News

Since taking my new role as YC&T WG leader in September 2025, I have been fortunate to witness something truly remarkable: the enthusiasm, dedication, and generosity of the YCN Committee members. Every initiative, event, meeting, workshop, social media post, and new idea is driven by young researchers who voluntarily invest their free time to strengthen our community and create opportunities for their peers. Their commitment continues to impress and inspire me. Over the past year, the YCN Committee has evolved significantly. We have moved towards a more strategic and structured way of working, carefully selecting initiatives that can create the greatest benefit for our members. Every discussion begins with the same question: How will this help young researchers? This principle guides everything we do and will continue to guide us in the future.

The growth of YCN has been remarkable. Our membership has increased significantly, but we believe that success cannot be measured solely by numbers. What matters most is the impact we have on the careers, development, and experiences of young researchers. We are therefore equally proud that engagement within the network has grown alongside membership in the last year. More young researchers are participating in events, sharing opportunities, contributing ideas, and supporting one another than ever before. A key part of this progress has been made possible by our YCN Representatives, who work within four dedicated YCN working groups, each coordinated by one or two YCN Committee members. Their enthusiasm and willingness to contribute demonstrate the strength of our community. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a large and motivated group of young researchers helping to shape the future of YCN. 

Perhaps the best illustration of where YCN is heading was provided by our recent 5th YCN Workshop held in Poland, which also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the YCN Committee. During the workshop, participants received training in four highly valuable areas: the use of artificial intelligence in science, communication skills, scientific project writing, and leadership development. Participants also presented their own scientific work, exchanging knowledge and receiving feedback from peers. 

What made the workshop truly special and extended beyond professional development? We learned together, supported one another, and created new connections. During the Workshops’ Gala Dinner, participants shared songs from their home countries and celebrated the diversity of our community through music, dancing, laughter, and friendship. The event became a joyful celebration of European and international cultures united by a shared passion for ceramics. For me, this workshop perfectly captures the future of YCN.

We work in a highly competitive environment. Academic positions are limited, grant applications are increasingly demanding, and many young researchers face uncertainty when navigating careers within academia or transitioning to industry. Competition is often presented as unavoidable, posing huge pressure for young and mid-career researchers. However, YCN represents a different vision. We believe that while our professional environment may be competitive, our community does not have to be. We can choose collaboration over isolation, support over rivalry, and shared growth over individual success alone. We can celebrate each other's achievements, exchange opportunities, learn together, and help one another overcome challenges.

This spirit is already visible throughout YCN. It can be felt during our workshops, conferences, networking events, and online discussions. It is reflected in the willingness of our members to share advice, mentor peers, collaborate across borders, and encourage one another's success. This is the future we are working towards: a network where young ceramists do not simply build careers, but also build a supportive community. A network where knowledge, opportunities, and achievements are shared. A network where individuals grow together rather than alone. It may sound idealistic, but we know it is possible because we are already seeing its impact. And if the passion, commitment, and sense of community I have witnessed over the past year are any indication, the future of YCN is very bright indeed.

None of this would be possible without the continued support of the ECerS and the JECS Trust. For many years, they generously invested resources in YCN and its activities, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting young researchers. By investing in YCN, they are ultimately investing in the people who will shape the future of ceramics research, innovation, and industry. This commitment reflects the core mission of both ECerS and the JECS Trust: to support their members, foster scientific excellence, and create opportunities for the next generation. On behalf of the entire YCN community, we are deeply grateful for their trust, support, and belief in the importance of empowering young researchers.

Dr. Antonia Ressler

Chair of the ECerS Young Ceramists & Training Working Group (YC&T Working Group)

Tampere University

LinkedIn Profile