Research on materials flourishes throughout MIT, cutting across various fields and departments. Recent advancements feature methods for obtaining sustainable sources of nickel — essential for clean-energy innovations (Department of Materials Science and Engineering); the identification of surprising magnetism in atomically thin quantum substances (Department of Physics); and the creation of adhesive layers that minimize scarring around medical implants (departments of Mechanical Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering).

MRL, a center that connects and supports the Institute’s materials research community, is pivotal to these initiatives. “MRL represents a hub for the entire materials research community at MIT,” remarks C. Cem Tasan, the POSCO Associate Professor of Metallurgy in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, who assumed the role of MRL director in April. “Our aim is to facilitate our faculty in conducting their remarkable research.”

A distinguished legacy

Founded in 2017, the MRL unites over 30 researchers and builds on a legacy of 48 years of innovation. It was created through the amalgamation of the MIT Materials Processing Center (MPC) and the Center for Materials Science and Engineering (CMSE), two entities that contributed to establishing MIT’s global leadership in materials science.

Over time, studies supported by MPC and CMSE have resulted in transformative technologies and successful spinout enterprises. Noteworthy instances consist of amsc, founded on breakthroughs in superconductivity; OmniGuide, which pioneered cutting-edge optical fiber technologies; and QD Vision, a leader in quantum dot technology acquired by Samsung in 2016. Another significant milestone was the invention of the first germanium laser that operates at room temperature — a groundbreaking advancement now utilized in optical communications.

Facilitating research through collaboration and support

MRL is initiating targeted programs to link MIT researchers with industry collaborators on specific technical issues. Each initiative will be overseen by a junior faculty member collaborating closely with MRL to pinpoint a problem that matches their research proficiency and aligns with industry requirements.

Through multi-year partnerships with participating firms, faculty can investigate early-stage solutions alongside postdocs or graduate students. These programs aim to be flexible and interdisciplinary, with the potential to evolve into substantial, long-term research endeavors.

Behind-the-curtain support, impactful outcomes

MRL supplies essential infrastructure that allows faculty to concentrate on discovery rather than logistics. “MRL operates quietly in the background, effectively addressing any challenges a principal investigator encounters regarding the administration of materials research with efficiency, organization, and minimal effort,” says Tasan.

This subtle but impactful support encompasses various areas:

• The finance team oversees grants and assists in securing new funding opportunities.
• The human resources team aids in the recruitment of postdocs.
• The communications team enhances the lab’s influence through engaging stories shared with the public and funding entities.
• The events team organizes and coordinates conferences, seminars, and symposia that encourage collaboration within the MIT community and with external collaborators.

Together, these roles ensure that research at MRL operates smoothly and effectively — from initial concept to enduring innovation.

Leadership with foresight

Tasan, who also directs a research group focused on metallurgy, states he accepted the directorship because “I relish new challenges.” He also perceived the position as a chance to contribute more broadly to MIT.

“I envision MRL playing a more significant role in advancing materials research throughout the Institute, and I’m enthusiastic about facilitating that progress,” he states.