A regular Forum of the World Academy of Ceramics (WAC) was held in Faenza/Cesenatico, Italy on May 10-13, 2004. Its addenda included the awarding ceremony, election of new members, and scientific session.

The Forum opened with a word of greeting by Prof. P. Vincenzini, Chairman of Council WAC. Then Prof. A.G. Merzhanov, President Advisory Board WAC, informed about his activities since his election a President two years ago (renaming the Academy, organization of topical associations).

After the greetings from the mayors of Faenza and Cesenatico, the presentation of newly elected (in 2002) Academy members took place. New WAC members (including Prof. I. Borovinskaya) were awarded with nominal memorial boards. The WAC Prize Laureates'04 Larry L. Hench (UK) and Frank Filser (Switzerland) delivered their laureate lectures (The Story of Bioglass: From Concept to Clinic and Cercon®-smart Ceramics: A New Net-shaping Process for All-ceramic Dental Restorations, respectively).

At the Scientific Session, Prof. Merzhanov delivered a lecture Nanopowders from SHS in co-authorship with I.P. Borovinskaya and А.Е. Sytschev.

Prof. Merzhanov also took part in the session of the Nomination Committee (election of new members), presided the session of the Advisory Board, and had a meeting with the Academy members. At this meeting, Prof. Yu.D. Tret'yakov (Russia) unexpectedly took a sharp position. He noticed that too many (11) American (which is, by the way, indicative of the Academy popularity) and only four Russian nominees have been presented. In the subsequent discussion many constructive proposals were given, such as the restriction in the number of candidates from one country down 3-4 for next elections.

On the whole, the forum was fruitful and well organized.

During the Forum days, Prof. Merzhanov and Dr. Sytschev had a working meeting with Prof. G. Cao, co-chairman of the VII International Symposium on SHS (Sardinia, Italy, 2005).