Ahead of the 97th Glass-Technology Conference, Greg Morris spoke to Conference President Prof. Dr. Joachim Deubener.
The event will take place at the Eurogress in Aachen, Germany on May 27 – 29.
The conference is organised by the German Society of Glass Technology (DGG).
Theme and Talking Points
The theme for this year's Glass-Technology Conference 2024 revolves around the integration of sustainability within glass science and technological advancements.
Key talking points among delegates will include the latest research in glass chemistry and structure, sustainable practices in glass melting and forming, and the role of computational techniques in enhancing glass production and applications.
Additionally, discussions will extend to the impact of these technologies on improving quality of life and the environment, aligning with the global shift towards more sustainable industrial practices.
Preparation for the Event
Considerable preparation has gone into this year’s event, evidenced by the successful Call for Papers which drew a broad and diverse range of submissions globally.
The DGG has been focused on crafting a schedule that reflects the depth of the submissions received. This detailed planning ensures the conference will showcase the latest advancements in the field and facilitate meaningful dialogues among participants.
Uniqueness of the DGG/HVG Conference
The conference stands out due to its specific focus on both the scientific and practical applications of glass technology, bridging the gap between research and industry.
It’s a pivotal platform in Europe for showcasing innovations, fostering discussions, and networking among global experts in glass science. The event's comprehensive inclusion of sustainable practices and the latest technological advancements makes it a beacon for forward-thinking in the industry.
Importance of Industry Link
The link with the glass industry, including technology suppliers and manufacturers, is crucial for the conference. It ensures that the discussions and developments presented are not only theoretically significant but also practically applicable.
This industry connection facilitates the direct transfer of research into real-world applications and fosters collaborations that can lead to innovations in glass technology, making the conference a vital event for industry progression.
Choice of Aachen as the Venue
Aachen was selected for this year's Glass-Technology Conference due to its strong ties to glass and engineering research, particularly through RWTH Aachen University.
Hosting the conference in Aachen, in partnership with Prof. Dr. Christian Roos, the Programme Chair from RWTH, emphasises the integration of academic excellence into the event. The venue choice also aligns with the conference's tradition of rotating locations annually to collaborate with local academic leaders and explore different regions.
This approach enriches the conference experience by showcasing diverse academic and cultural environments. Next year, the conference will move to Goslar (Germany) where I am based. Therefore, I will be the Programme Chair and Conference President from the Technical University of Clausthal, continuing this tradition of regional and academic engagement.
