The National Science Foundation selected MIT to establish and lead a new Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), according to an NSF announcement released July 30 and reported by MIT on August 12. The award is expected to provide $18 million in research funding over six years and remains pending MIT's negotiation of a formal research agreement with the NSF.

The center, directed by Associate Professor Rafael Jaramillo with Professor Caroline Ross as associate director, would involve 16 research groups from nine departments across four institutions: five MIT departments, three collaborating universities, and a teaching hospital. Its two research thrusts would address specialized materials for X-ray detectors used in medical imaging and high-temperature sulfur-based molten materials intended to improve metals and semiconductor production. Expected funding would also support a shared laboratory managed by MIT.nano.

The selection is part of a $108 million NSF investment in six research centers. Planned outreach includes public events at MIT Future Fest and a program in which undergraduates research and recount materials failures.