Professor John Parker in YouTube interview

Professor John Parker features in this YouTube video interview by Mojtaba Abbasi as part of his Sip of Chemistry series.

Professor Parker moved to Sheffield from the University of Cambridge in 1971 after completing a first-class MA in Natural Sciences, a PhD and a postdoctoral fellowship studying aluminosilicates with incommensurate structures. Throughout his distinguished career, he has made significant contributions to both the optical and structural properties of glasses and to the technology of bulk glass manufacturing.

Professor Parker has played a leading role in the international glass community, serving as an active member of the International Commission on Glass and as past president of both the Society of Glass Technology and the European Society of Glass Science and Technology. He also serves as the Honorary Curator of the Turner Museum of Glass.

In this conversation, the interviewer explores Professor Parker’s scientific journey, his contributions to glass science and engineering, the evolution of the field over several decades, and his perspectives on the future of glass research.

Link to the YouTube video https://youtu.be/tjrHjZrKD-w?si=A-qIbtoegYjRI96N

Furnace Solutions 20 programme flipbook

The full programme and abstracts of the 20th Furnace Solutions meeting in St Helens has been published as a flipbook and downloadable PDF.

The Society of Glass Technology is still taking bookings for the event on 3-4 June at The BrewDog Stadium in St Helens.

Booking link

As part of the 2025 Heritage Open Days theme of architecture, former History student Megan Ellis has researched the history of the Elmfield Building which originally housed the Department of Glass Technology and the Turner Museum of Glass.

Read the full article here

Civic reception for 20th Furnace Solutions

A prestigious Civic Reception and Dinner at St Helens Town Hall on 3 June will be a centrepiece of the Furnace Solutions 2026 Conference, providing a fitting setting for delegates to commemorate the milestone 20th event. 

Organised by the Society of Glass Technology, the two day conference will bring together the international glass community in St Helens, UK, under the theme ‘Decarbonisation: What’s the Reality?’

In addition to benefiting from the technical programme, the Civic Reception and Dinner will provide delegates with a unique opportunity to network with global glassmakers, suppliers and end users. The evening will also incorporate the traditional Geoff Evans Dinner.

A spokesperson from St Helens Council said: “We are proud that St Helens has been selected by the Society of Glass Technology to host the 20th International Furnace Solutions. Glass Futures and its world-class research and technology centre, alongside pillars of our manufacturing economy such as Pilkington and Knauf Insulation, will soon be joined by SINA Medical Glass, strengthening our position as a hub for glass innovation for generations to come. Hosting this landmark conference and welcoming delegates from across the global glass industry provides an opportunity to celebrate our heritage while showcasing the investment and collaboration shaping our future. St Helens Council will be honoured to open the Conference at the BrewDog Rugby League Stadium and host the delegates at a Civic Reception and Dinner at St Helens Town Hall."

Richard Katz, Life President of Glass Futures, added: “Glass Futures is delighted that, with its rich glassmaking heritage, St Helens is to host the milestone 20th Furnace Solutions in June at the BrewDog Rugby League Stadium, previously known as The Totally Wicked Stadium. St Helens Council’s support in staging an accompanying Civic Reception and Dinner for attendees and glass industry leaders at the impressive St Helens Town Hall is greatly appreciated and will provide a wonderful setting to celebrate this anniversary event and perfectly complement the technical programme.”

For the full programme and registration to the conference and Civic Reception, visit www.furnacesolutions.co.uk

The 2026 N.F. Mott Prize awarded to Yuanzheng Yue

Yuanzheng Yue FSGT has been honoured at the International Commission on Glass Annual Meeting in Lyon France with the N. F. Mott Prize. Professor Yue has made a pioneering contribution to glass science and technology and has established himself as a globally recognised researcher in the field of non-crystalline materials.

The N. F. Mott Prize (equivalent to ~£3000) is named after Nobel Prize for Physics winner Sir Nevill Francis Mott and awarded by the Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids.

