The monthly roundup from Editor-in-Chief Susan Sutton.
It’s times like these that I really wish I could get into
meditation. Between economy woes, natural disasters and various wars and
conflicts around the world, the news can be a little overwhelming these days. A
few minutes of quiet time without worries running a constant loop through my
mind sounds fantastic. I’ve tried to meditate, I really have. Unfortunately, I
start thinking about why I can’t
stop thinking and just end up
more frustrated. I’m a natural-born worrier. In fact, even when nothing
bothersome is happening, I’m likely to worry about why things are so quiet.
It was therefore with great relief that I read about a recent report from RAND
Corp., a nonprofit research organization, which discovered that the U.S. continues
to lead the world in science and technology. “Much of the concern about the
United States losing its edge as the world’s leader in science and technology
appears to be unfounded,” said Titus Galama, co-author of the report and a
management scientist at RAND. The report found that 40% of worldwide spending
for scientific R&D takes place in the U.S., which also houses
three-quarters of the world’s top 40 universities.
Whew, we can strike that particular panic attack off the list-at least for a
while. The report’s authors warn that the U.S. cannot become complacent in its
leading position. Other countries are increasing R&D spending and some are
outpacing the U.S. in graduation rates for university-educated scientists and
engineers. (Visit
www.rand.org for additional details or to purchase the
report.)
This issue of
CI features our annual
R&D Overview, which highlights some of the amazing ceramic and glass
technology advances from around the world. Managing Editor Brian Hayes has
compiled research efforts from organizations ranging from the Pacific Northwest
National Laboratory and the Savannah River National Laboratory to NASA and
Clemson University. See “Advancing Ceramic & Glass Technology.”
In addition to working on continual R&D advancements, it’s important for us
all to strive to make our businesses and industries successful. More brick
manufacturers are investigating the potential cost- and energy-saving benefits
of firing with alternative fuels, for example. Especially in this challenging
environment, measuring the savings will become more and more important (see
“Testing Alternative Fuels in Brick Manufacturing”).
One example close to home for us at
CI
comes from leading media auditor BPA Worldwide, which recently named Taggart
Henderson, BNP Media co-CEO, to its board of directors. BNP is publisher of
Ceramic Industry and over 50 other business-to-business trade
magazines. Congratulations to Tagg, whose three-year term has already begun,
and everyone at BNP who will benefit from his involvement in this important
industry organization.
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