Lyon, where the Rhône and the Saône rivers meet, has always been a city of exchanges and industrial development, with major historic landmarks. ‘Lugdunum’ was founded in 43BC by the Romans and served as the capital of Gaul. It was also famous, as the world capital of silk, during the French Renaissance. Lyon’s cuisine is famous all over the world, the cinema was invented by the Lumière brothers in this City of Lights, surrounded by prestigious wine areas where you can taste Beaujolais, Burgundy and Côtes-du-Rhône, not far from the Alps and of course Mont Blanc. Lyon is also the city of cutting edge industry and engineering, especially in the fields of chemistry and materials, bio-technology and medicine, mobility systems, with numerous schools and faculties created to answer technological and societal needs.

Thus, it is a great pleasure to welcome ceramists in the City of Lights, to share the latest discoveries in ceramic science and technology, reconnect with colleagues from around the world, in a convivial conference atmosphere . The conference, hosting ceramic experts from industry and academia, offering a unique opportunity to participate in an international event covering the development and applications of ceramic-based systems.
In addition to the now traditional symposia dealing with innovative processing, thermo-mechanical properties, modelling and ceramics for different high-tech applications, emphasis will also be given to advanced characterization techniques, silicate-based ceramics and materials for building applications, as well as the place of ceramics in necessary sustainable development. Lyon has been growing and evolving for 2,000 years: it is today a leading sustainable destination. Therefore, intent on reducing our environmental impact, we will make this XVIII^th ECerS conference a truly “think green” event.

We are looking forward to meeting you in Lyon!

On behalf of the Organizing committee
Jérôme Chevalier, General Chair
Insa-Lyon, University Lyon, France