COVID-19 Impacts on Energy and Sustainability Aspects of Materials Supply Chains

This interactive event will address how the pandemic has impacted sustainability aspects of material supply chains, including energy, environmental, and human health impacts of products such as personal protective equipment and batteries. Discussion to include such topics as:

· How has the pandemic impacted energy and sustainability aspects of material supply chains, including PPE, batteries, and commodities?

· What opportunities are there for materials innovation to drive sustainable solutions in the midst of a pandemic?

· What role do factors such as government policies, market factors, and customer priorities play?

· What long-lasting sustainability-related supply chain impacts (positive and negative) might we expect?

This program is organized by MRS’ Focus on Sustainability Subcommittee, The MRS Energy & Sustainability journal, and the F2020/S2020 Meeting Symposium GI01.

Funding provided by the National Science Foundation.

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Sponsored by Goodfellow

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Award Winner Lightning Talks - 2020 MRS Spring Meeting

A single celebratory session for award talks featuring MRS Award recipients. Each recipient will present an 8-minute talk, presenting well-formed ideas on their respective research. Award recipients will also serve as panelists, following the aired presentations, to answer various questions from the audience.

Innovation in Materials Characterization Award
(Learn more about this word and view past winners) 

  • In-situ/operando soft x-ray spectroscopy for electronic structure view of interfacial phenomena
    Jinghua Guo, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    Talk begins at 5:00

    Abstract:
     The energy materials and devices have been largely limited in a framework of thermodynamic and kinetic concepts or atomic and nanoscale. Soft x-ray spectroscopy characterization offers unique characterization in many important energy materials of energy conversion, energy storage and catalysis in regards to the functionality, chemistry and interactions among constituents within. It is challenging to reveal the real mechanism of the chemical processes. In-situ/operando x-ray spectra characterization technique offers an opportunity to uncover the phase conversion, chemical speciation at the solid/gas and solid/liquid interfaces in real time. The presentation will give basics of the in situ/operando soft x-ray spectroscopy characterization of interfacial phenomena in energy materials and devices, and how to use the powerful in-situ/operando characterization techniques to investigate the real electrochemical, catalytic and chemical reactions during the operation.

Mid-Career Researcher Award
MRS acknowledges the generosity of MilliporeSigma for endowing this award.
(Learn more about this word and view past winners)

  • Probing and Pushing the Limit of Emerging Electronic Materials through Van der Waals Integration
    Xiangfeng Duan, University of California, Los Angeles
    Talk begins at 14:12

    Abstract: The heterogeneous integration of dissimilar materials is a long pursuit of material science community and has defined the material foundation for modern electronics and optoelectronics. The typical material integration approaches usually involve strong chemical bonds and aggressive synthetic conditions, and are often limited to materials with strict structure match and processing compatibility. Here I will discuss the exploration of van der Waals force for bond-free integration of highly disparate materials beyond the limits of lattice or processing compatibility requirements, thus producing versatile artificial heterostructures with atomically clean and electronically sharp interfaces that are essential for probing and pushing the limit of the emerging electronic materials.

Outstanding Early Career Investigator
(Learn more about this word and view past winners)

  • Polymer mixed conductors for bioelectronics
    Jonathan Rivnay, Northwestern University
    Talk begins at 23:55

    Abstract:
     Conjugated polymers are a versatile class of electronic materials that have touched numerous fields of application owing to their synthetic tunability, processability, and performance. Dominated by weak intermolecular interactions, molecular design and processing play an outsized role in dictating molecular order and morphology, and therefore transport properties. When combined with ionic or ion-solvating moieties, conjugated polymers act as mixed ionic/electronic conductors, allowing for an exciting class of iontronic devices that can seamlessly sense or stimulate biological tissues and cells. To understand critical processes and properties of these soft mixed conductors, their structural and compositional state must be studied during operation, which has been a challenge in the field. Such studies promise to guide materials design, enable high performance devices with unique form factors, and open up new opportunities in bioelectronic diagnosis and therapy.

MRS Postdoctoral Award
MRS acknowledges the Jiang Family Foundation and MTI Corporation for their generous contribution to support this award.
(Learn more about this word and view past winners)

  • Emerging Cellulose Science and Engineering for Energy, Water and Sustainability
    Tian Li, Purdue University
    Talk begins at 32:49

    Abstract:
     Transitioning into a sustainable future requires the identification of sustainable and functional materials with high performance. As the main component of wood, cellulose is the most abundant polymer on earth with many economic and environmental benefits. Cellulose provides a unique hierarchical framework and can be fibrillated into building blocks of different dimensions, which enables advanced optical, thermal, fluidic and mechanical properties that far beyond its traditional use. In this talk, Li will discuss her research on the emerging process-structure-property relationships of cellulose and its development as a sustainable technological material towards addressing global challenges in energy, water and sustainability. The design and engineering principles will be emphasized, and the abundant research opportunities as well as future development trends will be identified.
      
