DEI Programs and Activities
MRS UREM Student Science Writing Program
The MRS UREM (Underrepresented Racial, Ethnic, and Historically Marginalized Groups) Student Science Writing Program offers students an opportunity to work with MRS Bulletin staff to develop communication skills and write MRS news articles, blogs, social media posts, or other communications.
MRS PREM Research Scholars Summit
The PREM Research Scholars Summit offers student scholars the chance to engage with materials researchers and meet key stakeholders within the materials community. Students can take part is a variety of mentoring, leadership, and professional development sessions, and present their research contributions to the broader scientific community.
The PREM Research Scholars Summit is hosted by MRS and in collaboration with the National Science Foundation’s Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM)
Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN) Alliance
MRS is proud to collaborate with APS, ACS, AGU, and AAS to form the Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN) Alliance, which aims to increase the participation of Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups in graduate studies, including the field of materials science and engineering.
Graduate students or postdocs from groups historically marginalized in STEM may apply for a $1,000 travel grant to attend a disciplinary society meeting.
Diversifying Materials Special Interest Groups
MRS Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are communities within the Society with a shared interest in networking, community building, and passion for advancing the materials community. SIG members cooperate to support members’ careers and stimulate improvements in the materials community by informing each other, advising the Society, and, potentially, organizing activities or programs.
Childcare Grants
The Materials Research Society has a limited number of childcare grants available for those attending the annual Meetings. Grants of up to $300 will be given to selected registered meeting attendees who are bringing young children or who incur extra expenses in leaving them at home (i.e., added hours of daycare or babysitting services).
Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment in STEMM
MRS is a founding member of the Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment in STEMM, which is a collective of professional and academic societies committed to advancing professional and ethical conduct, climate and culture—and excellence—in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM).
Developing Countries Engagement - Special Rates
To better serve students and professionals from all technical and economic sectors of the worldwide materials community, individuals working or studying in developing countries are eligible for reduced rates on electronic membership, registration rates and webinar/virtual workshop fees.
Browse our library of videos on YouTube at Materials Research Society and WebsEdge Science.
MRS Volunteer Leader Resources
Inclusive leadership is leading a diverse group of people while respecting their uniqueness, embracing their differences and creating a comfortable space for all to contribute. Inclusive leaders are self-aware and take steps to mitigate biases by welcoming different perspectives to catalyze collaboration and inform decision-making. Key mindsets that enable inclusive leadership are self-awareness, curiosity, courage, vulnerability and empathy.
Unconscious Bias Resources
The best way to reduce unconscious biases is to become aware of them. Start here with resources to increase recognition and minimize our own biases
Articles
- The Role of Diversity in STEM Innovation
- How to Combat Unconscious Bias Infographic
- Guide to Allyship. An open source starter guide to help you become a more thoughtful and effective ally.
- Overcoming Unconscious Bias. Profiles in Diversity Journal article about creating an inclusive workplace environment.
- Allyship: The Key to Unlocking the Power of Diversity. Forbes article about the unique and challenging journey to becoming and remaining an ally.
Videos
- Inclusion Starts With I. A video discussion around the importance of a positive, inclusive work environment.
- Matter of Fact Listening Tour: The Truth about Bias. Conversations about the relationship of race and privilege; racial stress; the impact of bias in the images and language in our daily news and information; and the creation of stereotypes and how they influence the way we think.
Trainings and Evaluations
- AIChE Train the Trainer (Unconscious Bias)
- Implicit Association Test. Measure the attitudes and beliefs that you may be willing or unable to recognize with the Implicit Association Test.
Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN) Library
The Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN) Alliance, aims to increase the participation of Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Minorities (UREM) in graduate studies. Check out the for tips, articles, publication, and presentation.
MRS is in collaboration with APS, ACS, AGU, AAS, CIMER, RIT (Inclusive Practices Hub), and USC (Research Hub)
MRS Bulletin: Diversity in Materials Science and Engineering Features
Recently, MRS published a series of articles on Diversity and Inclusion issues facing underrepresented minorities within the materials community. The MRS Bulletin: Diversity in Materials Science and Engineering series is freely accessible using the links below.
- Latino engineering faculty in the United States
- Queer identities in materials science and engineering
- Representation of Native Americans in US science and engineering faculty
- Strengthening diversity and cooperation through international collaborations: A focus on Africa, South America, and the Caribbean
- Academic pipeline for scientists with disabilities
- Professional societies and African American engineering leaders: Paving pathways and empowering legacies
- Progress in the engineering profession: A Canadian perspective
Materials Researchers with Asian Heritage—A Discussion with Khánh Vũ
MRS Chief Editor for Technical Content Gopal Rao discusses some of the challenges and obstacles Asian scientists and engineers face today with Khánh Vũ, Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers CEO & Executive Director.
Diversity in Materials Science—A Discussion with Hugo Caicedo
Awards Committee Co-Chair Suveen Mathaudhu discusses some of the challenges and obstacles black scientists face in STEM with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University Fellow, Hugo Caicedo.
- Video Interview (YouTube)
- Surfacing Anti-Black Science and Building Antiracist Teams
Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE)
CESSE has compiled Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resources, including books, podcasts, webinars, online resources, articles and consultants focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion.
EngageMRS
Whether targeting a broad audience of researchers or focusing on specific subject areas, there are great opportunities for your organization to engage with material science researchers throughout the year.