At the Materials Research Institute (MRI), we serve as Penn State’s hub for interdisciplinary materials research, uniting faculty, students, and staff across colleges to tackle pressing scientific and societal challenges. MRI integrates world-class facilities, expert staff, and vibrant research centers to advance materials synthesis, characterization, computation, and manufacturing, enabling discoveries that transform energy, health, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. This talk will highlight how MRI fosters collaboration through open-access laboratories, convergent research initiatives, and seed grant programs, and how it connects Penn State researchers with global partners and industry leaders to accelerate innovation and broaden impact. At MRI, we are building an inclusive, future-focused community where research excellence, education, and innovation intersect, accelerating discovery, training the next generation, and amplifying Penn State’s impact worldwide.
Zoubeida Ounaies | Distinguished Professor and MRI Associate Director