Professor Yue said: "I am honoured to receive this award, which means a lot to me, as I am a great admirer of N. F. Mott and the contribution he has made to the development of amorphous materials. In my research, I have stood on the shoulders of Mott and other researchers and built on their results."

Picture caption: Dr Matthias Müller (Schott, right) and Professor Daniel Neuville (ICG Annual Meeting chair and ESG President, left) with Professor Kathleen Richardson and Professor Steve Martin

Society Fellow shares 2026 Otto Schott Award

How atomic structure defines glass properties

Steve Martin, professor of materials science and engineering at Iowa State University, is recognised for his fundamental research on the structure of silicate and non-oxide glasses. His work demonstrates how atomic structure determines key properties of glass, such as resistance to high temperatures, chemical exposure, and long-term stress. This understanding is essential for developing specialty glass tailored to demanding applications, including pharmaceutical packaging and energy-intensive industrial processes. His research also opens new possibilities in energy technologies, particularly solid-state batteries.

Controlling light with optical glass

Kathleen Richardson, professor of optics and materials science and engineering at the University of Central Florida’s CREOL, is honoured for her contributions to the development of optical glasses and infrared materials. Her research focuses on how precisely engineered compositions can control and transmit light. This is particularly important for high-performance applications in infrared optics and sensing systems.

The work of both awardees demonstrates the close link between fundamental research and industrial application. It helps push the performance limits of existing materials and unlock entirely new material classes – such as glasses with lower melting temperatures or extended optical properties in the infrared range.

“The research of Steve Martin and Kathleen Richardson clearly shows how essential a deep understanding of material structures is for technological progress,” states Dr Matthias Müller, Head of Research and Development at SCHOTT. “These insights form the basis for developing new glass solutions that perform reliably in real-world applications and expand the boundaries of what is possible.”

The award, endowed with €25,000, was presented on April 13, 2026, during the annual meeting of the International Commission on Glass in Lyon, France. The presentation of the award by the Ernst Abbe Fund underscores the importance of linking scientific excellence with industrial implementation. The goal is to translate research insights into scalable technologies and enable practical applications with societal impact. The Otto Schott Research Award is presented every two years and is among the most prestigious honours in glass and materials science.

Furnace heat-up with Neil Simpson

SGT 2026 Lunch & Learn Series

Infra-red monitoring of Glass Futures: furnace heat-up from ambient air to operating oxy-fuel

Speaker: Neil G Simpson FSGT

The SGT Membership Committee have curated a monthly series of bite-sized talks designed to fit perfectly into your lunch break. On Friday 27 March Neil Simpson presents a unique view of the furnace heat-up at Glass Futures. The Stara designed 30 tonne/day demonstration furnace was completed in summer 2025 and Neil brings us his observations, thanks to Land.

Booking details HERE

Join us on the last Friday of every month from 13:30–14:00 to explore the past, present, and future of glass technology.

SGT 2026 Lunch & Learn Series

Following the fantastic turnout for our Christmas Lectures (recordings on YouTube) and your valuable feedback, we are thrilled to announce the full schedule for our SGT 2026 Lunch & Learn Series.

You asked for more insights into Sustainability, Bio-Glass, and Heritage—and we listened.

We have curated a monthly series of bite-sized talks designed to fit perfectly into your lunch break. Join us on the last Friday of every month from 13:30 – 14:00 to explore the past, present, and future of glass technology.

