PACC-FMAs 2022 Plenary Abstracts

Plenary Speakers

Prof. Edgar Zanotto, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Brazil

R & D on vitreous materials in the Americas: Current efforts and a look to the future

Abstract: Glasses have been known for 6,000 years and are now one of the most ubiquitous, useful materials to humankind. Due to their plentiful and increasing number of domestic and high-tech applications, some authors have coined the terms “the eyes of science” to characterize their scientific importance and “glass age” as the current era.

In this talk, we describe some novel, relatively unknown optical, chemical, biomedical, and mechanical applications of vitreous materials. Then we show the main active glass research groups in the Americas, their main research topics, and publication statistics. Finally, we dwell on “burning” topics and upcoming opportunities – such as the use of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning techniques, an invaluable tool for new developments on the science and technology of glasses and glass-ceramics.

 

Prof. Darryl Butt, Dean, College of Mines & Earth Sciences, University of Utah, USA

The Science of art: Metaphors on the value of diversity

Abstract: Art binds us all as humans, connects us with our past, allows us to express the present, and perhaps anticipate or even affect our future. As scientists, we have tools to shine light on art and our cultural heritage both literally and metaphorically. The science of art and the act of making art can be a transdisciplinary, communal experience. Through diverse tools and from diverse perspectives we are, metaphorically speaking, able to expand our visible spectrum.

In this lecture, I’ll attempt to weave some thoughts and ideas together based on my experiences as an artist, a professor, and researcher in an attempt to highlight the value of art in science (and vice versa) with an underlying motivation to leverage diversity, enhance collaboration, and perhaps make two plus two equal something greater than four. Citing a few examples of collaborative research experiences involving diverse groups, and highlighting historical and modern art of the Americas, we’ll take a moment to reflect on how we can all interact more effectively together as we kick off this inaugural Pan American Ceramics Congress. Respect and gratitude to the ancestors and indigenous peoples of Naso, Guna, Bri Bri, Bokata, Ngöbe-Buglé, and Emberá-Wounaan groups whose lands we will be enjoying this week in beautiful Panama.

 

Prof. Peter Littlewood, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and the College Fellow, Institute of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, USA

Materials for energy and sustainability

Abstract:  The last century’s advances in information technologies have been propelled by the control of simple electronic materials (metals, insulators, and semiconductors) on increasingly small length scales, now having reached the nanoscale. Semiconductor devices are built via a top-down manufacturing process that is suitable for low volume manufacture. Nanostructured materials of many kinds will also be critical for the energy revolution, e.g. for applications including solar, electrical storage, lightweight components, water treatment, and catalysis. However these materials will need to be manufactured by the ton, or by the square kilometer, which will require us to obtain unprecedented control of functional materials synthesis and manufacture. Modelling, synthesis, and measurement will need to be combined synergistically to develop new materials at scale.

There is perhaps nowhere where this change of scale is becoming more visible than in electrical energy storage. As well as changes to the physical approach to manufacturing and design, one needs changes in the institutional structure to support the changing research activities. So this talk, as well as discussing some science, will also describe some of the principles of the recently established Faraday Institution.