DEI Programs and Activities

Programs

MRS UREM Student Science Writing Program

The MRS UREM (Underrepresented Racial, Ethnic, and Historically Marginalized Groups) Student Science Writing Program offers students an opportunity to work with MRS Bulletin staff to develop communication skills and write MRS news articles, blogs, social media posts, or other communications.

MRS PREM Research Scholars Summit

The PREM Research Scholars Summit offers student scholars the chance to engage with materials researchers and meet key stakeholders within the materials community. Students can take part is a variety of mentoring, leadership, and professional development sessions, and present their research contributions to the broader scientific community.

The PREM Research Scholars Summit is hosted by MRS and in collaboration with the National Science Foundation’s Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) 

Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN) Alliance

MRS is proud to collaborate with APS, ACS, AGU, and AAS to form the Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN) Alliance, which aims to increase the participation of Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups in graduate studies, including the field of materials science and engineering. 

Graduate students or postdocs from groups historically marginalized in STEM may apply for a $1,000 travel grant to attend a disciplinary society meeting.

Diversifying Materials Special Interest Groups

MRS Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are communities within the Society with a shared interest in networking, community building, and passion for advancing the materials community. SIG members cooperate to support members’ careers and stimulate improvements in the materials community by informing each other, advising the Society, and, potentially, organizing activities or programs.

Childcare Grants

The Materials Research Society has a limited number of childcare grants available for those attending the annual Meetings. Grants of up to $300 will be given to selected registered meeting attendees who are bringing young children or who incur extra expenses in leaving them at home (i.e., added hours of daycare or babysitting services). 

Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment in STEMM

MRS is a founding member of the Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment in STEMM, which is a collective of professional and academic societies committed to advancing professional and ethical conduct, climate and culture—and excellence—in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM).

Developing Country Special Rates for Memberships and Registration

To better serve students and professionals from all technical and economic sectors of the worldwide materials community, individuals working or studying in developing countries are eligible for reduced rates on electronic membership and registration rates.


Virtual Content

Browse our library of videos on YouTube at Materials Research Society and WebsEdge Science.


Webinars


Resources

MRS Volunteer Leader Resources

Inclusive leadership is leading a diverse group of people while respecting their uniqueness, embracing their differences and creating a comfortable space for all to contribute. Inclusive leaders are self-aware and take steps to mitigate biases by welcoming different perspectives to catalyze collaboration and inform decision-making. Key mindsets that enable inclusive leadership are self-awareness, curiosity, courage, vulnerability and empathy.

Unconscious Bias Resources

The best way to reduce unconscious biases is to become aware of them. Start here with resources to increase recognition and minimize our own biases

Articles

Videos

  • Inclusion Starts With I. A video discussion around the importance of a positive, inclusive work environment.
  • Matter of Fact Listening Tour:  The Truth about Bias. Conversations about the relationship of race and privilege; racial stress; the impact of bias in the images and language in our daily news and information; and the creation of stereotypes and how they influence the way we think.

Trainings and Evaluations

Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN) Library

The Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN) Alliance, aims to increase the participation of Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Minorities (UREM) in graduate studies. Check out the for tips, articles, publication, and presentation.

MRS is in collaboration with APS, ACS, AGU, AAS, CIMER, RIT (Inclusive Practices Hub), and USC (Research Hub)

MRS Bulletin: Diversity in Materials Science and Engineering Features

Recently, MRS published a series of articles on Diversity and Inclusion issues facing underrepresented minorities within the materials community.  The MRS Bulletin: Diversity in Materials Science and Engineering series is freely accessible using the links below.

Materials Researchers with Asian Heritage—A Discussion with Khánh Vũ

MRS Chief Editor for Technical Content Gopal Rao discusses some of the challenges and obstacles Asian scientists and engineers face today with Khánh Vũ, Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers CEO & Executive Director.

Diversity in Materials Science—A Discussion with Hugo Caicedo

Awards Committee Co-Chair Suveen Mathaudhu discusses some of the challenges and obstacles black scientists face in STEM with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University Fellow, Hugo Caicedo.

Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE)

CESSE has compiled Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resources, including books, podcasts, webinars, online resources, articles and consultants focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion.