Prosperity through informed policy
The Materials Research Society (MRS) contributes to the development of science and technology policy in materials-related fields by responding to, and initiating, opportunities to interact nationally and internationally with government officials and public and private organizations. Led by the MRS Government Affairs Committee (GAC), these volunteer-powered efforts have been far-reaching, consistent and unbiased, building trust and respect in Washington, D.C., both on Capitol Hill and within government agencies. When deemed necessary, MRS also teams with other professional societies to create a larger voice for the materials field—to broaden the dissemination, implementation and understanding of materials-related policy for the benefit of society.
Policy Issues
The Materials Research Society is an interdisciplinary society whose members worldwide are advancing research and innovation to improve the quality of life. MRS is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity within the Society itself, and in the scientific and engineering enterprise at-large.
We believe that it is vital to allow scientists and engineers to conduct their critical work and research outside of changing political climates, civil unrest or any other factors that may inhibit the abilities of researchers to globally collaborate and make valued contributions towards improving everyday life for the public at large.
Featured MRS Policy Issues
Department of Energy (DOE) AI Roadmap
The Energy Sciences Coalition (ESC) thanks Congress for making U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) a top priority, and encourages the Bipartisan House Task Force on AI to fully leverage DOE’s unique research and infrastructure capabilities.
Coalition for National Security Research Letter
CNSR thanks members of U.S. Congress and Senate for their support for the Defense Science and Technology (S&T) program in the fiscal year 2024 Defense Appropriations bill, and we urge them to prioritize the Defense S&T program in 2025.
Statement on the FY 2024 Minibus and National Science Foundation Appropriations
The Coalition for National Science Funding calls on Congress in future appropriations cycles to allocate more resources to the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill to allow our NSF’s budget to grow.
Materials Success Stories
These stories highlight the value of materials successes driven by federal research investment, and call for continued support.
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Resources
These resources explain how materials impact our lives, showcasing advances due to materials research investments.
Click For MoreMRS/Optica Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship
2024-2025 MRS/Optica Fellow
Shriya Pai, University of Colorado Boulder
MRS and Optica offer a congressional fellowship program providing members with an invaluable opportunity of public policy learning. Fellows contribute effective use of optical and materials science knowledge in government and broaden awareness of the value of scientist- and engineer-government interaction among our memberships, the federal government and the public.
MRS and Optica are pleased to announce the selection of Shriya Pai as the 2024-2025 Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow. Shriya (she/her/hers) is a physicist specializing in quantum science and technology. She earned her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she focused on quantum many-body systems with applications in quantum computing. Most recently, as a Consultant at Boston Consulting Group, Shriya engaged in public sector consulting projects in education, public health, and climate policy.
Applications for the 2025-26 MRS/Optica Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship will open in September 2024.
MRS Response to Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping
Filed on December 22, 2020, the United States District Court, Northern District of California, San Jose Division granted in part a Nationwide Preliminary Injunction against the Executive Order on race and sex stereotyping.
Diversity, Egalitarianism and Inclusion are fundamental values of the Materials Research Society. As an organization, we also stand firm against racism, discrimination and inequality. Because of these beliefs, we are opposed to the Administration’s recently released Executive Order on Race and Sex Stereotyping that would ban the very type of diversity and equality training needed to value the contributions of everyone in the scientific community and to engage all talent to improve the quality of life through scientific discovery.