Welcome Message

Dear Members of the Korean Ceramic Society,

The New Year of 2026 has dawned. The ability to resolve upon and commit to a "new beginning" is, in many ways, a source of happiness, as every new beginning carries with it the momentum for challenge, change, and growth. I sincerely hope that the start of this new year will mark a year of renewed challenges for each of you, and I wish you and your families continued health and peace throughout the year.

Our Society has grown into a leading academic organization in the field of materials science, both in Korea and internationally. This achievement is the result of the pioneering efforts of our distinguished senior members, the passion and drive of our outstanding junior members who have followed in their footsteps, and the steadfast support and encouragement of our industry partners who have stood by us through years of perseverance. Ceramic materials, which have long formed the backbone of industry, have driven national development under the vision of fine ceramics and, more recently, through the paradigm of nano ceramics. Today, in the era of artificial intelligence and new energy technologies, ceramics are once again leading the way toward new industries under renewed visions and objectives.

Dear Members of the Korean Ceramic Society,
At this pivotal moment, as we enter a new era guided by new visions, I will, as the 47th President of the Korean Ceramic Society, focus on the following priorities over the coming year in order to further enhance your pride and confidence in our Society.

First, we will strive to align the Society with government R&D policies and provide tangible support to our members.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy recently convened a ceramic industry roundtable through the Korea Planning and Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology and announced a Ceramic R&D Roadmap. To strengthen industrial competitiveness, various policies have been introduced to enhance technological self-reliance and stabilize supply chains in the ceramics sector, alongside R&D programs for materials and components development. Our Society will support member experts by facilitating their participation in these initiatives, providing relevant information at the Society level, and promoting effective matching with experts involved in new government programs. In addition, we will explore ways for our members to contribute to priority and strategic programs led by the Ministry of Science and ICT, as well as to institution-led strategic initiatives.

Second, we will enhance the pride of young ceramic professionals and create academic meetings that harmonize generations.

Fostering pride in ceramics among young researchers is essential to the future of our Society. We will strengthen the sense of professional identity among doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers specializing in ceramics. For undergraduate and master's students, we will offer career linkage programs that instill a clear vision of opportunities in ceramics. Award-winning students will be given opportunities to participate in exhibitions and related events, allowing them to experience ceramics firsthand and deepen their interest in the field. We will invite young researchers as keynote speakers while also providing platforms for established scholars to deliver advanced lectures. By supporting international exchange for both emerging and senior researchers, we will build a Society where generational harmony and vibrant academic exchange coexist.

Furthermore, to expand the international influence of our Society, we will solidify partnerships with leading academic societies overseas. As part of this commitment, we are pleased to announce a Joint Symposium with the European Ceramic Society (ECerS) at our upcoming Fall Meeting. This symposium will provide a vital platform for young researchers from Korea and abroad to exchange innovative ideas and grow into global leaders. Through such initiatives, the Korean Ceramic Society will continue to serve as a central hub for global ceramic research, building a Society where generational harmony and vibrant international academic exchange coexist.

Third, we will further enhance the prestige of our publications by solidifying the Q1 status of the Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society and the KCI standing of Ceramist.

The Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society has demonstrated sustained growth, achieving Q1 status with an impact factor of 3.8 and ranking 4th out of 33 journals, placing it in the top 10.6%. Ceramist has recently been selected as a KCI-indexed journal following evaluation by the National Research Foundation of Korea. These achievements are the result of the dedication, perseverance, and collective efforts of our members and editorial boards. This year, we will continue to emphasize quality over quantity, publishing high-value papers that serve our readership and further strengthen our position as a leading domestic and international journal.

Fourth, we will advance the Society through industry-academia-research collaboration, identifying industrial challenges and supporting practical implementation.

In an era of rapid change, we will work to identify technologies essential to industrial sustainability through our academic conferences and related activities. At the Spring and Fall Meetings of the Korean Ceramic Society, we will actively invite industry-focused keynote presentations and create dedicated networking platforms, listening carefully to the insights and recommendations of industry professionals. The Society will serve as a bridge to connect stakeholders and strengthen collaborative frameworks to address technological challenges faced by industry. We will also continue close cooperation with related organizations, including the Federation of Korea Ceramic Associations, which leads efforts in industry-academia collaboration and government policy planning; the Korea Ceramics Research Association, newly established to support the development of the domestic ceramic industry ecosystem; and the Korea Fine Ceramics Association, which builds networks among fine ceramics companies and links industry with government policy.

Fifth, we will collectively reflect on and shape the future of the Korean Ceramic Society.

Next year, our Society will celebrate its 70th anniversary since its founding in 1957. We will take this opportunity to reflect deeply on our history and, through open and candid discussions, articulate a concrete vision for the future. To this end, we will activate the Future Committee, composed of former, current, and incoming presidents, to develop concrete strategies for the sustainable growth of the Society. We will actively participate in divisional, committee, and regional chapter activities to listen closely to the voices of our members. I sincerely ask for your continued advice and encouragement.

May 2026 be a year in which all your aspirations come to fruition. I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.

January 1, 2026
Kee Sung Lee
47^th President of the Korean Ceramic Society