The MRSEC program currently supports three Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs). NU-MRSEC understands, creates, and develops materials with new properties by combining different organic and inorganic materials into nanoscale hybrids where charge and energy transfer might be controlled independently (IRG 1), by combining different elements to create oxide materials that are both transparent and conducting (IRG 2), and by controlling the size and shape of nanoparticles with precision to engineer interactions with light (IRG 3). Applications of such materials would include new information processing capabilities, high performance electronic devices that are both flexible and transparent and new sensing technologies.

In addition to the IRGs, seed groups are supported by the MRSEC. Seed groups focus their research on new and emerging areas of interest, allowing the center to respond positively to current scientific developments.

Principal investigators (PIs) for IRGs and seed groups are selected for their expertise by internal and external review and form interdisciplinary teams with a balance of theoretical and experimental scientific and engineering strengths. Center researchers also share interests in materials synthesis and characterization techniques. Joint postdoctoral and graduate student assignments between PIs in the same research group as well as between different research groups enhance synergism and reduce cost. Researchers are also actively involved in knowledge transfer and outreach programs. They hold workshops with their industrial partners, act as mentors for students in center educational programs, and contribute their expertise to the development of new programs.

For more information on individual IRGs and Seed Research Projects, please use the links to the right. You can also view examples of Research Highlights which feature recent research accomplishments.