The Frontiers of Glass Science and the Frontiers of Glass Technology lectures are designed to encourage scientific and technical dialogue in glass topics of significance that define new horizons, highlight new research concepts, or demonstrate the potential to develop products and processes for the benefit of humankind. While the Frontiers of Glass Science lecture focuses on advances in the basic science of glass, the Frontiers of Glass Technology lecture concentrates on new breakthroughs in glass technology or new glass products or applications. The lectures are presented at the annual Glass and Optical Materials Division meeting. The Varshneya awards committee will select the lecturers, although nominations from membership are invited.
Nomination Process
Please submit the online form below including names of individuals who have helped to define new horizons in glass science and technology by November 15. Include a paragraph or two outlining why you think the nominee should be selected. Some questions to consider:
(1) What new contribution in glass science or technology has the nominee made that is or are worthy of recognition?
(2) How would the development encourage scientific dialog or help bring new products/processes/applications to market?
(3) How would it benefit mankind at large?
Any additional information, such as a CV or list of high-impact publications, is also encouraged as part of the nomination. International nominations are encouraged. The choice of lecturers may be from within or outside of the Society. The award consists of a travel stipend of up to $2,500, a commemorative glass piece and a framed certificate.
Darshana and Arun Varshneya Frontiers of Glass Lectures Award Nomination Form
Award Winners
Shibin Jiang
Dr. Shibin Jiang is founder and Chair of Board of AdValue Photonics Inc. and Hangzhou Silverlake Laser Technology, and Adjunct Research Professor at College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona. He received Ph.D. degree from Universite de Rennes 1, France. He was Co-founder and CTO of NP Photonics Inc.
Dr. Jiang holds 88 issued patents, edited 36 proceeding books, authored 150 publications, has H index of 52, and has served as chairs of 43 international technical conferences including OPTO at Photonics West for SPIE and Advanced Solid-State Laser Congress for Optica. He served as many award committees for Optica, SPIE and The America Ceramic Society (ACerS), and associate editors for 4 scientific journals. He was the chair for Glass and Optical Materials Division of ACerS in 2014. Currently is the chair of technical committee of optical fibers and photonics glasses of International Commission on Glass (ICG), and a member of board of directors of ACerS.
Dr. Jiang was awarded with the Gottardi Prize in 2005 from ICG, 2012 and 2014 R&D 100 Awards, and 2018 R&D 100 Award Finalist. He received the 2018 Corporate Technical Achievement Award and the Medal for Leadership in the Advancement of Ceramic Technology in 2021 and was named as The Global Ambassador in 2019 by the ACerS. Dr. Jiang is a Fellow of SPIE, ACerS, and Optica. He is elected as an academician of the World Academy of Ceramics in 2020.
Edgar Dutra Zanotto
Edgar Dutra Zanotto is a passionate researcher in glass science and engineering, dedicating over 47 years to education, discovery and invention. He serves as a professor at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil, and the Director of the Center for Research, Technology and Education in Vitreous Materials – www.certev.ufscar.br.
Zanotto’s research delves into the fundamental behaviors of glass-forming materials, encompassing diffusion, viscous flow, relaxation, and crystallization. He further explores the development, properties, and applications of technological glasses and glass-ceramics. His prolific career has yielded approximately 450 scientific articles in journals and conference proceedings, plus several book chapters and patents. He has fostered research through approximately 100 contracts with government agencies and 40 with industries. He has supervised over 100 “diploma” students and 100 post-graduate students and post-docs. His expertise has been shared through over 400 congress presentations, including 160 invited lectures and 40 plenary talks at national and international conferences.
Zanotto’s contributions have been acknowledged with 59 science and technology awards. He holds memberships in esteemed academies worldwide, including the São Paulo Academy of Sciences, Brazilian Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, World Academy of Ceramics (WAC), and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). He is a distinguished Fellow of the Fulbright Foundation, the American Ceramic Society, the Society of Glass Technology, and the Brazilian Ceramic Society. His leadership extends beyond research. He serves as an editor for the Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids and sits on the advisory boards of ten other scientific journals, actively shaping the discourse in glass physics and materials science.