Workforce Development: Challenges and Opportunities for Ceramic Science and Engineering

摘要

It remains both a challenge and an opportunity to attract and nurture the best talent in ceramic science and engineering. Success stories in other areas provide examples of how to do it. Research findings reveal behaviors and specific actions that encourage excellence in all individuals, for example, showing support, creating structures that promote interaction, and establishing clear expectations. In developing countries, where the education and research infrastructure are often not as strong and English is not otherwise the language of choice, additional factors come into play. Involving students in research and exchanges-both domestically and internationally-within academe and with other sectors are keys to maintaining a high level of engagement. Students need to identify with the benefits and goals of their career paths. It is imperative that the education curriculum be nimble and incorporate skill development in important and emerging areas such as entrepreneurship and integrated computation and modeling.