The mission of the Northwestern University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (NU-MRSEC) is to advance world-class materials research, education, and outreach via active interdisciplinary collaborations within the Center and with external partners in academia, industry, national laboratories, and museums, both domestically and abroad. This mission will be realized by two synergistic interdisciplinary research groups (IRGs), an active Seed funding program, and commercialization, shared facilities, education, and outreach programs that widely disseminate NU-MRSEC research advances to the scientific community, marketplace, society and students at all levels in a manner that promotes cultural, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The intellectual merit of the Northwestern University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (NU-MRSEC) primarily resides within its two Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs):
IRG-1: Bioprogrammable Materials via Cell-Free Synthetic Biology
IRG-2: Orchestrated Iontronics via Dynamic Hybrid Ionic/Electronic Conductors.
Seed funding is provided to support innovative, high-risk projects that extend beyond the present scope of the IRGs and to ensure the continual evolution of NU-MRSEC research portfolio.
The Center seeks to expand interest in science and engineering by implementing innovative outreach infrastructure and programs designed to inform the public about current research trends and inspire talented and diverse students as future scientists.
The Center provides the physical and intellectual infrastructure to nucleate domestic and international collaborative opportunities in materials research, in addition to transitioning its diverse research portfolio into new commercial opportunities.
