16 April 2026

President Christine Blackmore CEnv CSci FIMMM visits AMRICC on International Day of Ceramics

The International Day of Ceramics was held on 12 March 2026.

IOM3 President Christine Blackmore was invited by the AMRICC Centre in Staffordshire to attend their celebration of the first International Day of Ceramics. She shares her experience in this blog for the Institute.

I recently had the pleasure of attending a celebration of the International Day of Ceramics, held on Thursday, 12 March 2026 and hosted at The AMRICC Centre, part of the Lucideon Group, in Stone, Staffordshire.

The event was organised by Ceramics UK, Lucideon and the AMRICC Centre. Ceramics UK represents over 90% of the UK ceramics industry and serves as an important focal point for technical knowledge, industry collaboration, and engagement with government. It was a privilege to be invited to such a well-attended and thoughtfully arranged occasion.

Among those present were several local MPs: David Williams MP (Stoke North), Alison Gardner MP (Stoke South) and Gareth Snell MP (Stoke-on-Trent Central). Paul Skerry CEnv FIMMM (IOM3 Director of Membership) and many other prominent figures were in attendance from both industry and academia, including Dr Emma Claxton CEng FIMMM from Rolls-Royce and Professor Jon Binner CEng FIMMM and Dr Claire Dancer MIMMM from the University of Birmingham.

The day opened with a warm welcome from Rob Flello, CEO of Ceramics UK, who set the scene for the day. Launched by the International Ceramics Federation in 2025, the International Day of Ceramics aims to raise public awareness of the vital role ceramics play in modern life. This global celebration is to inspire future generations and showcase the industry’s innovation. The UK celebration is specifically to demonstrate that the ceramics industry is ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ and a critical enabler of the UK’s future.

This introduction was followed by a series of presentations highlighting both the breadth of the ceramics industry and its importance to modern life. A ministerial video message from Christopher McDonald FREng FIMMM MP – Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security & Net Zero, as well as Business and Trade, underlined the sector’s strategic significance.

One of the most striking themes throughout the day was the demonstration and discussion of the sheer range of applications for ceramics. Richard Goodhead, Chief Marketing Officer at Lucideon, gave a detailed presentation on the extensive applications and uses of ceramics. As the phrase 'hidden in plain sight' suggests, ceramics underpin a remarkable variety of uses, from defence and aerospace to medical technologies, construction and traditional pottery.

Cathryn Hickey, Chief Executive at AMRICC, gave an insightful overview of the Centre’s integrated approach to research, development, and innovation, all brought together under one roof. She also outlined the continued development of the AMRICC Academy, which plays a key role in supporting future capability within the sector.

Industry contributions were equally informative. The team from Mantec Technical Ceramics presented on advanced materials, including their Ultralite™ insulating product, which uses microporous refractory technology to deliver highly energy-efficient performance.

Ibstock, represented by Greg Astill (Head of Production – Facades), provided a useful perspective on the evolution of brick manufacturing, including innovative façade systems that are thinner, more versatile and adaptable to modern architectural design.

Almath Crucibles Ltd. demonstrated their capability in designing and manufacturing bespoke ceramic components, supported by in-house CAD and tooling, enabling precision engineering to tight tolerances.

CDS Group outlined their work in advanced thermal processing systems, including curing, drying, and heat treatment technologies, with one of their latest electric drying kilns now installed at AMRICC for research and development purposes with aerospace parts.

Following the presentations, we were given a tour of the AMRICC laboratories and exhibition areas. The opportunity to see and handle materials at first hand added greatly to understanding the practical applications being discussed. Colleagues from AMRICC and Lucideon also shared their work on advanced ceramic matrix composites designed for demanding environments across sectors such as energy, defence and aerospace.

Victoria Warren, Director of The AMRICC Academy, outlined the work of the AMRICC Academy and its role in developing skills and careers within the ceramics industry. It is encouraging to note that AMRICC is progressing towards IOM3 accreditation for its courses.

The day concluded with the launch of a student competition entitled ‘Defying Gravity: Ceramics on the Moon’. The competition will challenge Key Stage 3 students to imagine what role ceramics might play in helping humanity to live, work, and thrive in the harsh environment of the Moon. Entries will be accepted over the next few months, with further details to be made available by Ceramics UK.

Overall, this was an extremely informative and worthwhile event. While ceramics is not my own discipline, I came away with a much clearer appreciation of its significance. The description of ceramics as 'hidden in plain sight' is entirely apt; their role across modern industry and daily life is both extensive and often under-recognised.

As Rob Flello and Cathryn Hickey rightly noted in their closing addresses, ceramics are woven into the fabric of our nation. From refractories essential to steel and glass production, to applications in healthcare, electronics, and infrastructure, the sector plays a vital and far-reaching role.