Welcome to the Glass Age

203 About the Authors Prof. John M. Parker Emeritus Professor Parker began his University Education at the University of Cambridge in 1964 where he studied for 8 years, obtaining an MA in Natural Sciences, a Ph.D in Earth Sciences and 2 years post-doctoral experience. From there he moved to the University of Sheffield to teach Glass Technology (1971-2009). His teaching and research interests have covered a wide spectrum but specifically have included optical fibres, dental cements, defects in glass making, structure and optical absorption. Although now formally retired he still teaches in Sheffield University. He remains heavily involved in the Society of Glass Technology and is now an Honorary Fellow. He is also an honorary member of the Deutsches Glastechnische Gesellshaft. For 21 years he was secretary of ICG’s Coordinating Technical Committee and is still heavily involved in the ICG Winter and Summer Schools. He has played a major role in the organization of the UN International Year of Glass. He writes a monthly article for Glass International on History of Glass Making and has in total published 200 books, technical articles and reviews. He is Curator of the Turner Museum of Glass, giving frequent talks on the collection, its history and art.