Focus on Sustainability

Focus on Sustainability (FoS) is an MRS initiative led by the Focus on Sustainability Subcommittee and designed to raise the awareness of the nexus between materials, materials research, and sustainable practice. Meeting the challenges of sustainable development requires an integrated approach that places materials science in the context of societal, environmental, and economic drivers. MRS is helping its members discover the valued role of sustainable materials practices to a sustainable world. The Society also seeks to develop members' technical expertise and understanding of the complex interrelationships between materials science and other disciplines.

We are living in a critical point of history, and I believe it is crucial to focus on sustainability to be part of the solution and not the problem, to help build stronger communities that are conscious of the impacts we have on the environment, and to be aware of how our actions can have a significant effect on the planet and others.

Carolina Duque Sierra

ASML

Learn More about MRS and Sustainability

George Crabtree's Legacy

George Crabtree, widely recognized and admired as a brilliant, passionate materials scientist and champion of superconducting materials and better batteries, passed away on January 23, 2023, at the age of 78. He was a renowned materials scientist and director of the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR) at Argonne National Laboratory. He had many connections with the Materials Research Society (MRS) and was a critical player in developing its increasingly important role in energy materials through his position on the editorial board of the MRS Energy & Sustainability journal and as an active advisor for MRS Bulletin. The 2023 MRS Fall Meeting's Sustainability by 2050 Panel features a tribute to George's legacy. Panelist Y. Shirley Meng joins MRS TV to discuss George's legacy and creating a sustainable future.

Awards

Two MRS awards recognize members for their work in developing sustainable energy solutions and advancing materials science and technology through education, communication and engagement. The MRS Nelson "Buck" Robinson Science and Technology Award for Renewable Energy recognizes the development of novel sustainable solutions for the realization of renewable sources of energy. The MRS Impact Award honors outstanding individuals who have displayed excellence in areas of science communication, education, advancing diversity, mentoring, or community engagement.

Moderated Panel Discussions

The “Materials Needs for Energy Sustainability by 2050 Panel” Sessions are a hallmark initiative of the FoS subcommittee.

At each Spring and Fall MRS Meeting, the subcommittee organizes the panel-style event that convenes top experts to discuss scientific, technological and sociological complexities relating to energy, the environment and sustainability.

Since 2016, the MRS Materials Needs for Energy Sustainability by 2050 Panel has brought together thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, and practitioners from diverse sectors across the globe who are working towards sustainable solutions in materials science. The intent of the panel is to help advance sustainability goals and create partnerships at the local, national, and global levels in order to build an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future by 2050.

The topic for this panel changes for each MRS Meeting and focuses on the “big picture” of materials use.

Past topics have included:

AI-assisted Materials Development for a Sustainable Future
Materials Needs for Energy Sustainability—Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Are We Really at Risk of Running Out of Critical Materials?
Enabling a Circular Polymer Bioeconomy
Is Hydrogen the Fuel of the Future?

Publications

Learn more about MRS's publications that focus on sustainability issues, including the textbook, Fundamentals of Materials for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, MRS Energy & Sustainability, special issues of MRS Bulletin, and the Energy Quarterly section of MRS Bulletin.

Social Media

Make professional contacts via the MRS LinkedIn subgroup, Materials for Energy and Sustainable Development, which addresses materials research challenges to meet global energy and environmental needs for sustainable development.

Symposia

Sustainability—The MRS Spring and Fall Meetings typically include a cluster symposia focused on topics related to sustainability and energy. Learn more about the sustainability-related symposia by viewing calls for papers, programs and abstracts, proceedings and virtual presentations from these sessions.

Energy—The MRS Spring and Fall Meetings typically include a cluster symposia focused on topics related to sustainability and energy. Learn more about the energy-related symposia by viewing calls for papers, programs and abstracts, proceedings and virtual presentations from these sessions.