UC Davis Professor Receives Glass Science Award

The American Ceramic Society honors Sabyasachi Sen for his significant contributions to glass science and technology.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Materials Science

Intricate transparent glass laboratory tubes and a glass lens resting on a clean steel workbench in a professional lab.
University of California, Davis professor Sabyasachi Sen has been honored with the American Ceramic Society's 2026 George W. Morey Award. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Sabyasachi Sen, chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Davis, has received the 2026 George W. Morey Award. This honor recognizes his distinguished career and original research in glass science and technology.

Why it matters

The George W. Morey Award is a prestigious recognition by the American Ceramic Society for excellence in published research and technological advancements in the field of glass. It serves as a benchmark for impact in materials science, highlighting the importance of scholarly achievement in the academic community.

Sabyasachi Sen has produced 288 scientific papers and secured seven patents throughout his career. This volume of work is evaluated against the standards of the Glass & Optical Materials Division to verify excellence in research methodology.

The players

Sabyasachi Sen

He is the Blacutt-Underwood Professor and Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Davis.

American Ceramic Society

This professional organization supports the ceramics and glass industry through education, networking, and the promotion of scientific research.

The details

Sen, who has served as the Blacutt-Underwood Professor since 2020, leads the department at UC Davis where he has worked since 2004. His academic background includes a master's degree from the University of Houston and a PhD from Stanford University.

Timeline

  1. 2004: Sen joined the UC Davis Department of Materials Science.

  2. 2020: Sen began holding the Blacutt-Underwood Professorship.

  3. 2025: Sen began serving as department chair.

  4. 2026: Sen received the George W. Morey Award.

The Big Picture

This award marks a significant point in the ongoing work of the Glass & Optical Materials Division of the American Ceramic Society. The recognition reinforces the institutional focus on advancing glass science through rigorous academic publication and patent development.

As a leader in materials science, the work performed by professors like Sen can influence future consumer technology, including stronger glass for mobile devices or more efficient fiber optics. These innovations often transition from university labs into mass-market industrial applications.

The takeaway

Recognized researchers like Sen demonstrate how deep specialization in materials science leads to tangible breakthroughs in technology. Students and professionals can observe his career path as a template for combining high-impact academic output with industrial practical application.

Further reading

Learn more about local academic research initiatives in the Materials Science section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The American Bazaar.