Interdisciplinary Research

The MRSEC has two collaborative Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs). We have also developed strong connections among Center researchers that reach across the IRG boundaries, which draws on complementary strengths that pair theory with experiment or new perspectives from the collective of our broad expertise. The current IRGs are:

IRG I: Programmable Multiscale and Multi-Material Control of Functional Matter

This IRG is aimed at fundamental advances in materials synthesis, modeling, and 3D printing that enable the creation of functional soft materials that augment human performance. New classes of soft materials that sense, actuate, and communicate are being developed for use in wearables, haptic interfaces, and artificial muscles to enhance Future Work at the Human-Technology Frontier.

IRG II: Non-Equilibrium Phenomena in Mechanically Soft Systems

This IRG is pursuing new insights into the behavior of mechanically soft systems that are subjected to perturbations far from equilibrium. By combining data-rich experiments, theory, and artificial intelligence, the research will contribute greatly to Harnessing the Data Revolution by expanding its application to soft materials.

Seed Projects

The MRSEC uses seed support to fund emerging areas, such as developing new materials that can lead to high impact, transformational research, allowing rapid response to evolving ideas and that will move the Center in new directions. Seed funds are also used to support junior faculty to help integrate them into our research community that is highly collaborative and multidisciplinary.