I am honored to present myself as a candidate for the Board of Directors of MRS. As a motivated and dedicated member of the society, the inspiration for my candidacy is based around three key themes: ‘The Future, Diversity and Equity and Sustainability’.
The future of MRS lies in its members, volunteers and its staff. Engaging with its stakeholders requires proactive and enthusiastic members who would call MRS home to grow from their early career stage. As a scientist who has been involved in MRS since undergraduate, I found my mentors, colleagues, life-long friends and a belonging community in which to grow myself. Now that I am in my early-mid career, I believe I can contribute by connecting the future generations of MRS with its existing scientists and innovators, to build the Society’s thriving future. Further, staying ahead in materials science requires innovation and adaptability for the future. MRS has already begun multidisciplinary initiatives, which I would build upon and accelerate. I intend to encourage a cross-disciplinary approach, by facilitating collaborations between different scientific disciplines to foster innovative solutions. This approach is also crucial for another important area: bridging the gap between academic research and industrial applications. I plan to build upon my own experiences of entrepreneurship, founding and building a company, to present a plan that includes establishing collaborative platforms, promoting translational research initiatives and engaging with industry leaders.
Diversity and equity are fundamental to the success of the MRS and the broader scientific community. My commitment to these values is reflected in my personal career, actions and initiatives. In my role as an executive committee member in Global Young Academy I advocated for policies that ensure equal opportunities for all members. I have supported developing programs and scholarships for underrepresented groups and building a culture of respect and inclusivity within the MRS, where every member feels valued and supported.
The MRS is a global thought leader and positioned at the forefront of materials science and research. As a board member, my goal is to contribute to the Society's mission by promoting sustainable research, sustainable growth and encouraging technological advancements that consider long-term positive impact on humanity. In today's world, it is essential to recognize the importance of thoughtful and deliberate progress. My approach to advancing materials science involves not just accelerating research but also ensuring that our developments are achievable and can be sustained. This includes advocating for slow science, which prioritizes quality and long-term impact over rapid, short-term gains.
Overall, the field of materials science is at a pivotal moment, with the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. As a candidate for the MRS Board of Directors, I bring a unique blend of entrepreneurial experience, collaborative expertise, and a forward-thinking vision, centered on sustainability and societal impact. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success and growth of the MRS.