special issue highlighting research on dislocations in ceramics.
As a result of this success, we are now seeking candidates for the next round of the 2nd Century Trailblazers initiative. Candidates should be within 10 years of receiving their Ph.D., though candidates who experienced career interruptions may also be considered.
Manuscripts reviewed and accepted by the JACerS editors under this initiative will be featured in a special collection of JACerS, and authors will receive certificates recognizing their contributions. In addition, authors of the highest quality papers recognized by the editors for outstanding degrees of scientific innovation and research impact will be invited to present their work during the ACerS Journal Awards session at ACerS Annual Meeting at MS&T 2026, which will take place in Pittsburgh, Pa., from October 4–7.
We request that eligible researchers register for this initiative.
Candidate qualifications
Candidates must be actively performing fundamental science research in the fields of ceramic and glass materials and composites based on ceramics and glasses. Topics include discovery, characterization, and analysis of new inorganic, nonmetallic materials; synthesis methods; phase relationships; processing approaches; microstructure–property relationships; and functionalities. Of great interest are works that support understanding founded on fundamental principles using experimental, theoretical, or computational methods or combinations of those approaches.
Timeline
Now: Declare your candidacy here.
Sept. 30, 2025: Deadline for manuscript submission at https://wiley.atyponrex.com/journal/jacers.
April 1, 2026: Selection of authors to be invited to submit abstracts to MS&T 2026.
September 2026: 2nd Century Trailblazers Special Issue compiled
For more information
Contact Jonathon Foreman, journals managing editor, at jforeman@ceramics.org with questions about the 2nd Century Trailblazers initiative.
For more information on Journal of the American Ceramic Society, visit this page.
