Meeting description–GFMAT-2

The global population growth and tremendous economic development has brought us at the crossroads of long term sustainability and risk of irreversible changes in the ecosystem. Sustainability has become an integral component of research for the 21st century. The key motivating factors are, (a) rapid urbanization, population growth, and ageing population, (b) the large amount of waste yearly disposed to landfill, (c) the global impoverishing of natural resources and environment (fossil fuels, minerals, water and energy scarcity), (d) declining infrastructure, (e) the emergency of carbon dioxide emissions, and (f) climate change.

For instance, the development of new biomarkers for reliable detection of diseases at early stage, molecular imaging, targeting and therapy are crucial for a healthy society, while the development of more efficient energy conversion technologies, fuel cells and batteries are an essential step facing the increasing demand for energy supply. Energy efficient and eco-friendly technologies and systems are critically needed for further growth and sustainable development. Consequently, recent research trends globally cover the search for alternative and reusable energies, for fast and reliable medical diagnostic and therapeutic methods, and for new functional materials—as well as new (“greener,” more efficient) synthesis approaches—that exhibit unique properties allowing for their implementation in health, energy, and environment related applications. GFMAT-2 is co-organized by ACerS Engineering Ceramics Division

Meeting description–Bio-4

This is the fourth in a series of biomaterial meetings organized by The American Ceramic Society that emphasizes collaboration between R&D, medical practitioners, and biomedical materials manufacturers and marketers to better develop emerging technologies into marketable products. Cutting-edge research and product developments related to novel materials for orthopedic, dental, oral, and maxillofacial applications; advanced manufacturing technologies including 3-D printing; nanomedicine; multifunctional biomaterials; point-of-care sensors and diagnostic devices; and more will be featured. In addition, a symposium on “Glasses for Healthcare Applications” to honor Delbert E. Day is planned.

This robust technical program will provide a forum for scientists, engineers, medical professionals, and industrial researchers to discuss recent advances in the fields of biomaterials, biomanufacturing, and biotechnologies. Bio-4 is co-organized by ACerS Bioceramics Division and is endorsed by the Society for Biomaterials and the Biomedical Engineering Society.