An international professional organization, The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS) serves students, professionals, and academics throughout the entire fields of materials science and engineering. Divisions of the organization cover electronic, magnetic, and photonic materials; extraction and processing; light metals; processing and manufacturing; and structural materials. In addition offering publications, forums, and events, TMS promotes technology transfer, accreditation of educational programs, professionalism and ethical conduct.
Founded in 1973, the Materials Research Society boasts a large, globe- and discipline-spanning membership. The MRS facilitates information exchange and support for those in a variety of scientific fields that produce, study, or are affected by materials. The society holds two major annual meetings, publishes the MRS Bulletin and Journal of Materials Research, offers tutorials at symposia, and encourages technical interaction among academic and industry professionals.
The Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents manufacturers of plastics, and promotes how plastics benefit society at large. The Plastics Division focuses on plastic's role in areas such as sustainability, recycling, energy, safety, food service, chemical safety, regulation, BPA, nanotechnology, electronics, public health, manufacturing, and building.
The Aluminum Association, based in Arlington, VA, promotes aluminum as the most sustainable and recyclable material for industries including packaging, construction, and transportation. It represents suppliers, manufacturers, and recyclers in the United States and abroad, and assists the aluminum industry in meeting is economic, social and environmental goals.
Despite its name, the American Ceramic Society is an international society with members from over 70 countries. The sociey's mission is “to advance the study, understanding, and use of ceramics and related materials, for the benefit of our members and society.” ACerS publishes books and journals, and hosts conferences, technical meetings, classes, and forums that help connect ceramics specialists, foster the exchange of information, and advance the field.
ASM is dedicated to advancing the applications of metals and materials. Their web site headlines the top materials stories in industry.
The mission of The Electrochemical Society is to advance theory and practice at the forefront of electrochemical and solid state science and technology, and allied subjects.
Each of the professional materials-oriented societies sponsor awards to recognize outstanding scholarship and undergraduate research. All students enrolled in the MSE program are encouraged to select a faculty advisor who, in their junior and senior years, will guide them towards nomination for these awards.
