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

December 2020

The Coalition for National Security Research requests funding for the Defense Science and Technology Programs

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December 2020

Letter congratulating Congresswoman DeLauro on her election as the next Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee.

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December 2020

Letter to Congressional leadership urging swift action to complete work on the FY 2021 appropriations bills.

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Update:  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.

September 2020

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.

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August 2020

Letter from CNSR to the U.S. Committee on Armed Services commending its leadership in moving the FY 2021 NDAA through chambers.

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August 2020

Letter to MRS President from U.S. Dept of Homeland Security regarding modifications to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

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June 2020

Letter from MRS President to President Trump on ICE Announcement Regarding International Students

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June 2020

Letter from MRS President to President Trump – Rescind Proclamation Number 152 Suspending Entry of Aliens (visas)

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May 2020

Letter from MRS President to the Department of State—Exception to Action that Suspends Review of Routine Visa Applications

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December 2019

Letter urging Congress to complete final negotiations and move the bill expeditiously towards enactment.

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August 2019

Energy Sciences Coalition statement in support of ARPA-E Reauthorization Act of 2019

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July 2019

Statement from Energy Sciences Coalition to Congress encouraging investment in the DOE Office of Science’s research infrastructure.

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July 2019

S. Lane Genatowski confirmed to lead the DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy program

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June 2019

Thank you for supporting the Defense S&T program in FY2020 DOD Appropriations

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June 2019

Letter from TFAI to Congressional Leadership encouraging passage of a bipartisan budget agreement to raise FY20 and FY21 defense and non-defense spending caps.

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May 2019

Congratulations to Chris Fall on his confirmation by the US Senate to lead the US DOE Office of Science.

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April 2019

National Academy of Sciences Survey – Recommendations for the materials research community.

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April 2019

Coalition recommends Congress increase funding for NIST’s Scientific and Technical Research and Services (STRS) programs and construction accounts.

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March 19, 2019

In order to remain globally competitive, America needs investment in scientific enterprise and discovery. Over the past hundred years, investments in research and development have spurred scientific advancement, created economic prosperity, unlocked discoveries that improved the health and security of our citizens. Unfortunately, the Administration’s proposed budget for the Fiscal Year 2020 calls for deep cuts to agencies and research institutions that are dedicated to these outcomes. These deleterious cuts to the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy (including its advanced energy programs), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology endanger our nation’s global leadership role. We strongly urge Congress to reject these proposed cuts, fully fund the domestic research and development portfolio, and protect the work and essential public service of our nation’s researchers.

Michael Fitzsimmons, President, Materials Research Society

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March 2019

CNSF recommends Congress reach a bipartisan agreement to raise the budget caps for non-defense discretionary spending.

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