• Fri 27th March: Glass Problems: Infra-red monitoring of Glass Futures: furnace heat-up from ambient air to operating oxy-fuel
  • Speaker: Neil G Simpson
  • Kick off the year with industry insights from a leading expert.
• Fri 24th April: Healing Glass: Bioactive & Dental Applications
  • Speaker: Julian Jones, Imperial College
  • Discover how glass is revolutionising healthcare, from bone regeneration to dental composites.
• Fri 29th May: Conservation Science: Preserving the Past
  • Speaker:Lauren Fair
  • New trends on adhesives, consolidants, and intervention on ancient glass.
• Fri 26th June: Cracking the Kauzmann paradox 
  • Speaker: Edgar Zanotto
  • Glass transition, relaxation, and crystallisation
    
• Fri 31st July: The Green Future: Decarbonisation & Melting
  • Speaker:To be announced
  • Hydrogen firing, electric melting, and the path to Net Zero.
• Fri 25st September: Glass on the Frontier Nuclear & Fibre
  • Speaker: Paul Bingham
  • From fibre optics to nuclear waste storage—glass in extreme environments.
• Fri 30th October: From Antiquity to Studio: Art & Tech
  • Speaker: Robert Wiley (VICARTE, NOVA FCT)
  • A visual journey comparing ancient techniques with modern studio art

  How to Join the Lectures: https://forms.gle/LkjV6YUtZ837XonW8

GTS Award for Impact in Applied Glass Research 2026

Glass Technology Services, in partnership with the Society of Glass Technology, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 GTS Award for Impact in Applied Glass Research. If you or a colleague are shaping the future of glass, we warmly encourage you to apply.

The award celebrates early career researchers whose work in applied glass science shows exceptional promise for real world technological, industrial, environmental or societal benefit. It is designed not only to recognise achievement but also to accelerate it.

The winning applicant will receive:

• Thirty hours of dedicated mentoring and technical support from GTS specialists, valued at £10,000, intended to help accelerate your work toward impact.
• A cash prize of £250
• An award certificate suitable for display

Two runners up will also receive:

• A cash prize of £125
• An award certificate

We are looking to promote researchers who have developed innovations with the potential for impact. Applications should highlight a specific innovation developed by the researcher.

The judging panel, which includes representatives from the Society of Glass Technology, academia and industry, will assess entries based on:

• The potential of the innovation to deliver social, environmental or economic benefit
  
• The quality and originality of the research that supports it
  
• Supporting materials such as papers, posters and presentations may be included.

The award is open to early career researchers from any country. Applicants must be working in the field of glass and must be undertaking relevant studies or have completed them within seven years of 1 September 2026.

Submissions may be made directly by the applicant or through nomination by a supervisor or colleague.

How to apply

Prepare your application letter (self‑nominated or by your nominator) detailing your innovation.

Collate supporting evidence (published papers, presentations, posters).

Ensure your letter clearly references the specific innovation under consideration.

Email all materials in English to awards@glass-ts.com by 31st July 2026.

Announcement of winners

Winners will be announced at the Society of Glass Technology Annual Conference 2026 in Cambridge taking place on the 7–9 September 2026.

We encourage applicants to attend the conference, which is aims to be a forum for all members of the glass community across science, industry, history and art.

If you have any questions, please contact o.mcgann@glass-ts.com

Booking link

Stuart Hakes is talking all things electric melting this afternoon - 13.30 to 14.00

Link to the live talk on Google Meet

To celebrate the end of the year, the Society of Glass Technology is thrilled to launch a special series of three Christmas Lectures, each highlighting a different dimension of the glass world — from heritage and art to cutting-edge science and industry innovation.

Join us for short, dynamic sessions that connect researchers, professionals, and enthusiasts across disciplines. Free, open, and perfect for anyone curious about the incredible material that shapes our past and future.

Booking link HERE

Thursday 4 December: Glass Archaeometry – intertwining chemical analysis, historical records, and production techniques by Inês Coutinho

Friday 12 December: Electric Melting and the Future, all you need to know by Stuart Hakes

Friday 19 December: Durability of vitrified nuclear waste and analogue glasses by Russell Hand

Steve Feller: Centenary Honorary Fellow of the Society

We have just heard news of the death of Steve Feller one of the three Centenary Honorary Fellows of the Society of Glass Technology. We would like to pass on our condolences to Barbara, the whole family and the many former and current students.

