2002 Buessem Award Recipient

Masatomo Yonezawa received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Kyoto University, in 1965 and 1967, respectively; in 1992 he earned his Doctor of Engineering degree from Tokyo Institute of Technology. He began his career as a researcher in 1967 at the Materials Research Laboratory, Central Research Laboratories at NEC Corporation, moving to Research Supervisor and Research Manager of that facility. In 1984, he became General Manager of the Materials Research Laboratory of NEC’s Fundamental Research Laboratories. Today Dr. Yonezawa remains active in the research activities of NEC Corporation, serving as Chief Engineer (Executive Consultant) of their Functional Materials Research Laboratories.

Dr. Yonezawa’s many accomplishments in the field of dielectric materials include: (1) research development, and commercialization of low-firing dielectric materials and application for multilayer ceramic capacitors; (2) research and development of the piezoelectric ceramics for ceramic filters, mechanical filters, and multilayer ceramic actuators; and (3) research and development of Mn-Spinel cathode materials for Li-ion rechargeable battery and commercialization of the batteries for portable equipment and automobiles.

Dr. Yonezawa has published many papers and has registered a number of patents (6 U.S. and 120 Japan). Among the awards he has received are the TAKEI Award (Japan Society of Powder and Powder Metallurgy, 1981), R.M. Fulrath Award (American Ceramic Society, 1982), New Excellent Product Award (Nikkann Kougyou Shinbunnsya, 1985), Patent Promotion Award (Inventions Society of Japan, 1997), OHM Technology Award (Technology Promotion Society of Electrical Science, 2000), and Patent Promotion Award (Invention Society of Japan, 2001). He was made a Fellow of the American Ceramic Society in 1999.

The Center for Dielectric Studies presented the 2002 Wilhelm R. Buessem Award to Dr. Yonezawa at the CDS Awards Dinner on April 24, 2003.