The Alfred R. Cooper Distinguished Speaker for 2026 is Professor Vincenzo M. Sglavo – Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento (Italy), and the title of the lecture is “From Vision to Practice: Advancing the Chemical Strengthening of Silicate Glass.”
The Alfred R. Cooper Award highlights the spirit of the late Professor Alfred R. Cooper. Dr. Cooper was for many years a member of the faculty at Case Western Reserve University and a prominent contributor to the understanding of many glass phenomena and glass problems. He had a particular interest in fostering careful analytical thinking in young people as part of their education, and encouraged them to seek rigorous quantitative solutions to glass research issues. The Award is assigned through nomination and selection by the committee of The American Ceramic Society.
The distinguished lecture is delivered by notable glass scientists and engineers who have highlighted important advances in glass science and technology.
