The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at Michigan State University provides a focal point for long-range university-based research on materials and devices that have high potential for application in automotive sensing systems. The MRSEC contains two strongly focused interdisciplinary research groups. The group investigating chemically tailored materials for automobile control and diagnostics integrates efforts in chemistry, physics and engineering to develop chemically tailored materials that can provide engineers with new devices and techniques for the development of improved automobiles. The research targets specific sensing applications related to engine performance, which is largely determined by the fuel composition entering the engine and its turbulent mixing in the cylinder. A newly developed technique, LIPA (laser induced photochemical anemometry) is used to provide real-time maps of cylinder gas flows in test chambers or actual engines. The group investigating materials used for physical sensing in automobiles concentrates their studies on materials that are rugged, perform well in extremely variable and harsh conditions, and can be manufactured reliably and efficiently. The MRSEC supports a variety of shared facilities including a lithographic facility, space and services in a chemistry laser laboratory, space in the engine research and turbulent mixing laboratories, and the engineering research laboratories for film growth and fabrication. There is active industrial collaboration with Ford and General Motors. Educational plans for the MRSEC involve K-12 students in urban and rural schools, science and engineering undergraduates on campus, and interdisciplinary research participation by advanced degree candidates. The center currently supports 13 senior investigators, 2 postdocto ral research associates, 2 technical staff members, 12 graduate students, and 4 undergraduates. The MRSEC is directed by Professor Brage Golding.