20
Active Awards
200+
Current Students
1,300
Alumnae/i
Building Capability in Materials Research
Engaging Talent
Fostering Growth
Impacting our World Through Materials Science
-
San Diego Convention Center. Image credit: Sebastian Wallroth TMS 2026 Annual Meeting & Exhibition
Learn moreThe TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition brings together more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, business leaders, and other professionals in the minerals, metals, and materials fields for a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary exchange of technical knowledge.
-
Image courtesy of APS Global Physics Summit APS Global Physics Summit
Learn MoreThe APS Global Physics Summit is the largest physics research conference in the world, uniting 14,000 scientific community members across all disciplines of physics. This meeting reflects the inclusivity and synergy of many physics disciplines and emerging cross-disciplinary areas of science, which perfectly reflects this year's theme of Science for a Shared Future.
-
Image courtesy of Materials Research Society 2026 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit
Learn MoreThe 2026 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit, April 26–May 1 in Honolulu, will bring together researchers from academia, industry, and government for a week of collaboration and scientific exchange—highlighting breakthroughs in sustainability, energy, and more.
UPR and PENN celebrate their 20th PREM Joint Annual Meeting
On December 12, 2025, the UPR-PENN PREM celebrated its 20th Joint Annual Meeting. Since its start in 2004, the program has brought together faculty, students, and members of the External Advisory Board every fall in Puerto Rico to share research and education achievements and plan future initiatives.
Homegrown Energy
Robyn Ross
Anyone who relies on battery-powered electronics has experienced the inconvenience and frustration of drained batteries. But to hold charges longer, batteries generally need to be larger and heavier—forcing manufacturers to choose between prioritizing battery life and offering the lightest, sleekest product. Texas State University graduate Chris Reyes and his company, Material are working to eliminate that tough choice. At its headquarters at TXST’s STAR Park technology incubator, the startup is developing a new type of long-lasting, rechargeable, 3D printed batteries.
New Water Sensor Detects Toxic Iron Pollution with Extreme Sensitivity
PREM Web Team
A team of researchers from the U.S. and India has developed a powerful new sensor that can identify dangerous levels of iron in water faster, cheaper, and with far greater accuracy than existing methods. The project was led by Fei Yan, professor at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Yan is also part of the NSF PREM for Hybrid Nanoscale Systems.
Texas State University Student Wins Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship
By Lane G Fortenberry, Texas State University
A Texas State University undergraduate student has been awarded a Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the nation’s most prestigious awards for future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.
CAMPS 2025: A Student-Driven Showcase of Innovation, Community, and Future Leadership in Materials Science
PREM Web Team
In May, close to 100 students from 26 institutions across the United States came together in San Marcos, Texas for the CAMPS 2025 conference. More than just a scientific meeting, CAMPS—short for Conference Across MRSEC and PREM Schools—has carved out a unique identify as a conference organized by students, for students.
Lights, Camera, Energy!
By Divya Abhat
Each year, nearly 8,000 school-age kids watch PREM researchers at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) deliver awe-inspiring performances: a race between two people to lift a one-ton weight, gummy bears that burst loudly into flames, giant pendulums or wrecking balls swinging dangerously close to the face, and dance—so much dance.
PREM Program Celebrates 20th Anniversary
By Divya Abhat
2024 marked the 20th anniversary of NSF’s PREM program. The PREM community celebrated this milestone at the NSF PREM Research Scholars Summit, held at the recent Materials Research Society meeting in Boston, Massachusetts.
