Just as MRS is unique in its egalitarian methodology, so too is our approach to the Materials Research Society Foundation.
In particular, and unlike many foundations, there will be no capital campaign or endowment-building to fund a single, long-term society-determined project or program. Instead, this Foundation will benefit a wide range of innovative grassroots, member-driven initiatives—from student chapter proposals, to local or regional education/outreach projects, to those with the potential to impact the materials enterprise worldwide. The Materials Research Society Foundation will leverage corporate partner, institutional, and individual support to invest in projects of importance to the materials community, as defined by the materials community. In other words, it’s Your MRS, Your Way!
MRS University Chapter Special Projects
Are you looking for an activity to generate student interest and membership in your MRS University Chapter? Do you have a cool idea for a Chapter activity, or guest speaker, but lack the funds to make it happen? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider the MRS University Chapter Special Projects program—where funding is dedicated to supporting projects proposed by our University Chapters?
Eligibility: Must be a current, active MRS University Chapter in good standing
Funding Amount: $250 - $1000 per project
Evaluation Criteria: The goal is to support as broad a variety of projects as possible. To that end, proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:
- project is a new initiative and not a continuation or expansion of a present activity
- project is clearly initiated by students and addresses a well-defined need
- measurable outcomes/deliverables are clearly stated
- timeline and plan for successful completion are clear and realistic
- funding request and proposed budget are reasonable
- deliverables potentially useful to other University Chapters or to MRS in general
Evaluation Process: Reviewed and approved by the MRS Academic Affairs Committee, University Chapters Subcommittee
Proposal Deadline: December 15 of each year
Grants Announced: By January 20 of the following year
For more information on MRS University Chapter Special Projects and/or how to submit a proposal, visit www.mrs.org/chapter-special-projects.
Grassroots, Member Proposals
The materials landscape is dotted with exciting and innovative grassroots projects, large and small, envisioned by our community and championed by our Society. As we launch the Materials Research Society Foundation, we continue the MRS tradition of funding for projects and partnerships conceived, developed, produced and implemented by our members … for our members … and for the materials community.
Do you have an idea for exposing students, teachers or life-long learners to the excitement and significance of materials in their daily lives? For bringing research out of the laboratory and to the general public? Or for finding new and creative ways to develop, support or recognize the next generation of materials scientists? Don’t just think about it….act on it. Submit your proposal for grassroots funding and help us broaden the impact of materials science worldwide.
Eligibility: Current MRS Members
Funding Amount: $1,000 to $10,000 per project
Evaluation Criteria: The goal is to support as broad a variety of projects as possible. To that end, proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:
- project supports the MRS mission
- meets a community need not met by others
- benefit to the materials community and MRS members
- clear and realistic project timeline, plan and metrics
- attractiveness to volunteer involvement
Evaluation Process: Reviewed by members of the MRS Board of Directors, which can approve funding in three broad categories:
- complete funding for a project
- seed money to support the launch of a program
- matching funds for a project.
Proposal Deadline: February 15, 2013*
Grants Announced: 2013 MRS Spring Meeting, San Francisco
*A second proposal deadline is slated for 4th quarter 2013, with grants announced at the 2013 MRS Fall Meeting, Boston