The Northwestern University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (NU-MRSEC) advances world-class materials research, education, and outreach through active interdisciplinary collaborations. The Center partners with academic institutions, industries, national laboratories, and museums both domestically and internationally, fostering innovation at the frontiers of materials research.

NU-MRSEC operates with a synergistic structure comprising interdisciplinary research groups (IRGs), a robust Seed funding program, and advanced shared facilities. These initiatives aim to accelerate the discovery, dissemination, and commercialization of novel materials while addressing critical challenges in technology and science.

Education and outreach are integral to the Center’s mission. NU-MRSEC engages K-12 students, undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs through programs that inspire and train the next generation of scientists and engineers. Public engagement is further enriched by partnerships with institutions such as Argonne National Laboratory, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Field Museum of Natural History.

In all its efforts, the Center prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to reflect society’s richness within the materials science community. Through its impactful research, innovative educational approaches, and broad outreach, NU-MRSEC serves as a cornerstone of materials science leadership and collaboration.