Overview

The goal of the workshop is to identify and discuss broad scientific topics for future research which will lead to the development of glasses with new functionalities, and thereby, enable new commercial applications of glass. The Workshop will bring together four groups of people: (a) the technology leaders of glass manufacturing companies, (b) the representatives of companies that use glass and other materials in advanced technologies to tell us their materials challenges, in general, (c) glass researchers from academia (and industry) who make discoveries related to glass but without any specific application in mind, and finally (d) the representatives of government agencies that deal with glass research. In terms of deliverables, it is our goal to establish a list of well-defined scientific challenges for new functionality in glasses that, if achieved, would enable new and emerging technologies or products. With the input of industry leaders, two broad theme areas are selected for discussion: Glasses for electronic applications, and Nanostructured glasses.

About a dozen leading glass researchers and users who are well aware of the scientific challenges and/or technological demands of specific applications will present their assessment of specific topics, followed by discussions led by the top level R&D executives of five leading glass companies. This type of industry-university, hand-in-hand planning will be effective in roadmapping the most relevant opportunities for advancing glass science, technology and education. Considering the leadership positions of the participants, we anticipate that this Workshop will influence future initiatives and priorities for research funding.

It will be a limited-attendance event to maintain focus and to meet the deliverables. Each participant will be expected to engage in break-out sessions, and to share his/her knowledge and opinions about the selected topics. You may also consider presenting a poster which highlights recent scientific discoveries, or even ideas for new glass research directions, which you would like to bring to the attention of the group because of its potential relevance to the themes and goal of the workshop. Therefore, we would like to know your interest as soon as possible, but no later than February 15, 2007. In order to ensure a balance of expertise, we are requesting that you provide a one-paragraph description of how you plan on contributing to the Workshop. Based on this information, the organizing committee will establish the attendance list; you will be informed one way or the other by February 28th.

The registration fee, to defray the cost of meals and meeting rooms, is $350. Participants from academic institutions may request its reimbursement by writing to the International Materials Institute for New Functionality in Glass (imi@lehigh.edu), provided that they register within one week of being informed of the acceptance (March 7) and attend the complete Workshop. Additional information regarding the workshop is available www.lehigh.edu/imi/workshop.htm.

International Materials Institute, Sinclair Laboratory, 7 Asa Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015