Steve was a regular attendee at the SGT Annual Meetings, bringing a great number of his undergraduates to present their research and fit in a visit to research collaborators such as Dr Alex Hannon. He also managed to get to see the final day's play of the Test match between England and the West Indies at Trent Bridge in 2024!

The Borates conference the SGT hosted in Oxford in 2017 was dedicated to Steve Feller and two papers from the meeting are now available in the Open Access/free to view area of the website:

A 44 Year Search: How do the fundamental physical properties of borate glass reveal its underlying atomic structure: an adventure with undergraduates

Steve Feller: a life in borates

The Gazette obituary link

Sheffield Hallam University receives funding to bridge critical barriers in the nuclear decommissioning

Sheffield Hallam University has been awarded £550,000 to lead an international research project to develop practical, scalable solutions for some of the most complex radioactive wastes in the world. Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Glass Bridges is a UK–Japan collaboration addressing nuclear decommissioning challenges which will bring together the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, Sellafield Ltd and Glass Technology Services in the UK, as well as specialist Japanese partners Kyushu University and the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI).

Both countries face major hurdles in managing some secondary and legacy wastes from sites such as Sellafield in the UK and Fukushima Daiichi in Japan. These problematic materials, including incinerator residues, ion exchange media and filtration sludges, often fall outside conventional classification systems and resist established treatment methods.

Thermal treatment, particularly vitrification, which immobilises waste in durable glass, offers a promising route forward, with proven benefits for stability, volume reduction and long-term storage readiness. But many waste types present unknowns when processes are scaled up from laboratory conditions to industrial applications. The Glass Bridges project will close this gap by generating robust, scalable evidence to de-risk full-scale deployment.

Led by Dr Alex Scrimshire, research fellow in the Materials and Engineering Research Institute, at Sheffield Hallam University, alongside Professor Paul Bingham and Dr Sabrin Samad, trials will range from small lab batches (200 g) to pilot-scale operations of up to 50 kg per melt cycle in the UK, with parallel mid-scale trials in Japan using alternative melting technologies. These will assess energy needs, throughput and supporting infrastructure, validating lab-scale science in realistic industrial conditions.

Dr Scrimshire said: “This project presents a real opportunity to propose effective waste treatment solutions for difficult to process materials, and benefit from the wealth of knowledge embedded in Sellafield and Fukushima Daiichi. By advancing proven laboratory techniques to production scale, Glass Bridges could accelerate nuclear site clean-up, reduce long-term waste storage burdens, and deliver reliable solutions for some of the more challenging wastes — benefitting nuclear programmes worldwide.”

Neil Simpson is the 2025 GMIC Glass Innovator of the Year

Neil Simpson CEng MEI FSGT of Simpson Combustion & Energy is the 2025 recipient of GMIC’s Glass Innovator Award, sponsored by CelSian.

Throughout his career, Neil has explored the limits of what’s possible in combustion technology and energy efficiency. With 17 patent applications and a long history of mentoring and teaching at the Glass Problems Conference (GPC), Neil has elevated technical excellence and inspired countless professionals along the way.

For the SGT, Neil served on Council, the Melting Tech and Membership committees. He is a regular speaker at Furnace Solutions meetings.

 

Wednesday 29 October

Turner Memorial Lecture 2025

Helen Monro Turner 

A Prolific Creative Force in Glass

BOOKING LINK

The Turner Memorial Lecture 2025, will be taking place on the evening of Wednesday 29 October, in The Diamond Building at the University of Sheffield, hosted by the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering.

The Turner Memorial Lecture is an endowed lecture presented periodically in memory of Professor W.E.S. Turner, who created at Sheffield the first Department of Glass Technology in the world, and founded the Turner Museum of Glass. 

The lecture for 2025 will focus on Professor Turner’s wife, Helen Monro Turner, who herself is considered one of the most significant figures in British 20th century glass. For their wedding in 1943, Helen famously wore a blue dress, hat, handbag, and shoes, made entirely of glass fibre, which can be seen here at the University in the Turner Museum and was highlighted by the BBC, in collaboration with the British Museum, in a 'History of the World in Objects' feature. 

