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

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

Energy Sciences Coalition Letter on DOE Office of Science Appropriations in FY 2024

March 14, 2023

Energy Sciences Coalition Letter urging Congress to appropriate funding in FY 2024 for the DOE Office of Science, as authorized under section 10112 of the CHIPS and Science Act.

Task Force on American Innovation's Statement Applauding President Biden's FY24 Budget

March 10, 2023

“We are pleased to see so many increases in key investments in the innovation economy. The Task Force on American Innovation is particularly pleased to see that the Biden budget includes $8.8 billion for the DOE Office of Science; $11.3 billion for the National Science Foundation; and $1 billion for the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Energy Sciences Coalition Letter on DOE Office of Science Appropriations in FY 2025

November 7, 2023

Energy Sciences Coalition Letter urging Congress to appropriate funding in FY 2025 for the DOE Office of Science, as authorized under section 10112 of the CHIPS and Science Act.

Task Force on American Innovation-National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST)

October 2022

Letter from the TFAI urging FY 2024 funding necessary to accelerate American research and progress.

Task Force on American Innovation-National Science Foundation (NSF)

October 2022

Letter from the TFAI urging FY 2024 funding necessary to accelerate American research and progress.

Coalition for the National Science Foundation Conference Letter

October 2022

Letter requesting the National Science Foundation receive appropriations in FY 2023.

Coalition for the National Science Foundation Offices Letter

October 2022

Letter requesting the National Science Foundation receive appropriations in FY 2024.

STEM Societies' Letter in Support of Ukraine

March 15, 2022

This letter from multiple STEM societies expresses support for Ukraine and urges Congressional action on immigration rules and research programs to aid Ukrainian students and researchers and their families in fleeing the country and establishing themselves elsewhere.

MRS Statement on Conducting Research Outside of Political Conflict

March 3, 2022

The Materials Research Society is concerned about any event where our members, and the public at large, are disrupted by violence and political unrest. The Materials Research Society is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity within the Society itself, and in the scientific and engineering enterprise at-large. We believe that all scientists, and all people, should be able to live their lives and pursue their livelihood inside safe environments. Furthermore, 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.