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Mission

Advancing Materials Research for a Better Future

Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) support multidisciplinary materials research and education of the highest quality while addressing fundamental problems in science and engineering that are important to society. MRSECs require outstanding research quality, intellectual and disciplinary breadth, flexibility in responding to new research opportunities, support for research infrastructure, and the integration of research and education. MRSECs assess fundamental materials research topics of intellectual and technological importance, contribute to national priorities by fostering active collaboration between academia and other sectors, and enable researchers to address problems of a scope and complexity requiring the advantages of scale and interdisciplinarity provided by a campus-based research center.

Discover

Explore the World of Materials Research

The MRSEC program is dedicated to advancing materials research through innovative programs and collaborations. Join us in shaping the future of science and technology.

Research

MRSECs lead cutting-edge research in materials science, pushing the boundaries of innovation. Our interdisciplinary teams explore new materials and phenomena to address global challenges in technology, energy, and sustainability.
Education

Our education initiatives foster the next generation of scientists and engineers. Through hands-on learning, outreach programs, and academic partnerships, we empower students at all levels to excel in materials science and related fields.
Industry

We bridge the gap between academia and industry by collaborating with leading companies to translate our research into real-world applications. Our industry partnerships drive innovation and contribute to economic growth through the development of new materials and technologies.
Collaboration

MRSECs foster collaboration between academia and industry, enabling interdisciplinary teams to address complex materials challenges. They strengthen knowledge transfer, build partnerships across institutions and sectors, and encourage international cooperation to advance materials research and education.

News

Jan 12, 2026

UTK-MRSEC’s PI Elected as a New SHUG Executive Committee Member

Yishu Wang has been elected as one of three new general members to the SNS-HFIR User Group (SHUG) Executive Committee (EC) starting January 1, 2026. SHUG consists of all persons interested in using the neutron scattering facilities at Oak Ridge. It provides input to the management on user concerns, provides a forum for keeping the entire community informed of issues and progress at these facilities, and serves as an advocacy group for neutron scattering science at these facilities.

Dec 15, 2025

Top 10 Breakthrough List Features Illinois MRSEC Researcher's Work

Professor and Racheff Faculty Scholar Pinshane Huang of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering and MRSEC IRG1 Leader has been recognized by Physics World as being responsible for one of the Top 10 Breakthroughs of the Year for 2025.

Oct 29, 2025

Pushing the Limits of Ionic Control of Materials: University of Minnesota’s MRSEC Makes Breakthroughs in Electrolyte Gating

By MRSEC Web Team

Electrolyte gating uses ions to reversibly modify La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ, changing oxygen content and electrical, magnetic, and optical properties at 1–2 V. The team achieved ~100-cycle endurance with humidity control and 4 nm films switching in ~0.7 s. Prospects include tunable optics/photonics; future work targets diffusion and surface chemistry; collaborations.

Oct 27, 2025

Delaware MRSEC Offers High Schoolers a STEM-Filled Summer

By Divya Abhat, MRSEC Web Team

Last summer, 12 high school students were challenged to identify a mystery polymer. As part of a summer internship—now in its second year—they visited the chemical giant Chemours where they gained access to high-tech lab equipment rarely open to the public and were provided with relevant clues and tests to help solve the puzzle. It’s as hands on as it gets and gave this young group valuable exposure to the world of STEM.

Mar 5, 2025

Unlocking the Potential of Bottlebrush Polymers: A New Frontier in Self-Assembly

By Divya Abhat

In the world of materials science, researchers are constantly seeking new ways to create more efficient, durable, and adaptable materials. One promising avenue is the study of bottlebrush block polymers, a unique class of macromolecules that self-assemble into intricate nanostructures. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have been at the forefront of this research, uncovering new possibilities for these polymers and their applications.

From Research Highlights