内容简介：
【简介】 The Materials Research Institute (MRI) is an administrative unit that coordinates, supports and performs materials research in association with more than 200 faculty in 15 different departments and 4 colleges. The MRI is established under the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School to promote integration of research, teaching and outreach in materials research, science and engineering with a University-wide, interdisciplinary perspective.
Materials research is linked to virtually every field of science and engineering. The discovery and development of new materials enables advances in emerging technologies such as wireless and optical communications, fuel cells, molecular electronics and artificial organs. Materials research can also contribute to lowering the cost and enhancing the performance of more established manufacturing technologies for consumer electronics and automobiles. Most of Penn State's research activities in materials science and engineering can be grouped into the following areas of strength:
electronic and photonic materials biomedical materials and devices materials processing and manufacturing nanoscale science and nanofabrication materials simulation and modeling structural materials and composites materials characterization and surface science
The MRI administers, supports and/or markets various kinds of materials research, science and engineering activities at Penn State. In general, these fall into three broad categories:
1. Research Centers: comprised of interdisciplinary teams of faculty and staff focused on specific research topics with a common source of industry and/or government funding. 2. Facilities: large scale analytical, computing or processing facilities with permanent staff present to service the needs of users. 3. Academic Departments: disciplinary science and engineering departments with faculty who perform materials research.
