Policy Issues

The Materials Research Society (MRS) 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.

The MRS Government Affairs Committee (GAC) contributes to the development of governmental science and technology policy to advance materials research and innovation by responding to and initiating opportunities to interact with government officials and other organizations on matters of science and technology policy.

The current economic climate poses many challenges for the materials community, whose research priorities are critically affected by both federal and international mandates. With that in mind, the GAC seeks to provide timely information on emerging public policy issues, federal programs and other activities of importance to its members and others in the materials community.

Below are current issues and communications developed to help advance the policy goals of the materials community. Select each title below to read its description, and click Read More to view the downloadable PDF.

Issues

ESC FY 2025 Office of Science Budget Request Impact Statement

ESC continues to urge Congress to appropriate $9.5 billion in FY 2025 for DOE Office of Science. This level of funding is needed to accelerate the construction of world-class science facilities, grow research programs in discovery science and emerging technology areas, and support workforce development programs.

FY25 NSF Senate Letter

As the Subcommittee begins deliberations on the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, we write to respectfully urge the Committee to appropriate at least $11.9 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF) in FY 25.

DOE Office of Science FY25 Appropriations Letter

As you begin work on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, we write to express our strong support for robust and sustained funding for the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science.

CNSR FY 2025 Letter

We understand the FY 2024 appropriations cycle has been especially challenging as Congress has debated overall funding levels for the federal government; we sincerely appreciate Congress’ careful consideration of Defense S&T funding throughout the process.

ESC FY 2025 Office of Science Conference Statement October 2024

October, 2024

The DOE Office of Science, the nation’s largest funder of the physical sciences, has long enjoyed widespread and bipartisan support in Congress. It supports groundbreaking scientific discoveries, builds and maintains the nation’s largest collection of world-class scientific facilities, advances key emerging technologies such as quantum information science and artificial intelligence, is mission-focused on advancing energy technologies needed for the nation to meet net-zero carbon emissions, and helps maintain the U.S. pipeline of science and engineering talent.

Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2024 Support Letter

August, 2024

On behalf of over 100 member organizations that make up the Energy Sciences Coalition (ESC), we are writing to express strong support for the bipartisan Department of Energy (DOE) Quantum Leadership Act of 2024.

ESC Statement in Support of DOE AI Act July 2024

July, 2024

The Energy Sciences Coalition (ESC) strongly supports and urges swift passage of the bipartisan Department of Energy (DOE) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. Consistent with prior ESC recommendations, the legislation gives DOE a central role in AI research and development, including unique applications in science, energy, and national security to advance DOE missions, while also mitigating risks associated with this new sector of innovation.

ESC DOE AI Initiative Roadmap

June, 2024

The Energy Sciences Coalition (ESC) thanks Congress for making U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) a top priority. In particular, ESC wants to thank the Bipartisan Senate AI Working Group for developing an AI policy roadmap, “Driving U.S. Innovation in Artificial Intelligence”, that gives the Department of Energy (DOE) a central role in AI research and development, including unique applications in science, energy, and national security to advance DOE missions, while also mitigating risks.

NIST Foundation Support Letter

June, 2024

The below company, academic and non-profit organizations write to you today to praise the House Science, Space and Technology Committee passage of the Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act (HR 8673) to establish a Foundation for Standards and Metrology within the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), providing a pathway to a more resilient future for the institute.

NIST Stakeholders FY25 Letter

March 21, 2024

We believe the critical role NIST plays in supporting advancements in science and technology is worth prioritizing strong investments, even in these tough budgetary times.

CNSF House Letter

March 8, 2024

NSF funding is critical to ensure our innovation ecosystem continues to lead the world in the emerging technologies that are key to our national defense.

CNSF Senate Letter

March 8, 2024

As the Subcommittee considers the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) writes to respectfully urge the Committee to appropriate at least $11.9 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Statement on the FY 2024 Minibus and National Science Foundation Appropriations

March 6, 2024

We call 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.

Coalitions Request Congressional Supplemental Funding for Key Federal Research Agencies

December 14, 2023

CNSF urges Congress to include $13 billion in a supplemental spending package to advance U.S. national security, energy security, and economic competitiveness through research and economic development activities.

National Quantum Initiative Act Reauthorization Support Letter

November 30, 2023

ESC expresses strong support for the Department of Energy provisions in the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act (H.R. 6213).

Energy Sciences Coalition Letter on Funding for Energy and Water Development Bill 2023

July 26, 2023

Letter from the Energy Sciences Coalition requesting increase in discretionary funding funding allocation for the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill that takes into account funding to support the DOE Office of Science.

The Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) urges U.S. Senate to fund National Science Foundation at highest possible amount

June 15, 2023

CNSF respectfully urges the Committee to fund the National Science Foundation at the highest possible amount building on FY23 funding levels.

Letter of Support for Dr. Monica Bertagnolli as director of the National Institutes of Health

June 12, 2023

The undersigned non-profit organizations strongly affirm our support for President Biden’s nomination of Dr. Monica Bertagnolli as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and urge her rapid confirmation.

Dr. Bertagnolli is exceptionally qualified and the ideal candidate to lead the NIH today in expanding and strengthening its role supporting research fundamental to overcoming diseases that rob the American people of hope, capacity, and time. As a leading scientist, clinical trialist, physician, and surgeon — and a patient herself — Dr. Bertagnolli genuinely understands the intricacies and personal impact of medical research.

CNSF Encourages US Senate's Continued Support of NSF

March 15, 2023

As the Subcommittee begins deliberations on the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) writes to respectfully urge the Committee to continue its support of the National Science Foundation (NSF) in FY24.

CNSF Encourages US Congress' Continued Support of NSF

March 15, 2023