  • Understanding electrochemical interfaces by soft materials design and operando functional imaging
    Xianwen Mao, Cornell University
    Talk begins at 41:57

    Abstract:
     Electrochemical interfaces have continued to play critical roles in modern technologies that promise to tackle some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges such as energy crisis and water scarcity. In this talk, I will discuss my research efforts on developing a deeper understanding of nanoscale electrochemical interfaces by molecular engineering of soft materials and nanoscopic operando functional imaging. I will focus on how to control technologically important adsorptive and catalytic processes at such interfaces for energy and environmental applications.

E-MRS EU-40 Materials Prize
The European Materials Research Society award is reserved for researchers showing exceptional promise as leaders in materials science, having performed the research for which this prize is awarded while working in Europe.

MRS and E-MRS have agreed to highlight achievements of the EU-40 Materials Prize recipient and the MRS Mid-Career Researcher recipient at each respective Society Meeting. MRS would like to thank E-MRS for this important transatlantic exchange.

  • Dynamic plasmonic systems with controlled motion on the nanoscale
    Laura Na Liu, University of Stuttgart
    Talk begins at 50:51

    Abstract: A fundamental design rule that nature has developed for biological machines is the intimate correlation between motion and function. One class of biological machines is molecular motors in living cells, which directly convert chemical energy into mechanical work. They coexist in living cells, but differ in their types of motion. Such natural structures offer inspiration and blueprints for constructing DNA-assembled artificial systems with controlled motion on the nanoscale. In this talk, I will present two artificial analogs of molecular linear and rotary motors with tailored optical functionalities built using DNA origami. I will also highlight the ongoing research directions and conclude that DNA origami has a bright future ahead.

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Virtual Networking for Nerds: How to Network and Find Collaborators from Afar

Networking is the most honorable and valuable endeavor in which you can engage, because it is built on a spirit of generosity. At its core, networking is all about crafting win-win alliances where both parties provide value. You may think that “networking” can only take place in person, but this is a myth! In fact, most networking takes place from afar, and in some cases, the individuals may never even meet in person. In this webinar, we will discuss strategies and tactics for finding new collaborators and building mutually-beneficial partnerships with professionals across the globe (and perhaps on some exoplanets too!). We will utilize various methods to find and reach out to people, and start and nurture those critical conversations which can birth amazing collabs! Let’s network!


Industrial Research & Development in 2020 - an MRS Communications 10th Anniversary Event Featuring David Morse of Corning, Inc.

For nearly 170 years, Corning Incorporated – a leading innovator in materials science – has applied its deep expertise in glass and ceramic sciences and in optical physics to develop innovative products that transform industries and enhance people’s lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in research and development, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and close collaboration with leading, global customers to solve tough materials technology challenges.

In this talk, invited guest speaker, Dr. David Morse will speak on the state of industrial R&D at Corning in 2020 and share some of the exciting new materials and process innovations that are enabling the company’s newest technologies – from air filtration technologies for pollution abatement to ubiquitous displays protected by new strengthened glass compositions; from pharmaceutical glass packaging that enhances the storage and delivery of drugs to glass and ceramic continuous flow reactors that enable inherently safer, efficient chemical manufacturing.

Following his talk, a panel of Corning researchers will discuss the current state of materials research in industry.

This event is presented in conjunction with the MRS Communications 10th Anniversary celebration.

Talk Presentation:

  • Industrial R&D at Corning in 2020
    David Morse, Corning Incorporated
    Talk begins at 5:56


Processing Metallic Materials Far from Equilibrium

The field of solidification has evolved from a metallurgical alchemy to a predictive science in the past century. Rapid advances in modeling efforts and real-time experiments have yielded a wealth of new and quantitative information across relevant length- and timescales, therefore expanding our understanding of the liquid-to-solid phase transition. The articles in the November, 2020 issue of MRS Bulletin highlight recent developments in the field, including solidification at extreme rates, as well as state-of-the-art computational and experimental techniques.

This webinar will present two talks with authors from the MRS Bulletin issue. An interactive Q&A will be held with each of the speakers following their talks.

