Welcome Message

Dear Members of the Korean Ceramic Society

2024, the Year of the Blue Dragon has dawned on us. The Blue Dragon, symbolizing the East, represents new beginnings, growth, change, and challenges, similar to the rising sun. This New Year is exceptionally vibrant in our country, the land of Eastern propriety. May all your aspirations come to fruition within your households. I wish you good health and happiness throughout these 366 days.

Since its establishment in 1957, the Korean Ceramic Society (KCerS) has grown to become one of Korea's top three societies in the field of materials thanks to the dedicated efforts of past presidents, executives, and, most importantly, our esteemed members' continuous support and dedication. Notably, in our last spring and fall academic conferences, over 2000 and 1700 members participated, respectively, with over 1000 presentations delivered. I take this opportunity to sincerely express my gratitude to all members for your consistent support.

Dear KCerS members! Among the various industries and research areas in this vast world, we have gathered under the name of ceramics. We strive to open new doors on the foundation of ceramics and continuously challenge ourselves to pursue the unattained. As the 45th president of our Society, I aim to consolidate our passion to propel our organization, which has grown both quantitatively and qualitatively, emerging as an unequivocal leader in the materials field. Together, let us focus on the following priorities in the year ahead.

Laying the Foundation for Successful Implementation of Ceramic Policies as Part of Korea's 12 Major Strategic Technologies

The term "ceramics" is not explicitly mentioned in the 12 major national strategic technologies. However, we understand better than anyone else that material technology underpins the success of advanced technologies. Firstly, to ensure the proper direction of national R&D investment, we will strengthen the framework of industry-academia cooperation. To achieve this, we aim to enhance collaboration with material-related academic societies and research institutions such as the Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, the Korea Institute of Materials Science, and the Federation of Korea Ceramic Associations. We will plan ceramic science and technology policies and ensure their incorporation into future national policies. Furthermore, we will expand corporate presentations in keynote speeches and lectures during our spring and fall conferences. We will overhaul the ceramics-related national science and technology classification system and industrial technology classification system, which have remained stagnant for decades. Specifically, areas that have enjoyed recent growth are not properly classified. We aim to rectify the subcategories that constitute ceramics to elevate the status of ceramics in national science and technology and to strengthen our role as a leader driving the transformation of Korea into a materials powerhouse.

An Energetic Society Actively Engaging Young Ceramists

We will expand opportunities for young ceramists to participate in the operating team, where their voices are heard and reflected. Notably, we will actively encourage participation in organizational committees, academic and editorial activities, as well as international endeavors. The Society will actively provide opportunities for student members to form international networks. To address the crisis young ceramists face due to recent fund shortages, we will expand award opportunities, such as the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award, encouraging the involvement of young members and creating diverse incentive systems for their contributions. Above all, we will strive to evolve into an organization that captivates the younger generation, instilling in them the spirit of being a ceramist.

Enhancing the Society's Global Standing Through Active International Exchange

Our society's journal, JKCerS, has joined the list of SCIE Q1 journals in the field of ceramics thanks to the longstanding efforts and active participation of the editorial board and members. Moving forward, we aim to enhance the status of our international journal by selectively publishing high-quality research papers and featuring the latest review papers by eminent researchers to elevate the citation index further. Starting this year, we will continue to build an international network through exchanges with the European Ceramic Society and maintaining ongoing interactions with JAsCers and the American Ceramic Society.

Listing of Ceramist in KCI

As JKCerS gains prominence as an international academic journal, the need for a Korean-language journal has emerged. We will identify individuals capable of assuming responsibility for its continuous management and development to address this. In addition, we will improve the system to ensure smooth submission and review processes, elevating the standards to meet KCI criteria. Through these efforts, we will become a society where both international and domestic academic journals coexist.

Organization of KCerS Development Committee

The reconstruction of the society's aged building is being actively discussed. Even amidst challenges, it is crucial for us to secure a building that serves as a solid base for our members. This will facilitate meaningful activities and enable financial self-reliance, paving the way for more ambitious goals. To achieve this, we will establish a Development Committee, serving as an advisory body dedicated to discussing not only the society's reconstruction but also its future development.

Above all, your encouragement and support are crucial for the lively development of KCerS. We look forward to your continued advice and participation.

May the Year of the Blue Dragon bring you the strength and energy to achieve your dreams and goals. Happy New Year! Thank you.

January 1, 2024
Woo Seok Cho
45th President of the Korean Ceramic Society