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

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.

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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.

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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.

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October 2022

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

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October 2022

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

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October 2022

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

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October 2022

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

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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.

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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.

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August 2021

Letter to the Office of Science and Technology Policy requesting P-2 Priority designation visas for volunteers and members of global professional societies to facilitate their evacuation from Afghanistan.

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July 2021

Coalition for National Security Research letter shares recommendations for the Defense Science and Technology program

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July 2021

ESC letter requesting the nominee confirmations for the DOE Under Secretary for Science and Director of the Office of Science

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June 2021

Letter requesting appropriations for the National Science Foundation in FY 2022

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June 2021

FY 2022 recommendations from CNSR on funding levels for the Defense Science and Technology program

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April 2021

Letter to the U.S. Senate requesting the National Science Foundation receive appropriations in FY 2022

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April 2021

Letter requesting FY 2022 funding allocation for the Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee

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April 2021

Letter requesting the National Science Foundation receive appropriations in FY 2022

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April 2021

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

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February 2021

Energy Sciences Coalition Letter urging Congress to appropriate funding for the DOE Office of Science

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January 2021

As Congress develops legislation to implement the \"American Rescue Plan,\" the CNSF encourages relief for the National Science Foundation be included

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