This year we will be joined by Dr Jessamy Kelly, Senior Lecturer in Glass & Ceramics at The University of Edinburgh, and Sarah Rothwell, Senior Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design from National Museums Scotland, who will be giving the lecture titled:Helen Monro Turner – A Prolific Creative Force in Glass.

BOOKING LINK

Dr Alexis (Alix) Clare of Alfred University is the 2025 recipient of the GMIC's Women in Glass Award, sponsored by the Air Products Foundation!

Dr Clare is a distinguished leader in glass science and a Fellow of both the Society of Glass Technology (UK) and the American Ceramic Society. Her extensive research has advanced understanding across diverse areas from photonics and biomaterials to applied and industrial glass technologies.

Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr Clare has made an enduring mark as an educator and mentor at Alfred University. Her creativity and energy in the classroom have inspired countless students to explore innovation within the field. Her groundbreaking 1990s video, “What is Ceramic Engineering?”, introduced a new generation to the world of glass and ceramics.

At the ESG meeting in Sunderland in 2006 Alix presented a lecture to local students that included David Martlew and John Parker both being supported by just a laminated windscreen. [We have the video and we'll put a link to it soon!]

2025 Turner Memorial Lecture

‘Helen Monro Turner – A Prolific Creative Force in Glass’

Turner Memorial Lecture 2025 will take place on the evening of Wednesday 29 October, in The Diamond Building at the University of Sheffield, hosted by the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering.

The Turner Memorial Lecture is an endowed lecture presented periodically in memory of Professor W.E.S. Turner, who created at Sheffield the first Department of Glass Technology in the world, and founded the Turner Museum of Glass. The lecture for 2025 will focus on Professor Turner’s wife, Helen Monro Turner, who herself is considered one of the most significant figures in British 20th century glass.

Dr Jessamy Kelly, Senior Lecturer in Glass & Ceramics at The University of Edinburgh, and Sarah Rothwell, Senior Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design from National Museums Scotland, who will be giving the lecture titled: ‘Helen Monro Turner – A Prolific Creative Force in Glass’.

Jessamy is the Head of Design at Edinburgh College of Art and a practising glass artist based in Edinburgh. She holds a Masters and PhD in Glass, is trustee of the Scottish Stained Glass Trust, and was a member of the International Year of Glass Committee.

Sarah holds responsibility for the British, European and other ‘Western’ collections of modern glass, ceramics, metalwork, jewellery and industrial design at National Museums Scotland. Her research is currently focused on representing and championing unheard and forgotten voices within Contemporary Craft and Design.

Refreshments will be available from 17.00 in the Turner Museum of Glass, Sir Robert Hadfield Building.

The Turner Memorial Lecture will be presented at 18.30 in Lecture Theatre 1, The Diamond Building, a short walk from the Hadfield Building.

Registration open for ESG18 and ICG Annual Meeting

GLASS LYON 2026 will take place from 13 to 17 April 2026 in Lyon, France, and will jointly host:

• The International Commission on Glass (ICG) Annual Meeting, a leading forum bringing together scientists, researchers, and industry professionals to explore the latest advances in glass science and technology.
  
• The European Society of Glass (ESG) Conference, the largest event of the ESG, dedicated to showcasing innovations that improve the quality, performance, and sustainability of glass products across diverse applications.

Abstract submission is also now open, the deadline: 1 November 2025 
[Account creation needed for abstract submission]

SGT Annual Meeting 2025

Programme and Abstracts

This is the latest version of the SGT Annual Meeting Programme and Abstracts.

Further information on the Meeting

Save The World of Glass

The World of Glass, is celebrating its 25th anniversary while at the same time facing imminent closure unless £50,000 is raised in the next 3 months.

