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YCN Newsletter 20 - Letter by Muthusundar Kumar, new YCN representative
My Clay Path: A Journey as a YCN Representative for India
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Hello Young Ceramists!
Muthusundar Kumar, a young ceramist hailing from the shores of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, India. Currently delves into doctoral research in collaboration with the University of Mons in Belgium and the Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France in Maubeuge.
My journey into ceramics commenced at CSIR-NIIST, Trivandrum in India, where I explored the realm of clay and high-temperature ceramics. Genuinely, YCN was a hidden gem to me until I started looking for a PhD position in Europe. It was a pleasant surprise to find out about YCN through a LinkedIn post from one of our YCN committee members.
As a beacon of hope, YCN offers a platform for budding ceramists like myself to connect, collaborate, and flourish. Intrigued by its mission to foster innovation and collaboration within the ceramic community, I was eager to discover what lay beyond. This curiosity came to life during the 3rd YCN workshop at Aveiro in Portugal, the first event during my PhD journey. Undoubtedly, YCN serves as a model for teamwork and networking, also contributing to enriching personal skills such as public presentations and leadership qualities, crucial for a ceramist's success in academia and industry alike. It was then that I resolved to become a part of YCN, contribute to its vibrant community, and carry forward its mission.
My determination lies in spotlighting young ceramists across India, bridging the gap between the European and Indian ceramic communities through YCN. This endeavour promises progress in collaboration and mutual growth.
Today, as I reflect on my path, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that YCN has bestowed upon me. It is more than just a network-it is a community, a family, united by a shared passion for young ceramists and a collective vision for the future. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the JECS trust for sponsoring YCN and other travel grants, enabling me and other young ceramists to thrive.
Thrilled to serve as one of India's YCN representatives, I eagerly anticipate the journey ahead.
Muthusundar Kumar
Doctoral researcher
Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials,
Place du Parc 20, University of Mons, Belgium.
Last news
YCN Newsletter 31 - Event Overview - Ceramitec 2026 by YCN Committee member Petar Kotevski
YCN’s participation at ceramitec 2026 in Munich from 24th to 26th of March 2026, represented a key step in strengthening ties between young ceramic professionals, academia, and industry. The exhibition provided an international setting where research, innovation and industrial application converge, enabling meaningful engagements. Our main objective was to position YCN as an active interface connecting early-career professionals with industry leaders.
YCN Newsletter 31 - Research in Spot - Naser Hosseini
Interface Engineering: High-Temperature Interactions Between High-Entropy Ceramics and Metals.
My research explores high-temperature interactions between high-entropy ceramics (HECs) and metals, with a focus on joining strategies for extreme environments. By understanding how metals wet and react with these advanced ceramics, I aim to design reliable interfaces for applications such as composites, coatings, and ceramic joining with functional properties. This work contributes to improving the performance and durability of materials used in demanding industries such as energy, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
Information
Contact us for any information: youngceramists@ecers.org - We will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible!
ECerS office
Av. Gouverneur Cornez , 4
7000 Mons
Belgium