The W. David Kingery Award is an award presented annually by the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) to individuals who have made significant lifelong contributions to the field of ceramic science and engineering. The award is named in honor of W. David Kingery, a prominent figure in ceramics research, and is one of the highest honors bestowed in the ceramics community, celebrating sustained excellence in research, leadership, and education over the course of a career.
Background
The W. David Kingery Award was established in 1998 by ACerS to honor the memory and contributions of W. David Kingery, whose work transformed the field of ceramics. Professor Kingery was the first recipient of the award.
Kingery is often referred to as the "father of modern ceramics" due to his research in ceramic processing, especially in sintering, a process critical to the formation of dense ceramic bodies from powders. His interdisciplinary approach, which combined elements of materials science, chemistry, and physics, revolutionized the manufacturing and application of ceramic materials.
Kingery's research extended beyond basic science to include practical applications, from high-performance materials used in aerospace and electronics to advanced ceramic technologies in energy production and medicine. His influence as an educator was equally impactful, having authored several foundational textbooks in ceramics and materials science, including the influential Introduction to Ceramics. Throughout his career, Kingery was a prominent advocate for the advancement of ceramic engineering and education, mentoring many future leaders in the field.
Criteria
The award is conferred based on a rigorous evaluation of the nominee's career achievements. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence and made significant, long-term contributions to the field of ceramics, which may include, but are not limited to:
Breakthroughs in ceramic processing and manufacturing. Advances in understanding the mechanical, thermal, or electrical properties of ceramic materials. Contributions to the development of novel ceramic materials for structural, electronic, biomedical, or other applications. Leadership roles that have advanced the ceramics community, such as through educational programs, mentoring, or service to professional societies.
While the award is open to candidates from both academic and industrial sectors, recipients typically have a body of work that spans decades, influencing not only their own area of expertise but also the broader ceramics community. The award reflects both individual accomplishment and contributions that benefit society as a whole through the advancement of ceramic technology.
Recipients Many recipients of the W. David Kingery Award have been recognized for their pioneering research and contributions to ceramics, both in academic and industrial settings. These individuals have made advancements in areas such as ceramic processing, high-temperature materials, sintering technologies, and the development of ceramic materials for structural, electronic, and biomedical applications.
YearNameAffiliation2025Carol HandwerkerPurdue University2024Katherine FaberCalifornia Institute of Technology2023Vincent G. HarrisNortheastern University2022Stuart HampshireUniversity of Limerick2021Tatsuki OhjiNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology2020Subhash RisbudUniversity of California Davis2019Michael CimaMassachusetts Institute of Technology2018Shunpei YamazakiSemiconductor Energy Laboratory Co. Ltd2017Mrityunjay SinghOhio Aerospace Institute2016Alexandra NavrotskyArizona State University2015Gary L. MessingPennsylvania State University2014Greg RohrerCarnegie Mellon University2013Richard C. BradtUniversity of Alabama2012William E. LeeImperial College London2011Zuhair MunirUniversity of California Davis2010Martin P. HarmerLehigh University2009Frederick F. LangeUniversity of California Santa Barbara2008Arthur H. HeuerCase Western Reserve University2007George BeallCorning2006Hiroaki YanagidaNagoya Institute of Technology2005S. Donald StookeyCorning2004Delbert E. DayMissouri University of Science and Technology2003Rustum RoyPennsylvania State University2002Larry L. HenchUniversity of Florida2001Robert E. NewnhamPennsylvania State University2000Richard BrookSt. Cross College, University of Oxford1999Joseph E. BurkeUniversity of Chicago1998W. David KingeryUniversity of Arizona
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