The museum has launched a Crowdfunder campaign to secure the charity’s future. Without your support we will close our doors.

The World of Glass is more than just a museum. It’s a living tribute to St Helens’ industrial legacy and a vital hub for education, community events, and heritage preservation. The Society of Glass Technology held an Annual Meeting there as well as the Training Day for Furnace Solutions this year and the IoM3 Mellor Memorial Lecture. Dr David Martlew HonFSGT was a leading light in setting up the visitor centre, interpreting the technologies used in the tank furnace and the transfer of the Pilkington Museum collection.

The museum has welcomed over 1 million visitors since opening in 2000 and serves thousands of local schoolchildren each year. It’s an independent charity that offers free cultural and education experiences including historic furnaces, hands-on exhibits, and live glassblowing. It is truly a one-of-a-kind UK experience and hidden gem in the centre of St Helens.

Despite all this the World of Glass has been struggling in recent years to secure the income needed to keep open and free to the public. This is due to:
● Rising costs that all organisations are currently facing e.g. significant increases in staffing costs, overheads and energy costs
● Increased competition for funding in the charity sector

The World of Glass has an exciting opportunity to aim for in 2026. The International Festival of Glass (ifg.org.uk) will be hosted in St Helens for the very first time. The Glass Art Society (GAS) (Glass Art Society – Glass Art Society) has invited The World of Glass to partner with them to deliver the International Festival of Glass and the British Glass Biennale in 2026, bringing in 10K visitors to St Helens from across the globe.

Link to the Crowdfunder campaign

The development of MOF glasses

The 2025 Dalton Horizon Prize has been awarded for the discovery and development of hybrid glasses, a new family of glasses separate to known inorganic, organic and metallic families.

Hybrid glasses contain both inorganic and organic parts. They are a new category of glass, exterior to known inorganic, organic and metallic categories, and the first found since the 1970s. Applications in photonics, energy generation, gas separations, displays and memory storage may be possible.

"It is the first new chemical family of glasses formed since metallic glasses in the 1970s. The combination of organic and inorganic species within the same glass material will hopefully not only enable applications of metal-organic frameworks, but also open up new applications for glass science," said Professor Thomas Bennett.

The pioneers in this field of glasses are:

Prof. Thomas Douglas Bennett, Professor / ahorangi, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences | Te Kura Matū, University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, New Zealand |Aotearoa

Prof. Frédéric Blanc, Professor, University of Liverpool, UK

Prof. François-Xavier Coudert, Directeur de recherche, Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, France

Dr. Mathew Cowan, Senior Lecturer, MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology & University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Prof. Sian Dutton, Professor, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Prof. Pierre Florian, Professor, CNRS, CEMHTI UPR3079, Université d'Orléans, France

Prof. Sebastian Henke, Professor, Technische Universität Dortmund, Germany

Prof. Satoshi Horike, Professor, Kyoto University, Japan & Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, Thailand

Assoc. Prof. Jingwei Hou, Associate Professor, The University of Queensland, Australia

Prof. Kim Jelfs, Professor, Imperial College London

Prof. David A. Keen, Professor, ISIS Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK

Prof. Shichun Li, Professor, Institute of Chemical Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China

Prof. John Mauro FSGT, Professor, The Pennsylvania State University United States

Prof. Sanjog Nagarkar, Professor, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay

Prof. Morten Mattrup Smedskjær (above, left), Professor, Aalborg University, Denmark

Prof. Shane Telfer, Professor, MacDiarmid Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology & Massey University, New Zealand

Prof. Lothar Wondraczek, Professor, Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research & Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry (CEEC Jena), University of Jena, Germany

Prof. Yuanzheng Yue FSGT (above, right), Professor, Aalborg University, Denmark

Professor Carlo G. Pantano

Penn State University has posted a tribute to Carlo G. Pantano, a globally respected glass scientist, dedicated educator and former director of Penn State’s Materials Research Institute (MRI), who died on May 31. He was 74.

