Opportunities and Challenges in Biology and Medicine: A Report from the 4th I nternational C ongress on C eramics

This article summarizes the opportunities and challenges for future research in ceramics used in biology and medicine. The summary was prepared from the seven presentations at the 4th I nternational C ongress on C eramics held from J uly 15 to 19, 2012, in C hicago, USA . The major emerging opportunities identified were as follows: (i) developing fundamental understanding of bioactive ions used in bioceramics, (ii) possibility of using novel manufacturing methods such as 3 D printing, (iii) attaching bioceramics to metallic implants, and (iv) enabling collaboration between ceramicist, biologist, industry, and medical professionals.