Advances in materials have provided the foundation needed to develop technologies that address sustainability goals such as reduced carbon footprint as a strategy to mitigate climate change. However, the implementation of these technologies and utilization of these materials often result in undesirable impacts on humanity, society, and the planet. The challenges and often unintended undesirable consequences of materials selection and processing choices are extremely complex and require a broad range of approaches to resolve. We refer to this need to make such choices in an informed and intentional manner as ‘sustainable development of materials’. This concept is the focus of the April 2023 theme issue of MRS Bulletin. This issue of MRS Bulletin is a call to action for next generation materials selection and process design to be viewed through the lens of sustainability.

The talks in this webinar will complement the articles in the April 2023 issue of MRS Bulletin, reflecting the challenges of researching, educating, and implementing systems thinking for sustainable development of materials.

Focus on Sustainability (FoS) is an MRS initiative led by the Focus on Sustainability Subcommittee and designed to raise the awareness of the nexus between materials, materials research, and sustainable practice. Meeting the challenges of sustainable development requires an integrated approach that places materials science in the context of societal, environmental, and economic drivers. MRS is helping its members discover the valued role of sustainable materials practices to a sustainable world. The Society also seeks to develop members' technical expertise and understanding of the complex interrelationships between materials science and other disciplines.