“Carlo was truly a cornerstone of the Materials Research Institute,” said Clive Randall, director of MRI and Evan Pugh University Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. “His vision and dedication shaped so much of what we have built here, from groundbreaking research initiatives to fostering a collaborative environment that helped to create the interdisciplinary research world we have at Penn State now. Working with Carlo was not just professionally inspiring but personally rewarding; he had a rare combination of brilliance, humility and warmth that made every challenge feel surmountable. His legacy will continue to guide us for years to come.” 

A distinguished professor emeritus of materials science and engineering, Pantano’s influence spanned over four decades at Penn State. His work transformed the landscape of materials science at the University and left an enduring impact on students, colleagues and the international scientific community, Randall said. Pantano was instrumental in the conception and construction of the Millennium Science Complex building, which has become a notable campus landmark at University Park and a statement of action for Penn State’s vision of interdisciplinary research.

Pantano was born in New Jersey in 1950. He earned his bachelor of science degree in engineering science from Newark College of Engineering in 1972 and went on to complete both his master’s degree and doctoral degree in materials science and engineering at the University of Florida in 1974 and 1976, respectively. After a brief stint at the University of Dayton Research Institute, he joined Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, where he quickly became known for both his research excellence and dynamic teaching. In 1983, he was recognized as an outstanding educator, an early reflection of the passion for mentorship that would define his career.

“Carlo was well-known and respected in the glass community for his outstanding research in glass surface science but, more importantly, for his unfailing kindness, generosity and humility, alongside his dedicated mentorship of the next generation of glass scientists and engineers,” said John Mauro, Dorothy Pate Enright Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Mauro is one of the Penn State researchers carrying on Pantano’s legacy of excellence in glass research.

Pantano was one of the world’s foremost experts in glass surface science. His pioneering research generated fundamental insights into glass composition and structure, especially as it relates to corrosion, durability and surface reactivity, Mauro said. Pantano’s work was crucial in the development of glasses used to safely immobilize nuclear waste and had lasting implications in commercial applications such as smartphone screens, lab-on-a-chip devices and renewable energy technologies.

Link to the full article

David Pye awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Alfred University Reunion Weekend

Alfred University Professor Emeritus L. David Pye HonFSGT received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at a ceremony in Holmes Auditorium. Pye received his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in ceramic science from Alfred University in 1959 and 1968. He joined the faculty of the New York State College of Ceramics (NYSCC) at Alfred University in 1968, beginning an academic career that lasted through 2002 and included serving as dean of NYSCC.

Outside Holmes Auditorium, Alfred University alumni celebrated the 2025 reunion, and NYSCC continued its 125-anniversary celebration, which began Jan. 1. Inside Holmes, an emotional Kathleen Richardson, the first woman to receive a PhD in glass science from Alfred University, in 1992, read the citation praising Pye’s work as a world leader in ceramic technology and research, citing “his contributions to glass and ceramic science at Alfred University and the world.”

Richardson was joined the Holmes stage by Alfred University President Mark Zupan, Gabrielle Gaustad, dean of the Inamori School of Engineering and vice president for Statutory Affairs, Lauren Lake, dean of the School of Art & Design, and Brian Sullivan, dean of University Libraries. Gaustad recalled Pye supporting her husband – and countless other NYSCC students – observing Pye “always had time to meet with students.” Zupan cited Pye’s generous work for the AU community, comparing him with the Alfred jewel in the University mace. “Our true jewels are our graduates such as David,” Zupan said.

Professor Pye’s accomplishments in the glass and ceramic science community are legendary. They include his election as the 46th Honorary Fellow of the Society of Glass Technology and his award of a Distinguished Life Membership in the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) for lifetime achievements in the field of ceramics. In 2019, the Glass and Optical Materials Division of ACerS established the L. David Pye Lifetime Achievement Award, and he served as Founding Editor of ACerS’ International Journal of Applied Glass Science.