Talk Presentations:

  • Solute Trapping in Rapid Solidification
    Nikolas Provatas, McGill University
    (Q&A with) Tatu Pinomaa, TT Technical Research Centre of Finland
    Talk begins at 12:01
       
  • Imaging Transient Solidification Behavior
    Amy Clarke, Colorado School of Mines
    Talk begins at 49:02

Sponsored by American Elements

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Congressional Fellowship Information Session

MRS offers an exciting opportunity for scientists to learn about the field of science policy and contribute their scientific expertise to the policymaking process by spending one year as a Special Legislative Assistant in the U.S. Congress in Washington, DC. Come learn about the MRS/OSA Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship, get tips on applying, and hear from current and former Fellows about their experiences as scientists in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Talk Presentations:

  • MRS Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship Program
    Ashley White, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    Talk begins at 3:07
       
  • 2020-2021 MRS/OSA Congressional Fellowship
    Catherine Clark, Office of Senator Dick Durbin
    Talk begins at 27:49
       
  • 2020-2021 MRS/TMS Congressional Fellowship
    Megan Malara, Office of Senator Sherrod Brown
    Talk begins at 33:36
       
  • 2015-2015 MRS/OSA Congressional Fellowship
    Jimmy O'Dea, Union of Concerned Scientists
    Talk begins at 39:17
       
  • 2000-2001 MRS/OSA Congressional Fellowship
    Susan Hamm, US Department of Energy
    Talk begins at 42:19
       

Research Funding Opportunities - Department of Energy Office of Science and Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)

The Research Funding Opportunities sessions provide interaction between government agency presenters and MRS Membership. Invited talks will be followed by roundtable Q&A sessions with the individual program managers.

Department of Energy - Office of Science:
The presentation will provide an overview of the fundamental materials research activities, including national user facilities for materials sciences research, that are supported by DOE’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Research opportunities identified by recent workshops, including quantum materials and microelectronics will be discussed. The application process and opportunities for white papers will be overviewed, as well as the online resources for principal investigators.
Talk begins at 7:23

Department of Energy - ARPA-E:
ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy) is a U.S. Department of Energy agency that focuses on high risk, high reward research in the energy sector, as defined by our mission, which is to enhance the economic and energy security of the United States through the development of energy technologies. In addition, ensuring that the United States maintain a technological lead in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies is also a stated goal of ARPA-E. Here, an overview of the agency will be given, with a discussion of how we develop programs, what makes a project “ARPA-E” hard, and potential areas for future engagement.
Talk begins at 48:25


Research Funding Opportunities - National Science Foundation Division of Materials Research

This session describes the funding opportunities available from the National Science Foundation Division of Materials Research.

Talk Presentation:

  • NSF Funding Opportunities & User Facilities in Materials Research
    Linda S. Sapochak, National Science Foundation
    Talk begins at 6:36
       

Research Funding Opportunities - Department of Defense (DOD) and The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (SSTR) programs

This session describes current and future funding opportunities within the Department of Defense’s Office of Basic Research and The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (SSTR) programs.

Talk Presentations:

  • National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering SBIR/STTR Initiatives
    Ilana Goldberg, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering
    Talk begins at 7:38
       
  • Department of Defense Basic Research Office Priorities
    Bindu Nair, Office of the Secretary of Defense
    Talk begins at 32:07

Engineered Proteins as Multifunctional Materials

Living organisms have engineered remarkable protein-based materials through billions of years of evolution. These multifunctional materials have unparalleled mechanical, optical, and electronic properties that have served as inspiration for scientists to study and mimic. The December, 2020 issue of MRS Bulletin covers the mechanical and rheological properties of structural protein materials and nanocomposites; advancements in the synthesis and assembly of optical, electronic, and nanoscale protein materials; and recent developments in the processing of protein materials using liquid-liquid phase separation and 3D printing.

This webinar will present three talks with authors from the MRS Bulletin issue. An interactive Q&A will be held with each of the speakers following their talks.

Talk Presentations:

  • Proteins for Bio-Inspired Optical and Electronic Materials
    Sarah Glaven, Naval Research Lab
    Talk begins at 6:22
       
  • Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of Protein and Peptides Derived from Biological Materials: Discovery, Protein Engineering, and Emerging Applications
    Ali Miserez, Nanyang Technological University
    Talk begins at 31:58
      
  • Engineered Proteins and Three-Dimensional Printing of Living Materials
    Anne Meyer, University of Rochester
    Talk begins at 1:00:41
       

Sponsored by American Elements and Anton Paar USA

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Anton Paar USA logo, clicking this takes you to the Anton Paar USA website