Chris Hallas, ChairThe Ceramics Society (previously the Ceramics and Building Materials Division) exists to provide a forum for the exchange of information, knowledge and state-of-the-art industrial practice on all aspects of ceramic activity within the UK. The society is structured under the six committees: Building Materials, Cementitious Materials, Ceramics Science, Refractories and Industrial Ceramics, Whitewares, and the International Clay Technology Association (ICTa); it also links in strongly with the Society of Glass Technology (SGT). Its activities focus on all technical, educational, academic and professional issues relating to IOM3 members who, although not specifically involved with activities of the various committees and groups listed above, nevertheless wish to be informed of forthcoming events.