Penn State is consistently ranked number 1 for Materials Science research expenditures and Penn State’s Materials Research Institute is the gateway to world-class materials science and engineering at the University. The Materials Research Institute includes more than 300 faculty members, 800 graduate students, and 200 post-doctoral researchers across twenty-five departments in five colleges. From traditional fields like ceramic science to newer fields like nanotechnology, our interdisciplinary researchers are helping to address the complex problems our country faces in health, the environment, energy, and national security.
The Materials Research Institute is one of seven interdisciplinary research institutes at Penn State. The vision of the institute is to apply both the depth and breadth of collective expertise to engage in research without boundaries, and thereby, to create a new generation of highly qualified graduates who can both communicate and innovate in a converging technological world.
Materials Day is an annual event that brings together industry and University researchers around a central materials science theme. The event typically includes workshops, poster displays, industry-university breakout sessions, and a keynote address.
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Penn State is an international leader in materials education, both undergraduate and graduate, and research. As a top-ranked program, the department thrives on a rich collaboration between faculty, staff, and students to promote a well-rounded academic experience and innovative research opportunities.
Focus on Materials magazine is a printed publication from the Materials Research Institute. The bulletin highlights exciting research happening at the institute. You can sign up to receive your free printed copy or check out past issues online below.
Penn State Behrend’s plastics manufacturing laboratory is often hailed as the most advanced and well-equipped of its kind in the country. Nearly all major product manufacturing methods are represented in the lab, which was designed to provide practical, hands-on experience.
Penn State Behrend offers one of only four accredited Plastics Engineering Technology programs in the country and is uniquely positioned to offer plastics training for industry. The Plastics Training Academy at Penn State Behrend, which has offered programs for nearly thirty years, is highly regarded by plastics experts. Its short-term, hands-on injection molding training is recognized globally.