"The Belgian Ceramic Research Centre unites the ressources of two non-profit institutions:

- the INISMa (Institut National des Silicates, sols et Matériaux), non-profit making organisation founded in 1973 at the instigation of the Faculté Polytechnique de Mons, the University of Mons-Hainaut, the IDEA (intermunicipal) and a group of industrial ceramists (INS) and

- the CRIBC-CWOBKN (Centre de Recherches de l'Industrie Belge de la Céramique - Centrum voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek van de Belgische Keramische Nijverheid), collective research organisation created by decree-law in 1948, in application of De Groote's law.

As a customer-driven research organization, specialised in inorganic materials, soils and environment, the BCRC is providing technological solutions, scientifically based advice and testing support to stimulate companies developments especially SMEs.

BCRC ended 2005 with 89 full-time equivalents for a global turn-over of 6 500 k€. "