MRS Impact Award

The MRS Impact Award honors outstanding individuals who have displayed excellence in areas of science communication, education, advancing diversity, mentoring, or community engagement, which reflect the Society’s pursuit to advance materials science and technology to improve the quality of life.

Award Package

Each prize consists of a $5,000 cash prize, an award trophy, a citation certificate, meeting registration fee to attend the Materials Research Society meeting at which the award is presented, and a one-year MRS membership. Additionally, reasonable travel and hotel expenses to attend the MRS meeting will be reimbursed. (When a team is recognized, the cash prize will be split equally, but each individual shall receive a trophy and certificate).

Nomination Information

Nominations for the MRS Impact Award will be accepted June 1 through August 1 at http://awards.mrs.org/. Rules and eligibility, nomination package requirements and more are available here.

MRS TV speaks with Anne Lynn Gillian-Daniel, the winner of the 2023 MRS Impact Award for creative leadership in materials education and outreach spanning all ages, in a wide range of venues, and across socioeconomic backgrounds; and for promoting diversity and inclusion.

MRS Impact Award Recipients

Mark Miodownik, University College London (2024)

"For sustained promotion of materials science to a global audience, sparking interdisciplinary collaborations, policy development, and public engagement"

Anne Lynn Gillian-Daniel, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2023)

"For creative leadership in materials education and outreach spanning all ages, in a wide range of venues, and across socioeconomic backgrounds; and for promoting diversity and inclusion."

Kwadwo Osseo-Asare, The Pennsylvania State University (2022)

"For sustained contributions to building a global materials science and engineering community that spans continents from Africa to the Americas"

Amy J. Moll, Boise State University (2021)

“For sustained leadership and impact in materials outreach and education, including founding the department at Boise State University, fostering excellent materials science pedagogy, and engaging the public through museum exhibits and television documentaries"

Takiya J. Ahmed Foskey, DuPont (2020)

“For leadership, mentoring and substantive contributions toward creating and organizing educational opportunities to prepare the next generation, in particular underrepresented and economically disadvantaged youth, to strive for STEM education and careers and be role models in the future"

Meyya Meyyappan, NASA Ames Research Center (2019)

“For his lifelong dedication toward creating significant and outstanding impact to understanding nanotechnology through global outreach initiatives and for unwavering mentorship”

Michael Falk, Johns Hopkins University (2018)

“For broadened participation in STEM education in Baltimore elementary schools; for bringing attention to professional and educational climate issues faced by LGBTQ students and researchers; and for pioneered research-based methodologies for integrating computation into the Materials Science and Engineering curriculum”

Lynnette D. Madsen, National Science Foundation (2017)

“In recognition of her effectiveness in exemplifying technical leadership, advancing diversity, fostering mentoring and communicating persuasively to influence both large and small institutions”