The W. David Kingery Award is a prestigious honor presented annually by the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) to individuals who have made significant lifelong contributions to the field of ceramic science and engineering.[1] 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.[2]
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. 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.[3] 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.[4] His influence as an educator was equally impactful, having authored several foundational textbooks in ceramics and materials science, including the influential Introduction to Ceramics.[5] Throughout his career, Kingery was a prominent advocate for the advancement of ceramic engineering and education, mentoring many future leaders in the field.
Recognizing the need to honor individuals who embody Kingery's legacy of excellence, ACerS created the award to highlight contributions that have a broad and lasting impact on ceramic science and technology. The award underscores the importance of long-term dedication to the field, whether through research, innovation, or service to the ceramics community.
The award is conferred based on a rigorous evaluation of the nominee's career achievements.[6] 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:
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.[7] The award reflects both individual accomplishment and contributions that benefit society as a whole through the advancement of ceramic technology.
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.[8]