Policy Issues

The Materials Research Society (MRS) is an interdisciplinary society whose members worldwide are advancing research and innovation to improve the quality of life. Building from our Core Value of being egalitarian and inclusive, MRS is dedicated to broadening participation within the Society itself, and in the scientific and engineering enterprise at-large.  We believe that it is vital to allow scientists and engineers to conduct their critical work and research outside of changing political climates, civil unrest or any other factors that may inhibit the abilities of researchers to globally collaborate and make valued contributions towards improving everyday life for the public at large.

The MRS Government Affairs Committee (GAC) contributes to the development of governmental science and technology policy to advance materials research and innovation by responding to and initiating opportunities to interact with government officials and other organizations on matters of science and technology policy. 

The current economic climate poses many challenges for the materials community, whose research priorities are critically affected by both federal and international mandates. With that in mind, the GAC seeks to provide timely information on emerging public policy issues, federal programs and other activities of importance to its members and others in the materials community.

Below are current issues and communications developed to help advance the policy goals of the materials community. Select each title below to read its description, and click Read More to view the downloadable PDF.

 

Issues

June 12, 2023

The undersigned non-profit organizations strongly affirm our support for President Biden’s nomination of Dr. Monica Bertagnolli as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and urge her rapid confirmation.

Dr. Bertagnolli is exceptionally qualified and the ideal candidate to lead the NIH today in expanding and strengthening its role supporting research fundamental to overcoming diseases that rob the American people of hope, capacity, and time. As a leading scientist, clinical trialist, physician, and surgeon — and a patient herself — Dr. Bertagnolli genuinely understands the intricacies and personal impact of medical research.

Read more

March 15, 2023

As the Subcommittee begins deliberations on the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) writes to respectfully urge the Committee to continue its support of the National Science Foundation (NSF) in FY24.

Read more

March 15, 2023

As the Subcommittee begins deliberations on the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) writes to respectfully urge the Committee to continue its support of the National Science Foundation (NSF) in FY24.

Read more

March 14, 2023

Energy Sciences Coalition Letter urging Congress to appropriate funding in FY 2024 for the DOE Office of Science, as authorized under section 10112 of the CHIPS and Science Act.

Read more

March 10, 2023

“We are pleased to see so many increases in key investments in the innovation economy. The Task Force on American Innovation is particularly pleased to see that the Biden budget includes $8.8 billion for the DOE Office of Science; $11.3 billion for the National Science Foundation; and $1 billion for the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Read more

November 7, 2023

Energy Sciences Coalition Letter urging Congress to appropriate funding in FY 2025 for the DOE Office of Science, as authorized under section 10112 of the CHIPS and Science Act.

Read more

October 2022

Letter from the TFAI urging FY 2024 funding necessary to accelerate American research and progress.

Read more

October 2022

Letter from the TFAI urging FY 2024 funding necessary to accelerate American research and progress.

Read more

October 2022

Letter requesting the National Science Foundation receive appropriations in FY 2023.

Read more

October 2022

Letter requesting the National Science Foundation receive appropriations in FY 2024.

Read more

March 15, 2022

This letter from multiple STEM societies expresses support for Ukraine and urges Congressional action on immigration rules and research programs to aid Ukrainian students and researchers and their families in fleeing the country and establishing themselves elsewhere.

Read more

August 2021

Letter to the Office of Science and Technology Policy requesting P-2 Priority designation visas for volunteers and members of global professional societies to facilitate their evacuation from Afghanistan.

Read more

July 2021

Coalition for National Security Research letter shares recommendations for the Defense Science and Technology program

Read more

July 2021

ESC letter requesting the nominee confirmations for the DOE Under Secretary for Science and Director of the Office of Science

Read more

June 2021

Letter requesting appropriations for the National Science Foundation in FY 2022

Read more

June 2021

FY 2022 recommendations from CNSR on funding levels for the Defense Science and Technology program

Read more

April 2021

Letter to the U.S. Senate requesting the National Science Foundation receive appropriations in FY 2022

Read more

April 2021

Letter requesting FY 2022 funding allocation for the Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee

Read more

April 2021

Letter requesting the National Science Foundation receive appropriations in FY 2022

Read more

April 2021

Letter from the Energy Sciences Coalition requesting funding allocation for the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill that takes into account funding to support the DOE Office of Science.

Read more