Ferroperm Piezoceramics A/S, Danish manufacturer of piezoceramic components, has been a member of Meggitt's Sensing Systems division since January 2008. Known for its high quality products for sensors and transducers, Ferroperm supplies all standard PZT materials, as well as a number of unique and innovative piezoelectric products for high temperature applications, materials with special acoustic properties, and through its spin off Insensor, also integrated piezoceramic thick films.

Ferroperm has been actively involved in European research and development activities within material science and devices based on piezoelectric effect, participating in EURAM, 5th, 6th and now 7th Frame programs. This engagement is a part of Ferroperm's strategy of maintaining its position as the worldwide technology leader in the field of piezoceramics.

Currently, Ferroperm's most important commitment is Network of Excellence (NoE) MIND (Multifunctional & Integrated Piezoelectric Devices), whose main objective is to create European Piezoinstitute, a multisite center of expertise within piezoelectrics. This network gathers the top experts in the field: Josef Stefan Institute in Slovenia; Ceramics Laboratory, EPFL in Switzerland; LUSSI, University of Tours in France; Cranfield University and NPL in the United Kingdom; University of Latvia, CSIC and ICMM in Spain; and Centro Ricerche Fiat in Italy. Wanda W. Wolny, Ferroperm's Managing Director for Research and Development, coordinates the MIND network's activities.

MIND has recently launched its registration as a non profit association and Ms. Wolny has accepted the position of its first President and Secretary General. The registration process, which takes place in Belgium, is expected to be completed in September 2008.

The Piezoinstitute (www.piezoinstitute.com) is designed to become a self-sustainable and durable structure. It will be active within education providing Master and Ph. D. degrees, commercial courses and professional training together with other services such as consultancy and tests to industry.

Piezoinstitute will also organize professionally focused conferences. The first conference PIEZO2009, Electroceramics for end users, will take place on 1-4 March 2009, in Poland. For program details, registration etc.

Please visit www.piezo2009.com