Invited Speakers

Areas of Expertise: Works on clay mineralogy, geoarchaeology, economic geology, and critical minerals in the Earth’s crust (e.g., kaolin). Also conducts research on planetary materials such as Martian regolith. Career and Awards: Has conducted research in geology for over 45 years and is the author of the textbook Clays in the Critical Zone. In 2025, was elected as a member of the Mineralogical Society of America and was awarded a grant under the UK–US Critical Minerals Research Partnership. Current Research: Conducts research on topics such as the production of critical minerals and sustainable energy resources, and actively participates in international academic seminars. Further Information: More detailed information on his academic background, laboratory work, and publications can be accessed via the profile page of Prof. Dr. Paul Schroeder at the University of Georgia Geology Department:

Prof. Dr. Vicente Sanz Solana (Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain) is a Spanish academician specializing in ceramic technology, the rheology of clay suspensions, and the development of ceramic materials. University: Universitat Jaume I (UJI) Department: Department of Chemical Engineering (Departamento de Ingeniería Química) Title: Catedrático de Universidad (Full Professor) Research Center: Institut Universitari de Tecnologia Ceràmica Agustín Escardino Research Group: ChEMTECh – Chemical Engineering and Materials Technology Main Research Areas: Ceramic raw materials and ceramic tile technology Rheological behavior of clay suspensions Deflocculation and milling processes Optimization of ceramic bodies Utilization of industrial wastes in ceramic products Functional ceramic coatings and advanced ceramic applications His early research focused particularly on theHis doctoral thesis was also devoted to the “Rheological behavior of concentrated clay suspensions.” viscoelastic behavior of clay–water systems, flow properties of concentrated clay suspensions, and the control of ceramic manufacturing processes.