0625ctt Green Brazil

Strengthening ties between The American Ceramic Society and ceramic societies of the Americas was a priority David Green set when he assumed the presidency of the Society. He made good on that presidential promise in May when he traveled to Brazil to attend the 58th Brazilian Ceramics Congress organized by the Brazilian Ceramic Society (Associação Brasileira de Cerâmica, ABC).

He was given the honor of delivering a talk at the opening session of the Congress titled “Constrained sintering: A delicate balance of scales.” However, his primary objective was to work with the ABC president, Samuel M. Toffoli, to draft a Memorandum of Understanding between the two societies.

“This is an important next step for our two societies,” says Green. “We already have strong connections through individual members that belong to both organizations, and the Society is pleased to be able to build on that strength in a way that will be meaningful for the long term.”

The two leaders reached verbal agreement on an MOU that includes several mechanisms that will make each society’s activities more visible to the membership of the other society. These include special membership rates for members of both societies and a lecture exchange program. The societies intend to work together to publish technical articles and promote each other’s events and society news on their respective website.

The Brazilian Congress on Ceramics is the oldest and most important event for the ceramics community in Brazil. It attracts manufacturers, suppliers, and academic researchers. There were 20 technical sessions and three mini-courses. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour Verallia Brasil (a Saint-Gobain company) or the Ceramic Materials Institute of the University of Caxias do Sul.

The Congress was held in Bento Gonçalves which is famous as Brazil’s grape and wine capital. Bento Gonçalves is located in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, which, according to organizers, is a state well known for its ceramics industry, too.

Updated 6-26-2014

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