Exploring advanced ceramic coatings and ultra-high temperature ceramic materials, this issue brings readers up-to-date with important new and emerging findings, materials, and applications. The nineteen papers in this issue originate from two symposia and one focused session held in January 2012, during the 36th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC). With contributions from leading ceramics and materials researchers from around the world, this issue explores the latest advances and key challenges in advanced thermal and environmental coating processing and characterizations, advanced wear corrosion-resistant, nanocomposite, and multi-functional coatings, thermal protection systems, and more.