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Student Membership Programs & Opportunities

Students currently comprise more than 25% of the MRS membership worldwide. You represent the future of the Society and we encourage your involvement through programs and opportunities that include:

  • Discounted Student Membership Dues
    An MRS student membership is a great way to jump-start your materials career. We'll help you expand your knowledge and establish important professional relationships. Undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled fulltime in either coursework or research can apply for membership at a substantial savings—about 1/3 the cost of regular membership. We invite you to learn more about MRS Member Benefits or JOIN TODAY.

  • Discounted Student Registration Rates for MRS Meetings
    If you are currently a full-time undergraduate or graduate student, you can attend the MRS Spring (San Francisco) and Fall (Boston) Meetings at discounted student rates. Consisting of topical symposia, these meetings have become important, not-to-be-missed events for materials scientists and researchers around the world—a place to present your work, gain information on up-to-the minute developments in your field, and expand your professional network of contacts. Visit our Meetings page for a list of upcoming meetings and workshops.

  • University Chapters
    At present, MRS boasts more than 40 active University Chapters, each with the goal of generating student interest in materials science. While some of our Chapters are located at universities granting PhD degrees, others are based at four-year colleges with strong undergraduate research programs. If there is a Chapter at your college or university, we urge you to join it, and if there isn’t a Chapter at your location, then maybe you’re the person to get one started. Benefits are many, but don’t take our word for it. Check out the Chapter section of our website or contact some of our Chapter leadership for details.

  • Graduate Student Awards
    MRS seeks to recognize students of exceptional ability who show promise for significant future achievement in materials research. To that end, MRS Graduate Student Awards, presented at our Spring and Fall Meetings, honor and encourage graduate students whose academic achievements and current materials research display a high level of excellence and distinction. All finalists receive either Gold or Silver Awards, a complimentary meeting registration, and a one-year MRS student membership. The prizes consist of: $400 and a presentation plaque for the Gold Awards; $200 and a certificate for the Silver Awards. Visit the Graduate Student Awards section of our website for application information or for a list of past award winners.

  • Symposium Assistant Positions
    Help pay your way to an MRS Meeting! Graduate students who are interested in assisting in the symposium rooms during the MRS Spring and Fall Meetings are encouraged to apply for a Symposium Assistant position. Symposium assistants deliver essential meeting materials to the technical sessions, operate audiovisual equipment and room lighting, track and record attendance, and perform other tasks requested by the session chairs. By working a minimum of four half-day sessions, you will earn a waiver of the student meeting registration fee, a one-yea